IRB #1: Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Steven J. Dubner

For my first IRB of the year, I will be reading Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Steven J. Dubner. This is a book that I have intended read of several years, and APELC seems like the perfect environment to truly delve into and analyze the book at its deepest levels.  Freakonomics relates to the reader two authors thoughts, feelings, and keen observations about the innermost workings of our modern society, explored through a diverse range of very specific examples. Or, to phrase it as the authors themselves did, Freakonomics is "a book about cheating teachers, bizarre baby names, and crack-selling mama's boys." The book bills itself as one that focuses on economics and the science of consumerism, but with examples ranging from such diverse backgrounds as the similarities between teachers and sumo wrestlers,  and whether or not parents really matter, I find it hard to believe that the book will be homogenous in its discussion. Overall, I look forward to exploring the extremely informative world of whacky statistics and unusual social connections that Steven D. Levitt and Steven J. Dubner have assembled.