Mood

Freakonomics has several moods that are prevailing throughout it; one of which is intuitive. The whole purpose of the book is to unveil common misconceptions about all things related to money. As directly written in the introduction of the book, "This is about stripping a layer or two from the surface of modern life and seeing what is happening underneath." In all chapters, Levitt dives deep into the happenings of today's economy and explains to the audience how and why it happens. 

Another mood that prevails in the book is rebelliousness. The author often discusses rather controversial topics, almost too calmly and nonchalantly for a conservative audience. It seems the author likes to get down to raw facts and sugar-coats nothing for the reader, which could lead to some to become offended. Although most authors try to avoid this, Levitt embraces it. When making a connection to the Roe vs. Wade case, which was the first abortion case ever to reach supreme court, to the dramatic drop in crime rates in the 1990's writes, "Now, as the crime drop experts (the former crime doomsayers) spun their theories to the media, how many times did they cite legalized abortion as a cause? Zero." Levitt appears to bash crime experts in this quote. The author clearly exercises his right of Free Speech in this quote, and that is why he is so popular with his books; because people like to read things that cause controversy. 

The only mood that struck me on a negative note was the author's arrogant mood that he presents in many situations throughout the book. In many situations he presents his ideas as if they are 100% true and concrete, while all the author really is is a theorist. Nobody will know exactly "How to be a perfect parent", but the author sure makes it seem like he knows exactly what he's talking about. He is, of course an economist, and EVERYONE knows that economists make great parents, right? Not really. His theories that are presented are believable, but never admits that he may be wrong, which in some ways makes his arguments somewhat hollow. 

What might the author be like?

Based on the content of the book, I perceive Steven Levitt to be a very complex individual. He seems to be very analytic and I could never see him to settle with an obvious answer. Throughout the book, in almost every situation presented and analyzed, he presents the problem, states the obvious solution or explanation, refutes it, then explains why he disagrees with it. Based on the structure of the content of this book, I have developed a perception that the author requires routine and repetition in his life, and without these routines, he would go completely insane. 

Purpose?

There are several purposes to writing Freakonomics, and some may be harder to understand than others. Levitt, an economist, seems to like to find the meaning behind things that occur because of the complexities of the human race. In Freakonomics, Levitt explores the hidden causes and effects of somewhat controversial phenomena that may often be overlooked in today's modern-day society. Therefore, the purpose for writing this book is to inform why and how events and trends are misinterpreted among American citizens. An example of this exploration is when Levitt explains the economics behind drug dealing, and why they still live with their mothers. Another oddity that Levitt explores is the misconception that if a political candidate puts forth more money in his running, the more likely he is to win. He provides believable details and simple common sense that left me thinking, "Ohhhh, why didn't I think of that?!".

Testing My Publishing Skills

AP Lang Persuasive Essay

Why?

I have decided to select the novel Freakonomics for yet another book review for a number of reasons. I believe this book can not only provide information just on the concept of economics, but can also provide insight in society's commonly misconstrued perspective of common sense. Based on multiple reviews I've read on this same novel, I am convinced that I will "pull more out" of this novel more so than countless other books I have read.

MLA Documentation For New Novel

Levitt, Steven D., and Stephen J. Dubner. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the
Hidden Side of Everything. New York: Morrow-Harper, 2005.

The Best Thing I Learned Last Semester Is...

The most important thing I learned about in AP Lang last semester was definitely my ability to analyze nonfiction texts. I am now able to read a passage and pick out the author's tone, diction, rhetorical strategies, and his/her mood. I can also write about what I have analyzed efficiently and eloquently.