KCR: Freakonomics (non-fiction, economics)

Image via WikipediaLevitt and Dubner's book Freakonomics is a ground-breaking book where the pair examined the economics in some very interesting subjects, such as cheating in public schools, illegal drugs, sumo wrestling, and more. The exotic subjects are the hook, and it pulls you in as it also manages to teach you about various economic buzz terms like "price insentive" and so on.

Some of the conclusions will like offend people, as it had concluded that the drop in crime rates in the 1980's and 90's is a result of... legalization of abortion. He's got the numbers to prove it, but can he convince people?

If you can keep an open mind, you should read this book, and check out the few episodes of "Freaknomics Radio" podcast (you can find it through the Amazon link below, and on iTunes and their website).

Rating: Read it

(though you can skip the movie, it's kinda lousy)

KCR: Superfreakonomics (non-fiction)

Cover via AmazonSuperfreakonomics by Levitt and Dubner are about surprising stories behind statistics, about how "common wisdom" are anything but, as it answers questions such as:

• How is a street prostitute like a department-store Santa?
  Answer: they are both seasonal employment
• What's the best way to catch a terrorist?
  Answer: data-mine their economic patterns

And many other weird questions that you never thought people would have analyzed, but probably should, as it completely challenges the way you thought things worked. 

This is a sequel to Freakonomics, which discussed a lot of controversial ideas, like what actually caused the drop in crime in the last 20-30 years (his answer: abortion). This sure pushed a lot of people's buttons and a ton of blogs, articles, op-eds, and such were written to "debate" or "debunk" Freakonomics (and now, Superfreakonomics). 

You are not expected to agree, but at least, you need to keep an open mind when you read these, as they do make sense on many levels. Some of the logic is weak, while at others there's a bit of psychology thrown in, but it is still interesting. 

Rating: Get it