Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Freakonomics--Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

July 7, 2010
When I pick up a book, I don't generally reach for non-fiction. However, I had been hearing about Freakonomics for quite awhile, and something about its approach was intriguing to me. I'm no economist, and I don't make it a habit to follow economic trends. However, sociology has always fascinated me, and the premise of this book is an interesting and accessible marriage of the two disciplines. The book's authors challenge long-held assumptions about cause and effect, particularly as seen in the world of economics, and analyzes a variety of sociological phenomena that can be traced as unseen influences on unexpected outcomes. I know, I know--it sounds a little dry and textbook-y, but the beauty of this book is the anecdotal approach. In an easy-going, straightforward manner, the authors draw connections between social events and issues that result in unexpected and less than obvious conclusions about economic repercussions. Definitely worth picking up.

--Donna