Freakonomics...

Disclaimer: I read the follow-up "Superfreakonomics in 2010.

The Good: I am the audience for these guys. I am not swayed by "feel-good" stories, or any "sports-as-life" narratives. But, take the questions that no one asks in life, use empirical data, and give the answer that no one wants you to: I'm in. The book is written by a couple of economists, also in my wheelhouse. But, it is very well-written; entertaining, and if you listen to the audio - well read, though not by the author(s). The book asks many varied and hilarious questions: What really caused the violent crime wave of the late 80's/early 90's to disappear? (Roe v. Wade, amongst other factors), and Do black mothers doom their children to lesser life results by their "black-sounding" names? (No. Sort of.) Great questions, even funnier answers, all with quanitifabled evidence as support. Love it.

The Bad: Of course, as with me, the book misses some importnat human factors in its arguments. I recognize this about myself, as well as the results of Freakonomics.

The Ugly: It's too short. It leaves those of us into the book, really hungry for more. Fortunately, there's Superfreakonomics!!!

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5. I think that they should've combined the two books - but this was perfect for the purposes of my quest!!!