Books
I have a 45 minute drive to work. The only thing that has saved me over the past 3 years is my ipod, and in particular, audible books. Below are books (and ratings) that I’ve enjoyed over the past few years.
The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
This is a great book on the decision-making power of a diverse group over a group of select experts. The Wikipedia entry is the best description that I’ve found. I give it 4/5 stars only because I really got bogged down in the latter half of the book. Surowieki spends too much time on the stock market. It seems that the stock market discussion could have been abbreviated.
Freaky…what more can I say. This may be one of the most interesting books that I’ve heard so far. Levitt applies economic principles to data on everyday subjects. My favorite question that he asks is, “If drug dealers make so much money, then why do they live with their mothers?” Funny and interesting explanation. Turns out that a street pusher only makes $3.50/hour in Chicago.
Levitt doesn’t narrate the book, and I heard him speak on PBS after listening to this book. I was surprised to hear that he has a lisp.
