Freakonomics [Revised and Expanded]: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Freakonomics [Revised and Expanded]: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
Book Review: Interesting but /and Light
Summary: 4 Stars
Calling this a book on economics hasn't scared people away - with the book #3 on the Amazon.com listings and #5 here on .ca, people are clearly buying into the author's quirky insights into the world around us.Freakonomics is an interesting collection of observations, never conceding to any agenda whatsoever. It's entertaining, but never really takes you anywhere. Personally, I would have hoped that it would at least attempt to spur interest in economics and econometric methods, but in the end it reads more like an episode of Seinfeld - a book about, well, nothing.
It's an easy read, achievable on a single rainy day, and certainly not challenging for the average reader with no economics background. But I would encourage folks who do pick it up to consider the usefulness of the correlation/causality distinction and the methods of analysis beyond the description here. Not many of you will pick up an economics or statistics text because of this, but maybe if there were more books like this which make it interesting and applicable in our daily lives, we would all have a better understanding and appreciation for our strange little world at large.
Book Review: Mostly A Disappointment
Summary: 2 Stars
I was disappointed in this book. I bought it after reading a very positive review in the Wall Street Journal. I am always interested in anything that explains how things really work as opposed to the conventional wisdom put forth on most topics that is usually nothing more than some pundit's ill-thought out opinion. For anyone with a strong background in analyzing data either in manufacturing, R&D, accounting, etc., and who has had their share of surprises over many years when the `obvious' answer turned out to be dead wrong, this book will not be much of a revelation. The profanity, although modest in quantity, and presented as quotes, was unnecessary in a work with nominal scholarly aspirations. Unless you are very young or have no background in solving problems by generating and using data, this book is likely not worth your time or money.Book Review: New Twist to Economics
Summary: 4 Stars
Just from the title alone, you can imagine that this book is unlike any other economic book; and you wouldn't be too far from the truth.
Freakonomics is a book that will make you begin to question your own "knowledge" on subjects and begin to look deeper for new angles, instead of what merely lies on the surface and seems most feasible.
This book covers several topics (mainly crime stats and causes of reduction and how one's "background" may influence your children's outcome)that are easily understandable by just about anyone, in it's wording.
Some...from all walk's of life...may find this book slightly controversial. I am one that had to sit back and take in the data he compiled about the increase of abortions being a big factor in the reduction of crime rates, with an open mind. I am here now, writing to you after reading all of that, and taking it in (and being a pro-lifer) and saying, "Wow. It makes so much sense!"
This book, I would recommend to anyone. It is definately a book that anyone wishing to open their mind to the workings of the world should read.
Book Review: Freakie World out there!
Summary: 3 Stars
I enjoyed this book. Levitt andd Dubner gives things a "twist". It is intersting and makes you think. I laughed alot. It was however, too short, not nearly long enough. Some of the language in one of the stories were not really appropiate for children or in my opinion even younger teens. For that reason I gave it a 3 star instead of higher. I have found myself using the stories in normal conversation with friends on several occasions. It is worth your time to read it. Book Review: Something for everyone
Summary: 4 Stars
This book has something for everyone. It is a quick and easy read with information that you can use. My favorite chapters were the ones on parenting and baby names. If you are expecting a baby, these chapters would be good to read. It is interesting to see how names rotate in popularity and how they can represent economic class.