Economist Steven Levitt is a popularizer in the best sense of that term, and his reality-based view of economics encompasses both how it touches our daily lives (though we may not always see it) and how it can help bring clarity to that messy world we live in. In FREAKONOMICS, written with journalist Stephen J. Dubner, Levitt casts his professorial eye on a range of topics and behaviors, phrase questions in a way that will open up the topic. The chapter "What Do Schoolteachers and Sumo Wrestlers have In Common?" explores the issue of cheating as an incentive. He examines the economics of crime in a chapter entitled "Why Do Drug Dealers Still Live with Their Moms?" Perhaps he is most controversial when, in another chapter, he connects a drop in the crime rate with a rise in abortions. Along the way, Levitt probes and challenges and delights with facts and figures as he takes us down some less-traveled pathways. He remains, however, true to his discipline, and says his approach "employs the best analytical tools that economics can offer." Reading FREAKONOMICS is like being in the classroom of one of those teachers who really make the subject come alive. You won't get a master's degree from this book but you will have a learning experience.

RELEASE NOTES:

On your wishlist!

What a fantastic surprise, Deepswamp! I've been looking for this book for a while now, I'm really looking forward to reading it. Bookmark is beautiful. Thank you very much :)

This was a very interesting read: it's serious and light at the same time. Some of their conclusions are self-evident and some are surprising. I enjoyed reading the whole thing, but especially the chapters concerning schools and parenting.

Thanks again for sending this my way, Deepswamp. I will now reserve this book for my dad and it can continue its journey after he's done reading it.
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October 2007
Reserved for PokPok's nonfiction VBB.

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to Kernow8, who picked it out of PokPok's nonfiction VBB. Enjoy!

Arrived too long ago (sorry for not journalling sooner!)

I am really looking forward to reading this - thanks sudokugirl!