FREAKONOMICS
May 10th, 2007
Written By: Adam Sussman
I could hardly put the book Freakonomics down once I started reading it. Over the past few years I have been finding a lot of enjoyment while reading social science books that explore & challenge contemporary norms.
In this book we are shown some hidden motivations with real-estate agents. We are shown how crafty analysis can catch teachers who manipulate standardized testing to prop-up their class’s grades. We get to delve deep into the world of drug dealing gangs and learn why most drug dealers still live with their moms.
We hear a provocative case made for the social impacts on abortion and how it affects society’s crime rates. A case is made how the change in abortion laws 20 years ago with Row v. Wade has dramatically changed current criminal activity.
Most timely for me, a few chapters on what makes a good parent and an analysis on what things matter when you’re a parent verse being obsessive compulsive about raising the perfect child.
When I completed reading this book I headed on over to the Freakonomics Blog where in short quick form the authors of this book run with a variety of other topics.
From a marketing standpoint I really like how they have incorporated their Blog around promoting the book. The sales pitch is not in-your-face or obnoxious and I would think any loyal readers of theirs would be interested in buying the book. The authors have gone out of their way to write so much content that as a reader you can get a good feeling for what’s expected when you buy the book.
May 15th, 2007 09:17
I enjoyed Freakonomics though the subject matter was a bit elementary, catering towards the Oprah crowd more than academia. Much like Malcolm Gladwell does in examining network theory in The Tipping Point…
May 21st, 2007 11:54
This book is so silly, its just manipulating statistics. The studies he cites are silly, and don’t eliminate lurking variables, therefore, they become worthless.
May 21st, 2007 16:17
Speaking of Malcolm Gladwell, I found his books impossible to read, but I’ve seen him in person, and he’s great to see live.
I suppose it’s the anecdotal nature of much of what he says.
Or maybe it’s just the hair.