Freakonomics

by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Freakonomics cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical:
  • ID: 1067
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
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.

Quick quotes

    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.

The Guardian · 2006-04-01
intriguing 4.00

The book takes a straightforward approach to data, focusing on facts rather than interpretations. It offers a unique perspective on various societal issues through economic analysis.

The reviewer appreciates the book's no-nonsense approach to data. It's clear that they value the straightforward presentation of facts and the way the authors avoid getting bogged down in emotional interpretations. The book's exploration of societal issues through an economic lens is particularly noteworthy. However, the reviewer might have preferred more depth in some areas, as the analysis sometimes feels a bit surface-level. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional wisdom.

Quick quotes

    This is a book that is happy to take a hard look at facts: it is only interested in the numbers, and not in how we might prefer to interpret them.

    It offers a unique perspective on various societal issues through economic analysis.

    The book's exploration of societal issues through an economic lens is particularly noteworthy.

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