super freaking thought-provoking.

Through creative titles, absurd connections and coincidences, and a unique perspective, Levitt and Dubner analyze prevalent problems in society through an economic lens.  They essentially argue that all of the world's problems have simple, obvious solutions, but that humans are too selfish and naive to actually carry them out.  As printed on the cover, Levitt and Dubner analyze subjects such as global warming, prostitution, and suicide bombings and provide simple, economic solutions to each of them.  For example, they argue that prostitution could essentially be a very profitable business if it were to be legalized and closely supervised by the government. 


They predominantly use factual data and statistics to strengthen their arguments.  This is effective because it builds up a level of trust between the author and audience.  Not many people take the time to check that the statistical information is accurate, so it is inferred that the author is being truthful.  To further establish a relationship between author and audience, humor is used frequently throughout the book.  Biting sarcasm and caustic criticism is often used to emphasize their arguments as well as poke holes in the views of those who oppose them.  The tone is mostly sarcastic and blunt throughout the entirety of the book, which is consistent with that of their first novel, Freakanomics.  


The authors use diction that is widely and easily understood, though the audience must have some background knowledge of the issues that they talk about.  To refrain from turning people away with large words, they sneak in the difficult, economic terms and phrases in parenthesis or follow them up with a definition or explanation.  This was a good choice because it expands their audience significantly.  


I would highly recommend this book.  It was a quick, easy, and informative read and I felt like I learned so much from it as I read.  If you ask me, reading Superfreakanomics was a fabulous alternative to falling asleep on and drooling all over an economics textbook.


For more information or to purchase a copy of Superfreakanomics, click here.