Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

I've been meaning to read this for some time and after seeing that the sequel is about to be published I got stuck in.

The introduction sets out ... (show more)

I've been meaning to read this for some time and after seeing that the sequel is about to be published I got stuck in.

The introduction sets out the topics that will be covered in more detail throughout the rest of the book and certainly whets the appetite. The collaboration between Levitt (academic economist) and Dubner (journalist) make for a well written and easily accessible introduction to some more unusual economics. My own narrow perception of economics previously was that related to finance where this book shows how broad the science of economics actually it.

The book balances research based evidence and anecdotal stories to make this an interesting read that doesn't become dry or boring. I enjoyed some of the insights and particularly the commentary on correlations and their misuse. Levitt and Dubnar shatter some misconceptions and demonstrate why things are so in an entertaining way.

I thought it was all a little too short but I note that they brought out an updated version in 2007 (336 pages) whereas I have the original 2005 edition with only 242 pages. Now they have also brought out the sequel "Superfreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance" I'm looking forward to reading more about the contemporary economics Levitt and Dubnar. (show less)