I’ve decided to write a series of short recommendations/critiques/summaries of my favourite books. These are titles you can perhaps purchase on one day delivery, or Amazon audible, to keep you busy almost immediately during these uncertain times.
My first book recommendation would have to be Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Stephen Levitt. I hope I don’t lose anybody with this recommendation because Freakonomics is a tad unconventional to say the least. It’s a non-fiction read which has been described as a melding of pop culture with economics.
The book claims, rather grandiosely, that it ‘explores the hidden side of everything’. While it may not quite do that, I’ve never read a book, cover to cover, quite as quickly as Freakonomics. I was first made aware of it back when I watched suits and the fledging lawyer, Mike Ross, referenced the book by saying. “A person is more likely to die while dealing drugs than on death row in Texas”.
It’s off the wall takes like these, explained with analysis of huge tracts of data, that give you sociological insights into a range of topics that you may never been exposed to.
From studies on the economics of drug dealing and the socioeconomic patterns of how parents name their children, to the way in which school teachers and sumo wrestlers have cheated their respective systems, Freakonomics is the perfect tool to help you cultivate your inquisitive nature, or sharpen the minds of your loved ones with intellectual discussion.
It’s not a difficult read but it will require your full attention. I promise once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down though!
The West Laine Wanderer 