Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Economics is not widely considered to be one of the sexier sciences. The annual Nobel Prize winner in that field never receives as much publicity as his or her compatriots in peace, literature, or physics. But if such slights are based on the notion that economics is dull, or that economists are concerned only with finance itself, Steven D. Levitt will change some minds. In Freakonomics (written with Stephen J. Dubner), Levitt argues that many apparent mysteries of everyday life don't need to be so mysterious: they could be illuminated and made even more fascinating by asking the right questions and drawing connections. For example, Levitt traces the drop in violent crime rates to a drop in violent criminals and, digging further, to the Roe v. Wade decision that preempted the existence of some people who would be born to poverty and hardship. Elsewhere, by analyzing data gathered from inner-city Chicago drug-dealing gangs, Levitt outlines a corporate structure much like McDonald's, where the top bosses make great money while scores of underlings make something below minimum wage. And in a section that may alarm or relieve worried parents, Levitt argues that parenting methods don't really matter much and that a backyard swimming pool is much more dangerous than a gun. These enlightening chapters are separated by effusive passages from Dubner's 2003 profile of Levitt in The New York Times Magazine, which led to the book being written. In a book filled with bold logic, such back-patting veers Freakonomics, however briefly, away from what Levitt actually has to say. Although maybe there's a good economic reason for that too, and we're just not getting it yet. --John Moe --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"A showcase for Levitt's intriguing explorations into a number of disparate topics.. There's plenty of fun to be had." (Salon.com )

"One of the decade's most intelligent and provocative books." (The Daily Standard )

"Economics is not widely considered to be one of the sexier sciences.... Steven D. Levitt will change some minds." (Amazon.com )

"Principles of economics are used to examine daily life in this fun read." (People: Great Reads )

"Freakonomics is politically incorrect in the best, most essential way.... This is bracing fun of the highest order." (Kurt Andersen, host of public radio's Studio 360 and author of Turn of the Century )

"An unconventional economist defies conventional wisdom." (Associated Press )

"Freakonomics challenges conventional wisdom and makes for fun reading." (Book Sense Picks and Notables )

"The guy is interesting!" (Washington Post Book World )

"Levitt is a number cruncher extraordinaire." (Philadelphia Daily News )

"Levitt dissects complex real-world phenomena, e.g. baby-naming patterns and Sumo wrestling, with an economist's laser." (San Diego Union-Tribune )

"Steven Levitt has the most interesting mind in America... Prepare to be dazzled." (Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink and The Tipping Point )

"Hard to resist." (Publishers Weekly (starred review) )

"Levitt is one of the most notorious economists of our age." (Financial Times )

"If Indiana Jones were an economist, he'd be Steven Levitt. Criticizing Freakonomics would be like criticizing a hot fudge sundae." (Wall Street Journal )

"The funkiest study of statistical mechanics ever by a world-renowned economist... Eye-opening and sometimes eye-popping" (Entertainment Weekly )

"Freakonomics was the 'It' book of 2005." (Fort Worth Star-Telegram )

"The trivia alone is worth the cover price." (New York Times Book Review )

"Provocative. eye-popping." (New York Times Book Review: Inside the List )

"An easy, funny read. Many unsolvable problems the Americans have could be solved with simple means." (Business World )

"An eye-opening, and most interesting, approach to the world." (Kirkus Reviews )

Product Description

Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool?

What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common?

How much do parents really matter?

These may not sound like typical questions for an economist to ask. But Steven D. Levitt is not a typical economist. He studies the riddles of everyday life—from cheating and crime to parenting and sports—and reaches conclusions that turn conventional wisdom on its head. Freakonomics is a groundbreaking collaboration between Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning author and journalist. They set out to explore the inner workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate agents, the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, and much more. Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, they show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives—how people get what they want or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing.


About the Author

Steven D. Levitt is a professor or economics at the University of Chicago and the recipient of the John Bates Clark medal, awarded to the most influential economist under the age of forty.

Lifelines for Money Misfortunes: How to Overcome Life's Greatest Challenges by Stephen M. Pollan

Product Description


Lifelines For Money Misfortunes

No one wants to think about the unpredictable accidents, disasters, and crises that could disrupt our lives, but in order to overcome these unexpected surprises you must be prepared.

Nobody understands this better than author Stephen Pollan. Over the past thirty years, he has introduced thousands of individuals to innovative new strategies for dealing with their careers, money, and numerous other issues that are a part of the "business of life." And now, in Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, Pollan—with the help of coauthor Mark Levine—reveals both the secrets of personal crisis management and the tactics for navigating catastrophes that could upset your financial equilibrium.

Divided into two comprehensive parts, this practical guide will help you tackle some of life's toughest challenges. The essential insights found throughout these pages will allow you to persevere, even if:

You've lost your job

You're temporarily or permanently disabled

You lose a major client or customer

Your adult child needs financial support

You're transferred against your will

You haven't saved enough for retirement

Stephen Pollan doesn't have the answers to all of life's questions, but with Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, he'll advise you on how to best manage the crises that could critically affect your wealth and well-being.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #878791 in Books
Published on: 2007-10-19
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
244 pages
Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

For the past three decades, Stephen Pollan has introduced thousands of individuals to innovative new strategies for dealing with their careers, money, and numerous other issues that are a part of the "business of life." Through his bestselling books—as well as television appearances and counseling services—he has empowered people to take charge of their lives.

Now, in Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, Pollan—with the help of coauthor Mark Levine—looks to share more of his cutting-edge ideas with you, regardless of your income level or comfort with handling money. Lifelines for Money Misfortunes takes a holistic approach to dealing with the unpredictable accidents, disasters, and crises that disrupt our carefully planned lives. Drawing on Pollan's expert legal and financial experience, as well as the experiences of numerous savvy professionals—including mediators, career counselors, social workers, insurance adjustors, and more—this reliable resource reveals both the secrets of personal crisis management and the tactics for overcoming catastrophes that could upset your financial equilibrium.

Written in a straightforward and accessible style, this practical guide offers effective advice on dealing with life's most serious situations. Each chapter focuses on a different crisis and presents a "Lifeline" for successfully navigating that specific circumstance. Some of the issues covered throughout these pages include:

Your parents or adult children need financial support

You're getting divorced

You can't make your loan or credit card payments

You're accused of a crime

You're facing large, uncovered medical bills

Lifelines for Money Misfortunes also outlines coping plans that can be used to handle financial and other matters during any crisis, and illustrates the most effective ways to implement them. Filled with real-world stories of individuals who have endured the disasters discussed—including illness, job loss, and the death of a spouse—Lifelines for Money Misfortunes offers a plan for personal crisis management that can be used by anyone, no matter what type of catastrophic events they may be facing.

When it comes to tackling life's toughest challenges, we could all use more support. No one is better qualified to help you during these difficult times than Stephen Pollan, and with Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, you'll quickly discover why.

From the Back Cover
Lifelines For Money Misfortunes No one wants to think about the unpredictable accidents, disasters, and crises that could disrupt our lives, but in order to overcome these unexpected surprises you must be prepared.

Nobody understands this better than author Stephen Pollan. Over the past thirty years, he has introduced thousands of individuals to innovative new strategies for dealing with their careers, money, and numerous other issues that are a part of the "business of life." And now, in Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, Pollan--with the help of coauthor Mark Levine--reveals both the secrets of personal crisis management and the tactics for navigating catastrophes that could upset your financial equilibrium.

Divided into two comprehensive parts, this practical guide will help you tackle some of life's toughest challenges. The essential insights found throughout these pages will allow you to persevere, even if:

*You've lost your job

*You're temporarily or permanently disabled

*You lose a major client or customer

*Your adult child needs financial support

*You're transferred against your will

*You haven't saved enough for retirement

Stephen Pollan doesn't have the answers to all of life's questions, but with Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, he'll advise you on how to best manage the crises that could critically affect your wealth and well-being.

About the Author

Stephen M. Pollan, a New York City-based attorney and career expert, is one of America's most-renowned financial minds. Pollan has been an attorney for over fifty years, with expertise in corporate and personal finance law. He has been an assistant professor of finance at the C.W. Post School of Business and was formerly CEO of a closed-end investment company on the American Stock Exchange. Pollan was previously CNBC's on-air personal finance expert for eight years.

Mark Levine has been Stephen Pollan's col-laborator for more than twenty years. Together, they have authored numerous national bestsellers and have been nominated for three National Magazine Awards.
Customer Reviews

Life-saver for ups and downs
Stephen & Mark present cases for American reality in Lifelines for Money Misfortunes - how to overcome life's greatest challenges.
The 33 cases include spouse affair, bankruptcy, college fund, disability, death, divorce and financial help. The guide of wisdom is to accept the problem and own the solution by launching revenue rehabilitation and cultivating antibodies.
Reading this book enables citizens become aware of the ever changing American economy with sudden impact on personal finance. It gives life-saver guidance in exercising option in the situation described as life is full of ups and downs. Each unique lesson is a practical advice. Armed with this book and knowledge, reader will likely survive in the navigation of the long journey of life in pursuit of happiness.

Disappointed
With all due respect, I found the advice to be pretty generic. For example, on the section about what to do if you do not have enough for retirement, it is suggested to hire a financial adviser, get a job (which defeats the purpose of retirement), sell your home if you can't afford it, and live for less. These are options, but not much more than common sense. And I found the sections for dealing with illnesses pretty ridiculous, too, because it is suggested doing things like going to support groups, researching the illness extensively, etc., without taking into account that many people in that position have neither the energy or inclination (because of feeling bad) to do any of those suggestions. In my opinion, there was more generic advice than real, plausible solutions for persons facing such circumstances. I also felt that the authors assume a certain level of financial position is already established, and that the advice is of little use for an individual who is already in financial straights. As I titled this review, I was disappointed. If you are curious or find its Table of Contents deals with a personal issue, I suggest getting it from your library for a trial evaluation. That's just my two cents. Peace.

Bracingly Honest
"I'm not going to lie to you because I know you need the truth, even if it's painful"--that's what the authors tell us in the first paragraph of "Lifelines," and that's exactly the mindset I want in a self-help book. "Lifelines" has the courage to tackle serious crises--losing a job, shocking as that is, is perhaps the least devastating of the problems addressed. Reading this book, you feel you're benefiting from the advice of a wise, levelheaded, savvy mentor who offers you decades of experience in helping people deal with the financial consequences of grave events. (And you are, as I have discovered in professional consultations with Stephen Pollan.) This book's advice is realistic: practical, implementable, and--what's most helpful when you're in a demoralizing crisis--bracing. This counsel will give you heart.

Vault Guide to the Case Interview, 5th Edition (Vault Guide to the Case Interview) by Eric. Chung

Product Description

Professional career guide from the Vault Career Library providing detailed case-by-case explanations of the consulting interview and strategies for cracking it.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #574391 in Books
Published on: 2002-09-25
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
144 pages
Customer Reviews

a few mis-print and typos in the book
The book i received has some charts not shown up clearly. Some charts are misplaced in the book like the ones on page 51. The quality of the book (at least the print) doesn't look professional. The content is similar to other case interview books.

this book got me my job.
Great book. This and Marc Cosentino's book "Case in point" are the only two books you need. I read these books 1 week before my interviews and practiced as suggested and received my offer.


Thank you Vault.

VERY GOOD BOOK ON CASE REVIEW IN INTERVIEWING
VERY GOOD BOOK IN INTERVIEWING AND INVESTIGATION. AND IN GETTING A JOB AND MUCH MORE.