SuperFreakonomics
By Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
- Release Date: 2009-10-20
- Genre: Economics
Description
Freakonomics lived on the New York Times bestseller list for an astonishing two years. Now authors Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner return with more iconoclastic insights and observations in SuperFreakonomics—the long awaited follow-up to their New York Times Notable blockbuster. Based on revolutionary research and original studies, SuperFreakonomics promises to once again challenge our view of human behavior and the way the world really works.
Applying their signature economic approach, Levitt and Dubner tackle a new set of provocative questions:
Behavioral Economics: Why do street prostitutes have more in common with a department-store Santa than you’d think, and what can monkeys teach us about the stock market?Counterintuitive Thinking: Explore the real data behind life-and-death decisions, from whether it’s safer to walk drunk or drive drunk to why a suicide bomber might buy life insurance.Unintended Consequences: Discover how the arrival of cable TV empowered women in rural India and why the invention of the car seat may not be the simple lifesaver we assume it is.Cheap and Simple Fixes: From a simple hand-washing protocol that saved thousands of lives to a garden hose that could reverse global warming, learn why the best solutions are often the easiest.
Reviews
Good book
4By CoachMetzThis is a great supplement to the podcast ... Or are the podcasts a great supplement to the book? Regardless, I have become a big fan of Freakonomics ... The books, the documentary, and the podcasts ... Read and enjoy the hidden side of a bunch of things!A fantastic read
5By viewfinderLike the predecessor, Superfreakonomics is a stellar read. It explains why people act the way they do, and it's told in a unique and interesting way. A must read!Very smart
4By mactoroI really liked this book! The only thing I was disappointed in was that it's not longer. I especially liked the section on geoengineering.One word.... Amazing
5By Elpepe369This has to be one of the most interesting books I have ever read. As a student of economics myself I found it easy to see the connections there were making. It was also exciting to be able to relate what I learned in class to this book and be able to see the picture these authors were painting so clearly. This is not to say that anyone can't just pick up this book and have a blast. The authors do a amazing job of taking complex theories and breaking them down to terms that normal people would understand and be able to enjoy. 5 stars Amazing!!!!!!!!!Disappointing...
2By rayray1079Was expecting the same quality as the first book. Did not get it. Maybe the novelty is simply gone??Not bad. Slow read.
3By Clay&JennAt times they labored on a topic for awhile and it became boring. Overall, not a bad read.not nearly as interesting as the first
2By abvwerThe first book, Freakonomics, consisted of a series of chapters devoted to novel or interesting subjects analyzed using a series of data mining and statistical techniques. It often posed interesting questions combined with either unexpected results or results that confirmed our "common sense" answer, but in an unusual way. This new book has almost none of that. It mainly consists of a bunch of "blog-quality" chapters with almost no supporting analysis nor in-depth logic. Gone are the in-depth discussions on how people in society might work. Overall it reads as a bunch of short rants about the author's current annoyances with global warming taking the brunt of his criticism. If the authors provided a detailed analysis to support their claims then might have been an interesting read. But instead it felt like I was stuck at a cocktail party talking to a drunk that is sure he is right, but is mostly just drunk.Good. But not as good as the first.
3By ShripThere are a couple of errors. The chapters wander a bit from their original subjects. The authors find a way to connect back to the original topics in each chapter, but it is sometimes a stretch. I think they could have pulled some of the commentary apart into multiple unique chapters/storylines. Was a little difficult to follow at times. But overall, a recommended entertaining and thought provoking read. Just make sure to checkout their first Freakonomics, too.Mind blowing....
5By jspecinerProbably the most interesting and more importantly, thought provoking set of books I've read in years... Already waiting on and wishing for a third.An okay follow-up to the original, but still worth a read
4By Branman900Felt a bit shorter than the original and, outside of the final chapter on geo engineering, the subjects just didn't hold my interest like the first book. Regardless, it's a smart read that makes you think about the everyday decisions we make in a totally different way. I'd definitely recommend to readers of the first book & would advise new readers to check out the original first.Great Read
5By Fire28This book is incredibly thought provoking while being extremely entertaining. Has opened my eyes to a new way to view the world around me. In addition to the book I have become a fan and subscriber to the podcast, also can't wait to see the movie. Would and have recommended to all my friends and family.Great read
4By pete.kGreat book, very interesting use of economics. I love how the authors dissect each question and solve them as if they were Sherlock Holmes. A fun read that makes many open their eyes to the world. Note to editors: Found a graphic error on page 250, wrong graphic.Excellent! Everyone should read this.
5By JEagle1776My only complaint is that the authors didn't give Rick James credit for inspiring the title. ;)Very interesting
4By CLJ86Unfortunately the iBook version contains some errors. For example, some of the tables are clearly in the wrong location. One section is discussing infant mortality in the 19th century then has a table on seatbelt stats. The text references a table on infant mortality by hospital ward so clearly an iBook error. The book also contains at least one factual error. It states that life insurance policies don't cover suicide. In the US this overwhelmingly untrue. It is true that if you kill yourself with in some short period of purchasing the policy (perhaps up to two years) the policy will not pay, after that point the policy should pay in full. A common misconception that appears to have worked it's way into the book. Otherwise an interesting and entertaining read. I would highly recommend.A great followup
5By collidingchaoticA must read for anyone seeking an introduction to economics. Superfreaknomics gives an introduction to how to think like an economist and presents many interesting questions. I found it more enjoyable than Freakonomics, but both are worth reading.Great book
5By mizter6Shows the world at a different light for both Econ and non econ majors in college.Data is power
5By musicislife508I enjoyed the first book and found this sequel to be even better. The authors continue to draw comparisons between several studies and their data sets to highlight linkage in issues that correspond to each other in ways that may not be obvious at face value. The emphasis is put on digging further into issues to gain a better understanding about the circumstances which surround them.A must read
5By Docs BoyOutstanding sequel and even better than the original!Eye Opening and Surprising
5By Chance716I enjoyed "Freakonomics", and this sequel is three times as good. the authors push no agenda. They just present their amazing data, and allow the reader to marvel!
