Title: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything Author: Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner type of book: Non-Fiction call number: 330/Lev

This book is strong in language.

Summary:
The authors dissect "everything from the organizational structure of drug-dealing gangs to baby-naming patterns." Some of it evokes chuckles, but a lot of Levitt's theories deal with serious issues, like his controversial link between the legalization of abortion and a reduced crime rate two decades later. The glue that holds it all together is a belief that complex situations can be understood if we find the right perspective, and he absolutely shows how it can be relevant to our daily lives.

I would recommend this book!

Why?
I can't honestly say I have ever read another nonfiction book on economics, but I was intrigued by the rave reviews. Levitt is considered the most brilliant young economist alive and he proudly calls himself a nerd . . . but journalist Dubner makes Levitt's points clear and understandable -- and often humorous -- to the rest of us. This was my "book of the year" for reading parts aloud to anyone who would listen!

Other suggested reading:
This book is often compared to Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, another popular economics book for the masses. Gladwell himself is quoted as calling Levitt "the most interesting mind in America."

Employee Initials: SB Review Date: May 2006

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