Superfreakonomics Part Dos

Superfreakonomics continues to be super, Levitt and Dubner writing continue to dazzle, and I continue to read. I'm not quite finished yet, but it's mostly because I haven't had the time. With mid-winter break coming, I'll be sure to read more and maybe finish off a couple of books!

I really like these types of books--the ones that make you really think and see the inner workings of the world and the people that occupy it. Although this book has a more money, incentive perspective, it does reveal a lot about human nature. One chapter that directly related to this was Chapter 3: Unbelievable Stories About Apathy and Altruism which delves into the issue of people in pop culture and in reality and how they really connect.

I know I shouldn't really be thinking about this now, but the next book I want to read is of the same genre entitled Talent is Overrated by Geoff Calvin which was actually mentioned in this book how talent really doesn't matter when you're after something you really want to accomplish something. A segment of this book was supposed to be in this book but due to the amount of books addressing the topic, it wasn't included.

Overall, I'm really enjoying this book and I highly recommend it. No, it's not a story with an actual plot, but it is really captivating and it's not too difficult of a concept once you're into it.

Superfreaknomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

The time has come to admit that in our first book, we lied. Twice.
The first lie appeared in our introduction, where we wrote that the book had no "unifying theme."...But in truth, the book did have a unifying theme, even if it wasn't obvious at the time, even to us. If pressed, you could boil it down to four words: People respond to incentives. If you wanted to get more expansive, you might say this: People respond to incentives, although not necessarily in ways that are predictable or manifest. Therefore, one of the most powerful laws in the universe is the law of unintended consequences.

SUPERFREAKONOMICS (XIII-XIV)

That's how Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner begin "the explosive follow-up to Freakonomics" (which I also blogged about way back in October). After hours spent reading their book I was under the impression that it was a collection of random facts...and now they're telling me that they were lying? Yes, they are, and I am alright with that.

Superfreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance really is super so far. By tackling the questions and supporting the seemingly freaky raw data, Levitt and Dubner prove themselves to be the dynamic duo. Through their humor, personal anecdotes, and odd revelations through economics, they capture and push to read on.

The book is split into various chapters that question what most people dare not ask (or even think of): How is a street prostitute like a department-store Santa? and Why should suicide bombers buy life insurance? being just two of the mind-boggling and ultimately informative sections in this book.

What I like most about this book is that it's not only facts. It's not only economics. It's not only stories. It's not only the writing. It's all of it put together. This book has it all. The stories put the raw facts on a personal level while the facts put stories to bear more meaning. The writing keeps you hanging and the economic aspect...well, it makes you feel smart.

I highly recommend this book based on my freaky economic experience and the fact that I am enjoying this already. Packed with statistics and anecdotes written in a way that won't get you bored, this book is a good read. It's also not difficult and is relatively short. I have to get back to my reading now!