2005
rating: good
plot: A non fiction book that takes the concepts of economics out of the classroom and applies them to real-world scenarios.
I don't usually go for non fiction books (I consider them elitist). But everyone was talking about this one (albeit two years ago) and I'm always interested in anything that has a Chicago perspective (Levitt is a economist at the University of Chicago).
The book is basically a collection of essays; economics articles by Levitt reworked for the layman by Dubner. They address questions like, Why do teachers cheat on standardized tests? and Do sumo wrestlers ever fix their matches? and Why do drug dealers live with their moms? They also manage to break down the complex issues of parenting into cost/benefit analyses. The essays are entertaining and they actually get you to think twice about statistics.
I took an economics class in college. One time a fellow student asked to borrow my notes for a class she missed and I was forced to reveal that my notebook was mainly doodles that terminated in long lines off the page (which tends to happen when you fall asleep while holding your pencil). But trust me, no knowledge of economics is required for this book whatsoever. However, I will say that the books leans towards the Democratic reader. Some readers will not be entertained to read about inner-city drug dealers portrayed sympathetically or to look at abortion issues from a purely social perspective. I, for one, was highly amused to read about these things, I'm just saying not everyone would be.
Anyway, I guess you could also just go to their Freakonomics blog and get the same idea.
2 comments:
I think this is the best book because it is not about fairies or princesses like most of your books.
It has been a month since your last book review. I would like more insight into fairies and princesses. Thank you.
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