Saturday, February 14, 2009
Freakonomics
12:30 AM
I finished reading Freakonomics yesterday and I really enjoyed it. It is the type of book that I could read through in one or two sittings if I didn't have any kids. The author has a great way of looking at mountains of numbers that would intimidate even Rain Man and pulling out useful and interesting information. No punches are pulled and all the data is laid out for anyone to see.
On the surface one of the chapters suggests that abortion in the U.S. may be responsible for the reduction of violent crime during the 1990's. This statement could probably be described as offensive, funny, ironic, or preposterous depending on whom you asked but rather than propose that abortion may be more effective in fighting crime than gun by backs and innovative policing strategies the author shows there is a direct correlation. He doesn't provide opinion on this hot topic or try to sway your thinking. He just provides the facts. The rest of the book is just as eye opening, informative, and maybe even more entertaining.
In the closing of the book he suggests that you may actually have more questions than answers after reading Freakonomics. I know I do but this book shows that it is ok to ask what at first glance seems like an obnoxious question as long as there is solid logic behind it. The stupid question really is the one you don't ask. There is a new revised version available and I will probably read this version in the future. I will add it to my Amazon store in case you are interested in picking it up. There is probably a copy in your local library. I highly recommend this book.
I am putting the wraps on 3 other books right now so you will see quite a bit of progress on my 2009 book list. I tend to read about 4 books at a time so my list will sit stale for a while and then explode with check marks. Keep checking back and feel free to make suggestions.
On the surface one of the chapters suggests that abortion in the U.S. may be responsible for the reduction of violent crime during the 1990's. This statement could probably be described as offensive, funny, ironic, or preposterous depending on whom you asked but rather than propose that abortion may be more effective in fighting crime than gun by backs and innovative policing strategies the author shows there is a direct correlation. He doesn't provide opinion on this hot topic or try to sway your thinking. He just provides the facts. The rest of the book is just as eye opening, informative, and maybe even more entertaining.
In the closing of the book he suggests that you may actually have more questions than answers after reading Freakonomics. I know I do but this book shows that it is ok to ask what at first glance seems like an obnoxious question as long as there is solid logic behind it. The stupid question really is the one you don't ask. There is a new revised version available and I will probably read this version in the future. I will add it to my Amazon store in case you are interested in picking it up. There is probably a copy in your local library. I highly recommend this book.
I am putting the wraps on 3 other books right now so you will see quite a bit of progress on my 2009 book list. I tend to read about 4 books at a time so my list will sit stale for a while and then explode with check marks. Keep checking back and feel free to make suggestions.
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