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krishnendu's review against another edition
4.0
The greatest reminder yet that correlation != causality
jimbowen0306's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a dual effort. An economics lecturer has joined forces with a New York Times lecturer to write a book that tries to answer questions like "Why do drug dealers live with their Mum?" and "Is more jail time the only reason why crime rates fall?"
It is an interesting book, but I'm not sure that it's a book that you read in one sitting. I say this because there's no real flow to the book. The authors might address drug dealers in one chapter, and African-American names in the next. The result is that you don't necessarily build up any momentum as you move from one chapter to the next.
Don't get me wrong, this is an interesting book, and you will find the mental gymnastics that the authors have produced stimulating (because it is cleverly written). However, I don't think it's written in a the most fluid way possible, and that's why I've not given it 5*.
It is an interesting book, but I'm not sure that it's a book that you read in one sitting. I say this because there's no real flow to the book. The authors might address drug dealers in one chapter, and African-American names in the next. The result is that you don't necessarily build up any momentum as you move from one chapter to the next.
Don't get me wrong, this is an interesting book, and you will find the mental gymnastics that the authors have produced stimulating (because it is cleverly written). However, I don't think it's written in a the most fluid way possible, and that's why I've not given it 5*.
lethaldose's review against another edition
4.0
I like books that challenge me to think about things in new and exciting ways. This book didn't really do that but it tried. This book is written to make the audience open their mind and think about things from different points of view and see how things that seem unrelated can be related. The problem the people that will read this book are probably already the type that will be thinking that way, so in the end this is just a book that preaches to the converted. It takes a certain kind of person that is willing to accept the idea that abortion could lead to a drop in crime, I am that kind of person, but if you are not you are not going to finish this book and are unwilling to accept logical thinking. I love the way the book presents these things and draws these kinds of logical conclusions. They are hard truths and people will denounce them. But they will not finish the book either. People refuse to accept things they don't find appealing. If you are the type of person who is willing to accept the logical answer even if you find it distasteful you will enjoy this book, you will not be enlightened by it, but it is a fun exercise. If you are the type of person who refuses to accept something uncomfortable no matter how much evidence there is, stay away from this, it will just anger you.
galoshes's review against another edition
My friend absolutely adores this book and says it totally shifted her perspective. I can't handle all the numbers and the rapid switch to new subjects every paragraph. Suddenly we're in a totally different example and then another example and then another example and then we're talking about something totally different and then six pages later oh yeah there was a point to this. What was the point again?
Also, why are the chapters separated by praise for the author? It feels like the text rambles so much that we might think we were reading the ravings of a madman unless we were reminded every 20 pages that the New York Times thinks he's a genius.
Also, why are the chapters separated by praise for the author? It feels like the text rambles so much that we might think we were reading the ravings of a madman unless we were reminded every 20 pages that the New York Times thinks he's a genius.
kmirea's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.25
Pretty quick and sweet. Has some interesting information pointed out in fun ways.
camels's review against another edition
Poorly researched and wildly speculative. Awful book with bad information. Do not recommend under any circumstances except to serve as an example of books to avoid. Waste of time at best harmful spreading of misinformation at worst.