Malcolm Gladwell’s elegant and wildly popular theoriesabout modern life have turned his name into an adjective—Gladwellian! But in his new book, he seeks to undercut the cult of success, including his own, by explaining how little control we have over it.

Is the nation more likely to elect a white woman, a black man, or an ex-mayor with a mean streak? Arguing about which candidate has the best shot next November is a game even sure losers can play.

While humanity awaits the arrival of the Brangelina baby, the paparazzi scheme and scramble for a shot at the biggest score of all time.