Friedman, son of venerable ``No Free Lunch'' economist Milton, here analyzes the familiar to elucidate economic theory. The author (Santa Clara Univ.; Price Theory, not reviewed, etc.) tackles subjects as diverse as statistics, rent control, and the Mafia in order to illustrate and explain more complex economic theories about how society works. In fact, Friedman suggests that the study of economics is not so much about measuring value with money as it is about measuring value by the choices we make. While this theory seems to assume that all people have a reservoir of free will, Friedman makes an elegant, articulate case that people commonly accept societal restraints and, as a result, make appropriate economic choices. The economics of society as a whole, he points out, come back to the unstated principle of Adam Smith's invisible hand—though no one is in charge, the system continues- -and Friedman reasons that even the simplest item, such as a pencil, owes its existence to the concerted efforts of millions. Friedman frequently invokes the notions of reason and rationality, arguing that people will always choose the more rational plan, be they burglars or buyers of potatoes. While this argument may seem too basic to be entirely convincing, Friedman's distilled analysis and his readable, often entertaining writing make at least the elementary aspects of economic life comprehensible. He cleverly explains the economist's principle of declining marginal value by putting the theory into action in a grocery store, where he shows how choices are made based on what's available, and demonstrates how the desire for a thing drops as the want is filled. Though many of the theories he explains are accompanied by equations, the math is intelligible and the real-life situations—and jokes—make this a good read for even econo-phobes. A surprisingly lucid and useful book, and about as appealing as economics gets. (National radio satellite tour)
Pub Date: Aug. 5, 1996
ISBN: 0-88730-750-7
Page Count: 320
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1996
With frank language and patient plotting, this gangly teen crush grows into a confident adult love affair.
Eleven years ago, he broke her heart. But he doesn’t know why she never forgave him.
Toggling between past and present, two love stories unfold simultaneously. In the first, Macy Sorensen meets and falls in love with the boy next door, Elliot Petropoulos, in the closet of her dad’s vacation home, where they hide out to discuss their favorite books. In the second, Macy is working as a doctor and engaged to a single father, and she hasn’t spoken to Elliot since their breakup. But a chance encounter forces her to confront the truth: what happened to make Macy stop speaking to Elliot? Ultimately, they’re separated not by time or physical remoteness but by emotional distance—Elliot and Macy always kept their relationship casual because they went to different schools. And as a teen, Macy has more to worry about than which girl Elliot is taking to the prom. After losing her mother at a young age, Macy is navigating her teenage years without a female role model, relying on the time-stamped notes her mother left in her father’s care for guidance. In the present day, Macy’s father is dead as well. She throws herself into her work and rarely comes up for air, not even to plan her upcoming wedding. Since Macy is still living with her fiance while grappling with her feelings for Elliot, the flashbacks offer steamy moments, tender revelations, and sweetly awkward confessions while Macy makes peace with her past and decides her future.
With frank language and patient plotting, this gangly teen crush grows into a confident adult love affair.Pub Date: April 10, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-5011-2801-1
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2018
A little slower-paced than the typical Roberts romantic mystery (Black Hills, 2009, etc.) but every bit as steamy. It may...
A dog trainer and a wood craftsman dance around love and danger in the Pacific Northwest.
Fiona Bristow is the only victim who got away from serial killer George Perry. Now a copycat, inspired and perhaps guided by the jailed Perry, is on her trail. After Perry murdered her fiancé, Fiona rebuilt her life as a dog trainer and search-and-rescue expert on lovely Orcas Island. She’s recently met talented woodworker Simon Doyle and his misbehaving puppy Jaws, and her dormant love life is about to revive as she and the reluctant Simon slowly build a complicated relationship. Though she’s done her best to overcome her fears and make herself whole again, this new series of killings, with herself as the ultimate target, can’t help but strain her nerves. As the police and FBI track the killer, a persistent reporter makes Fiona’s life more difficult by printing information about her life and location. Through it all, Fiona keeps working. As she continues to go on rescue missions with a team that may soon include Simon and Jaws, her friends help to keep her balanced. But ultimately it will be the trust she has built up with Simon and the talents of her dogs that will change her life forever.
A little slower-paced than the typical Roberts romantic mystery (Black Hills, 2009, etc.) but every bit as steamy. It may well add dog lovers to her legion of fans.Pub Date: July 7, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-399-15657-1
Page Count: 496
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: March 6, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2010
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