Take a photo of a barcode or cover
488 reviews for:
Think Like a Freak: The Authors of Freakonomics Offer to Retrain Your Brain
Steven D. Levitt
3.7 AVERAGE
488 reviews for:
Think Like a Freak: The Authors of Freakonomics Offer to Retrain Your Brain
Steven D. Levitt
3.7 AVERAGE
So, let me preface these comments by saying I am a HUGE fan of these Freakonomics guys. I have read both of their previous books, and enjoy their weekly podcast pretty religiously. So, given that enthusiasm, why the 3-star review? Unfortunately, I think this book (or maybe this reader) is a victim of its own exposure. By that I mean, I had a similar experience with this book that I had with Dan Savage's latest, in that most of the material here has been covered in the podcast, and frankly, a little bit better. That is not a knock on the writing or the topics; quite the contrary. I think the Steven/Stephen combination is a winning one. Their podcast is terrific, and their work is innovative and accessible. I recommend it whenever I get a chance. But, in this case, I skimmed over a lot of the content of the book because I'd already heard it. I will continue to listen to the podcast, and I'm sure if they bring out another book, I will pick it up and give it a read. But this was a slightly disappointing reading experience for me.
**Okay, I just realized I didn't really say anything about the content in this review. Sorry about that, for people who read these things in order to find out what books are about. To you I say, read the jacket copy, or go listen to the podcast! And then, read the book, if you want.
**Okay, I just realized I didn't really say anything about the content in this review. Sorry about that, for people who read these things in order to find out what books are about. To you I say, read the jacket copy, or go listen to the podcast! And then, read the book, if you want.
This book had a lot of interesting stories. I was surprised by how short this book was, though, which is why I gave it only 4 stars. Granted, there is a trade-off between length and quality, but I think that the quality would not have been affected if there was any increase in length.
I would not consider this to be a "self-help" book or any sort of book that trains you to do anything. It's just a book that shows you a bunch of interesting anecdotes that would not have occurred had not an individual thought separately from the crowd. It will not tell how to think differently or anything of the sort.
However, I have to admit that I really am fond of books that have orange covers. The reason behind this seems to be inexplicable.
I would not consider this to be a "self-help" book or any sort of book that trains you to do anything. It's just a book that shows you a bunch of interesting anecdotes that would not have occurred had not an individual thought separately from the crowd. It will not tell how to think differently or anything of the sort.
However, I have to admit that I really am fond of books that have orange covers. The reason behind this seems to be inexplicable.
I think I would have given it an extra star if it wasn't drawn mostly from the podcast. In fact, the audiobook includes podcasts at the end of it. That being said, I feel like The Up Side of Quitting section of the book should be required reading.
Quick, easy read. More of the same from the Freakonomics authors showing unconventional wisdom. Not a great effort overall if you follow their other works (books, podcasts, blog).
I have read previous books by the author(s). There was some revisiting topics from the past books, which can be upsetting, but it did have an overall different approach in the book. It's a short book, easy to read, gives great insight, humorous, and quite enjoyable.
(originally published at http://nomadreader.blogspot.com)
The backstory: Think Like a Freak is the latest book collaboration of Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. I've previously adored Freakonomics (read before this blog) and Superfreakonomics (my review.)
The basics: Think Like a Freak is a glimpse into a different way of thinking. What it lacks in extensive statistical evaluation, it makes up for in terms of anecdotes and process.
My thoughts: In many ways, Think Like a Freak is somewhat of a departure from the first two Levitt and Dubner books. It's written in a very similar style, and as I read I felt as though I was privy to a casual conversation between the two. The book itself is broken up into chapters, each with a different lesson of how to think like a freak.
While this book lacked many of the wow moments I so loved about the first Freakonomics, it's lessons are wise and interesting. I read this book quickly (in only a few hours), and I was fascinated as I compulsively read. Even a few days later, however, I'm struck by how few specific tidbits have stuck with me. Part of this result stems from the fact that some of these lessons of thinking like a freak are evident from having read their first two books, reading their blog and listening to the podcast over the years. In some ways, this book lacks the newness of the first two books. Instead it excels at putting a lot of wisdom in one place. It's likely not a coincidence that the book's release coincides nicely with graduation season. This book would make a wonderful gift for new graduates.
The verdict: While I prefer to read about freakonomics in action more, Think Like a Freak was a fascinating glimpse into the thinking processes behind freakonomics. It has many worthy lessons and quite a few memorable tidbits to satisfy those, like me, who are hungry for more freakonomics.
The backstory: Think Like a Freak is the latest book collaboration of Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. I've previously adored Freakonomics (read before this blog) and Superfreakonomics (my review.)
The basics: Think Like a Freak is a glimpse into a different way of thinking. What it lacks in extensive statistical evaluation, it makes up for in terms of anecdotes and process.
My thoughts: In many ways, Think Like a Freak is somewhat of a departure from the first two Levitt and Dubner books. It's written in a very similar style, and as I read I felt as though I was privy to a casual conversation between the two. The book itself is broken up into chapters, each with a different lesson of how to think like a freak.
While this book lacked many of the wow moments I so loved about the first Freakonomics, it's lessons are wise and interesting. I read this book quickly (in only a few hours), and I was fascinated as I compulsively read. Even a few days later, however, I'm struck by how few specific tidbits have stuck with me. Part of this result stems from the fact that some of these lessons of thinking like a freak are evident from having read their first two books, reading their blog and listening to the podcast over the years. In some ways, this book lacks the newness of the first two books. Instead it excels at putting a lot of wisdom in one place. It's likely not a coincidence that the book's release coincides nicely with graduation season. This book would make a wonderful gift for new graduates.
The verdict: While I prefer to read about freakonomics in action more, Think Like a Freak was a fascinating glimpse into the thinking processes behind freakonomics. It has many worthy lessons and quite a few memorable tidbits to satisfy those, like me, who are hungry for more freakonomics.
I’m going with 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed Freakonomics and Super Freakonomics, but read them so long ago I probably could have used a reread before jumping into this one.
Regardless, there’s tons of great info here and lots to make you think and rethink about. I appreciate the super approachable and relatable way information, concepts and ideas are shared. If your at all a data enthusiast like me, I would absolutely recommend this!
Regardless, there’s tons of great info here and lots to make you think and rethink about. I appreciate the super approachable and relatable way information, concepts and ideas are shared. If your at all a data enthusiast like me, I would absolutely recommend this!
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
Some truly poignant insights into the way people think. Especially important for today's environment where people are incapable of having rational conversations about difficult topics. It may not have the same mind-blowing revelations of the first two Freakonomics books, but the lessons are clear. It is an easy read and worth the few hours it takes to teach the reader to Think Like a Freak.