Book Review: Superfreakonomics

There are many things I don't do well.  One of them is understanding (and teaching) economics.  That doesn't mean I don't enjoy the subject, especially when it's as well-written as this book.

Superfreakonomics is the sequel to the enormously successful Freakonmics.  The authors, an economist and a journalist, take a behavioral economics-based view of various subjects, including prostitution, suicide bombers, hygiene in hospitals and global warming.  What we may know as conventional wisdom about these topics is surprisingly debunked through a series of experiments and data analysis.  The only thing I don't like about this book is that it isn't longer (less than 200 pages).

Fortunately, if you really like these guys, you can read their blog on The New York Times' web site.