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What Members Thought
aside from contradicting itself (e.g., a bad economy doesn't reduce crime, but aborting fetuses that would have been born into poverty does), mixing unproved assumptions in with evidence (e.g., tries to prove things about crack dealers with studies on young black men), and the author citing himself... well, even without all that, this book still sucked. their point was to use economic theory on "important" questions. aside from the above, i could argue the questions themselves are usually flawed
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Fun! I don’t know how accurate it is and I don’t really care; I consume nonfiction books like I might a roll of LifeSavers—it’s all shiny colorful candy FUN, with lots of diverting, interesting information arriving to sit on my palate for a while, before it dissolves and it’s done. But why not enjoy it while it lasts?
I was a little distracted, however, by Stephen J. Dubner’s giant mancrush on Steven D. Levitt. Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell could take a break from their current projects and do ...more
I was a little distracted, however, by Stephen J. Dubner’s giant mancrush on Steven D. Levitt. Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell could take a break from their current projects and do ...more
I expected a lot more. Did not live up to the hype. Too much oversimplification, and too much black/white speculation.
This book was really fascinating. I don't know much about economics, but I guess the guy who wrote this book is not a traditional economist. I wanted to read this one because so many other people on Goodreads had read it or wanted to read it. Then I found a copy at the Social Service League thrift store and bought it for probably about a quarter.
Things I learned:
The legalization of abortion led to a decrease in crime.
Kids are more likely to die in a friend's swimming pool than by playing with a ...more
Things I learned:
The legalization of abortion led to a decrease in crime.
Kids are more likely to die in a friend's swimming pool than by playing with a ...more
Very compelling reading.
I know this book sounds terribly boring...I mean economics is by far the worst subject anyone could EVER choose to read a book about. But this is fantastic! It has some very interesting theories on the 1990s drop in crime and the dishonest habits of teachers and sumo wrestlers! It also has some very interesting theories on naming a child...and come very interesting names that parents have chosen over the years. For example...who names their child OrangeJello?!
I had hoped for more stunning examples of how economics can explain how and why some things are the way they are.
Still, interesting and quick read.
Still, interesting and quick read.
I finally read it. Memorable.
Sep 19, 2007
Evan
marked it as to-read
Jan 25, 2008
Philip
marked it as to-read
Mar 19, 2008
Lisa Vegan
marked it as to-read
Dec 13, 2008
Maggie
marked it as to-read
