Julien C. (jaimelesmaths) reviewed Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised Edition) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
Roe v. Wade is partially responsible for the drop in crime in the 1990s. Having books in your house correlates positively to increased test scores for your children, but whether or not you read to them doesn't. Do these statements sound crazy? Well, they're both at least partially true, according to analyses presented in Freakonomics. The story I found the most interesting was how one of the authors caught which teachers were cheating on standardized tests in Chicago. Least interesting was the analysis of baby names (distinguishing between "high-end" and "low-end" names for boys and girls).
My only real complaint is that the book was too short! This revised edition does include some responses and further anecdotes collected from the Freakonomics blog, which beefs it up a bit, but I still wanted more. Additionally, I would have liked to see more actual economics content (i.e. a bit of mathematical explanation to enhance their arguments). For example, in the example of real estate agents trying to close a deal (not necessarily to their client's benefit), the concepts of a discount rate and/or opportunity costs would have enhanced the discussion greatly. Overall, definitely worth a read, and great for cocktail conversation.
My only real complaint is that the book was too short! This revised edition does include some responses and further anecdotes collected from the Freakonomics blog, which beefs it up a bit, but I still wanted more. Additionally, I would have liked to see more actual economics content (i.e. a bit of mathematical explanation to enhance their arguments). For example, in the example of real estate agents trying to close a deal (not necessarily to their client's benefit), the concepts of a discount rate and/or opportunity costs would have enhanced the discussion greatly. Overall, definitely worth a read, and great for cocktail conversation.
Denise A. reviewed Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised Edition) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Jaw-dropping insight into the drop in crime in the '90s. The authors have taken a LOT of heat for their crime-drop theory. I absolutely LOVED this book!
Julie B. reviewed Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised Edition) on + 65 more book reviews
An excellent if somewhat disjointed book that will leave you wondering what questions Levitt will answer next.
Trisha T. (waterlily) reviewed Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised Edition) on + 5 more book reviews
I had several people recommend this book. I found it very difficult to read. I got the point very quickly and the lengthy explanations of scenarios seemed to drag on. The concepts are interesting and worthy but I found myself wanting to ask questions and debate some of the theories with the author rather than being intrigued about what he would come up with next.
Stef S. (bookgoddessme) reviewed Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised Edition) on + 106 more book reviews
Entertaining and informational. Really makes me look at data analysis with a new outlook. They have a lot of potential in this series. I wish this book had been able to cover more... Recommend.
Jennifer D. (Jennmarie68) reviewed Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised Edition) on + 217 more book reviews
Okay when I first read this book a few years ago I had no idea what I was getting ready to read. After reading the book (granted it has been some time) I can at least remember a few ideas of the book.
It didn't take me long to read this, and I actually lent it to a few friends before the dreaded due date (1 star for a quick read). I was surprised at how quick of a read it was. I also remember being surprised that I actually sat through a book that wasn't fiction or a biography/auto-biography,...more Okay when I first read this book a few years ago I had no idea what I was getting ready to read. After reading the book (granted it has been some time) I can at least remember a few ideas of the book.
It didn't take me long to read this, and I actually lent it to a few friends before the dreaded due date (1 star for a quick read). I was surprised at how quick of a read it was. I also remember being surprised that I actually sat through a book that wasn't fiction or a biography/auto-biography, and I wasn't disgusted by the end of it (1 star for being decent).
Sadly however I do not remember a whole lot about the book, other than a few antics and the fact that economic theories can be pertinent to every day life (Subtract 1 star for lack of being memorable). I do remember, however, that I liked the book enough to recommend it to someone else, and that I did enjoy it while I was reading it. (2 stars, just because I don't normally out and out recommend a book to someone who hasn't asked for a recommendation).
If I've recommended it in the past I guess I'd have to recommend it again.
It didn't take me long to read this, and I actually lent it to a few friends before the dreaded due date (1 star for a quick read). I was surprised at how quick of a read it was. I also remember being surprised that I actually sat through a book that wasn't fiction or a biography/auto-biography,...more Okay when I first read this book a few years ago I had no idea what I was getting ready to read. After reading the book (granted it has been some time) I can at least remember a few ideas of the book.
It didn't take me long to read this, and I actually lent it to a few friends before the dreaded due date (1 star for a quick read). I was surprised at how quick of a read it was. I also remember being surprised that I actually sat through a book that wasn't fiction or a biography/auto-biography, and I wasn't disgusted by the end of it (1 star for being decent).
Sadly however I do not remember a whole lot about the book, other than a few antics and the fact that economic theories can be pertinent to every day life (Subtract 1 star for lack of being memorable). I do remember, however, that I liked the book enough to recommend it to someone else, and that I did enjoy it while I was reading it. (2 stars, just because I don't normally out and out recommend a book to someone who hasn't asked for a recommendation).
If I've recommended it in the past I guess I'd have to recommend it again.
Teresa C. reviewed Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised Edition) on + 4 more book reviews
this is an incredible book, there are a couple of pages where words were highlighted. other wise great condition
John O. (buzzby) -
I think the authors are in love with their own brilliance.
Kelly N. -
Great, informative book.
Ann C. (craftymt) reviewed Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised Edition) on + 48 more book reviews
VERY interesting....
