Customer Rating: 

It's hard to say exactly why I didn't like this book as much as the first, but it's probably because I didn't feel the subjects were covered in as much detail this time. Or at least some of them weren't. Several subjects felt like blog posts, little more than an interesting fact or two but lacking detailed analysis. I also felt cheated when the authors stated they'd removed a substantial section of the book because a few other people had recently brought out books on the same subject. I say 'so what?' to that. I want to know what Levitt and Dubner have to say, because I like how they say it.

Still a good book though.

Customer Rating: 

Its alright but not as good as the first one. Which means it doesnt live up to its name!

Customer Rating: 

A fascinating way of looking at what we would normally consider to be emotional decisions.
Whilst fascinating, you do slowly realise these are the factual underpinnings of the decisions we make, alone and as a society, on a daily basis and it is only 'education' and the mass media that has persuaded us otherwise.
I would have gone for four stars if it wasn't for the American biased centralism, such claims as America being on top of the world after winning two world wars - do they not realise they only joined in the last couple of years and didn't really do much?!? Doesn't do much for their credibility as purveyors of cold hard fact.

Customer Rating: 

Many of the topics debated in the book have been thoroughly researched which puts the writers in a stronger position than many who may disagree with the conclusions. They don't pretend to be correct in every instance, but they do put pretty strong arguments across that are hard to completely disagree with.

The prostitution chapter is the conclusion of a lengthy study and is perhaps the most well written and conclusive chapter the book. Other, less detailed studies (such as the child car seat revelation) as still as interesting but perhaps not as well conceived. Having said that, most people would chose to ignore the conclusions due to the fact they could jeopardize their own child's safety by not using one, even if statistically speaking they are simply not justified. And the fact that it is illegal not to use them in most countries. But let's not put facts in front of industry profits (even if the products they produce aren't really warranted).

This is a great example of how the book challenges our preconceptions on many of life's day to day nuances. I for one had no idea that Chemotherapy had no discernable effect to the improvement in cancer survival rates - but then it is at least a placebo, and our medical professionals would never argue against using the treatment.

You get the idea, it's not all fun and games but it is very thought provoking and written in a frank and uplifting manner that gives a great read.

Customer Rating: 

Really enjoyed freakenomics. Feel swindled into buying this one. Very little content. Waste of money.