<p>I thought Freakonomics was a lot more sizzle than steak, but I respect the facts that (a) there's solid economic thinking and research behind it, and (b) people who aren't familiar with microeconomic analysis are really turned on by it (e.g., my kids). And there's no question that Levitt is a very inventive researcher: everyone knows that real estate agents sell out their clients, but he found a wonderful way to measure the effect.</p>
<p>*Freakonomics *is a fun, quick read. Anyone whose appetite is whetted by it should go and read Levitt's academic work. I haven't read *Nickel and Dimed <a href="tried%20to%20get%20the%20audio%20version%20for%20the%20college%20visiting%20drives,%20but%20it%20was%20out">/I</a>, though I've listened to the first chapter of her most recent book. Again, I don't tread these books expecting serious economics, but they get one thinking. I think that's a good thing.</p>
<p>There's no reason political science has to be grim, either:</p>
<p>"Parliament of Whores" and "Holidays in Hell" by PJ O'Rourke</p>