Lorenzo Walker Tech HS & Institute of Tech

Friday, November 02, 2007

Off the Shelf 0708-11

Freakonomics
By Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
CD Audiobook read by Stephen J. Dubner
© 2006

Subtitled, A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, this might entice you to read a book about economics - then again....maybe not! Economics is not normally thought of as a best-selling novel topic, but Freakonomics takes the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services (Wikipedia) to another level. In fact, you really owe yourself a favor by reading this book - really! The premise of the book is to explain phenomena by seeing it from another perspective - by asking the right questions and drawing the right connections. For example, they share their perspective of the reduced crime rate not by increased police protection, but by legalized abortion two decades earlier. As one might expect, they often draw controversy with their alien concepts, but seeing their connections invites good thinking!

So, who knew writers could untangle statistics in such a way as to make for an enjoyable read - made even better when listened to on this audiobook? Their story is fascinating and will have you wanting to know more! Fortunately, they continue their writing and exploration of unusual analysis through their blog posts at the New York Times edition of Freakonomics.

My recommendation: 5 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist

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2 Comments:

  • I listened to this audiobook quite a while ago, when it first came out - and I absolutely agree with your evaluation. I was never a fan of economics (HATED the class in high school), but I found this book to be interesting, intriguing, insightful, and funny. Thanks for the heads up about the NYT site... had no idea that was there. Will be checking it out, and adding it to my RSS reader.

    Freakonomics is an economics book for people who think they hate economics!

    By Blogger Jeanette Johnson, at 11/02/2007 10:38 PM  

  • wow... i would love to read this :]
    lol
    random comment :]

    By Blogger Andres, at 2/11/2008 4:57 PM  

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