A lot tighter than Junk Science, this book targets a few completely random subjects with statistical analysis, most often with unpredictable results. Crime related to abortion rates, the true hazards of daily life (e.g., wet bathroom floors – ala Gavin de Becker), nature vs. nurture, etc. What makes the book resonate is the truth that bubbles up from the clinical statistical approach – any presumption is fair game, resulting in some great insights. I wish Junk Science had felt that true.
P.S. Thanks to Gary, he’s been my source for current popular nonfiction lately. :>
I heard the author interviewed on NPR about a year ago and then recently on 20/20 with John Stossel. The big story seems to be the crime/abortion theory. I think there’s a danger that it might be used to fuel racism against the black community. Not having read the book, my impression from the 2 news stories is that the book is intended for entertainment purposes rather than to be taken as a serious scientific work.
Yeah, he seems to be having fun in the book, focusing on things that defy conventional wisdom. But he’s definitely not afraid to tackle race issues, and I think that’s great. Of course racist people will take things out of context to defend their ignorant attitudes. Some of the statistical findings in the book are a reflection of the racism still embedded in our culture (like the bias against “black” baby names), which to me is a call to action to continue fighting racism. Other findings, like the fact that crack gangs in poor mostly-black communities are run in a very similar fashion to corporations, could be seen as defying racial stereotypes.
But there’s no doubt that tackling race issues leads to exposure of racist attitudes! I say, expose and destroy. :>
Dan, you really should read the book. Unfortunately the lack of an open mind will hinder your understanding of it.