Freakonomics Part 2

Two hundred seven pages later, and Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt (an economist) and Stephen J. Dubner (a writer) has not disappointed. Throughout the book, the two authors touched on topics and attempted to ask questions that never seemed to be on anyone's mind before. Yet, these are interesting, freaky and by the end of the explanation, thought-provoking questions that would keep anyone entertained. Levitt and Dubner question the motives of seemingly innocent--or not so innocent--civilians in our society. Teachers, sumo-wrestlers, drug dealers, day-care centers, real-estate agents. These are just some of the groups of people mentioned in this economic-based, yet fun read. As I said in the last post, there is a hidden side to everything. Freakonomics unveils the stunning facts behind a thick curtain of ignorance and narrow-mindedness. Some people wouldn't normally dare to read a book about economics, but this is not an ordinary economics book (not that I have ever read one). By demonstrating the relationship between economics and real-life examples (albeit, a little odd), Levitt and Dubner can pretty much capture the attention of just about anyone. Another plus of this book is the humorous anecdotes and witty one-liners included. After reading this thouroughly enjoyable book, maybe I'll read Super Freakonomics also by Levitt and Dubner. One thing is for sure, this is one read I won't forget easily.

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Not everything is as it seems. Freakonomics teaches this from the get-go by revealing what would otherwise be a plain green apple to be an orange inside. The mission of Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner is simple: to reveal the root of economics. Economics excluding the boring numbers and graphs. Levitt and Dubner explore the hidden side of everything, and they promise that this book "will literally redefine the way we view the modern world".

By asking the questions that no one else would think of and that no one would think to apply to economics, Levitt and Dubner have kept me entertained. The stories are funny and I have actually been learning a lot through this book. There are six parts and each poses a freaky question (What Do Schoolteachers and Sumo Wrestlers in Common?; How is the Ku Klux Klan Like a Group of Real-Estate Agents?; Why Do Drug Dealers Still Live with Their Moms?). So far, the book hasn't lost a beat. I have thouroughly enjoyed the comical qualities of the writers as well as their keen ability to stick a little learning in there. The blurb has left a lot to look for and so far, it has satisfied. The blurb says,

"...despite a surfeit of obfuscation, complication, and downright deceit, [the modern world] is not impenetrable, is not unknowable, and--if the right questions are asked--is even more intriguing than we think."