Freakonomics

by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
Freakonomics cover
Good Books rating 3.5
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  • ID: 1067
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-10
mixed 2.50

The book is criticized for excessive praise of one author and a lack of balance. It offers interesting insights but falls short in its execution.

The reviewer found the book to be unbalanced, with too much focus on praising one of the authors. They felt that this detracted from the overall quality of the content. Despite this, the book does present some intriguing ideas and perspectives that are worth considering. The reviewer's main issue is with the execution rather than the concepts discussed.

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    In my opinion, there are two problems with the book: First, Stephen Dubner comes across as a sycophant.

    Way to much of the book is spent praising Levitt.

    The book offers some interesting insights but falls short in its execution.

American Scientist · 2025-10-22
mixed 3.50

The book is praised for its innovative approach to economics, but the reviewer questions the reliability of the data and the validity of some of the conclusions.

The reviewer at American Scientist appreciates the innovative approach taken in Freakonomics, particularly the way it explores the hidden side of various economic phenomena. They commend the authors for their creativity and the engaging narratives they create around economic data. However, the reviewer also raises concerns about the reliability of the data used and the validity of some of the conclusions drawn. They suggest that while the book is thought-provoking, it should be read with a critical eye.

Quick quotes

    The book explores the hidden side of various economic phenomena.

    The authors create engaging narratives around economic data.

    The book should be read with a critical eye.

University College Oxford (Univ) · 2025-09-24
thoughtful 3.50

The book encourages readers to think more analytically about human decisions. It's enjoyable and thought-provoking, though some might find it a bit superficial.

The reviewer found the book to be an enjoyable read that encouraged them to think more critically about the impact of human decisions. They appreciate the analytical approach and the way the book challenges conventional thinking. However, they note that some sections might feel a bit superficial, and they could have benefited from more depth. Overall, it's a thought-provoking book that encourages readers to look at the world in a new way.

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    Overall, I enjoyed reading the book as it encouraged me to be more analytical when thinking about the impact of human decisions.

    It's a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional thinking.

    Some sections might feel a bit superficial.

January Magazine · 2025-09-24
great 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging and succinct writing style. It's noted that the book is more than just about economics, offering a fresh perspective on various topics.

The reviewer is impressed by the book's ability to present complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner. They highlight Dubner's writing style as particularly effective, making the book accessible to a wide audience. The reviewer also appreciates that the book goes beyond traditional economic topics, exploring a variety of subjects with a unique lens. However, they might have preferred more in-depth analysis in some sections. Overall, it's a highly readable and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on the world.

Quick quotes

    Dubner is succinct and stunning, a neat trick for any book, let alone one co-authored by an economist.

    But Freakonomics isn't just about economics, any more than a telescope is just a piece of glass.

    It offers a fresh perspective on various topics.

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