Clutch

Clutch

By Paul Sullivan

Book Review

  • Reviewer information:

  • Review:

    "I've never been much of a fan of how-to-succeed books of any sort, whether they're about "how to make friends and influence people" or how to run a successful business. The focus always seemed too narrow, and the prescriptions always seemed to be of the flavor-of-the-moment, pop psychology variety. But in Clutch, Paul Sullivan manages to clearly explain a phenomenon that all of us face at one time or another in our lives: Why do some people withstand extraordinary pressure to consistently overcome difficulties and turn in great performances, and why do some people consistently fail? What I like best about the book, apart from its easy-to-read and engaging conversational style, is that it presents case studies from a variety of professions, which broadens its appeal to a larger body of readers.



  • He doesn't just talk about Wall Street bankers who are "clutch" under pressure: he writes revealing portraits of well-known sports heroes and their personal vulnerabilities; about a war hero who overcame dangerous, fast-changing circumstances to save his platoon;

    about a high-end real estate agent who discovered the virtues of thrift after the 2008 crash and saved his business; and my favorite example, that of a talented actor who shared very personal insights into how he shuts everything out to focus on being "present" on stage in a tension-filled scene, to very dramatic effect. Sullivan tops it off by giving readers some very practical advice on how to become "clutch" in our everyday lives--on everything from one's golf swing to one's financial planning. This is a great read."