The best-selling book that applies complex economic principles to unexpected subjects comes to theaters this month with the theatrical release of Freakonomics. A cooperative venture by several well-regarded documentary directors, the new film is expected to renew interest in a book that has already fascinated millions of readers. Co-authors Steven D. Levitt, an economist, and Stephen J. Dubner, a journalist, use economic theories to examine issues ranging from drug use to cheating on standardized tests, and the result is both informative and entertaining. Check out a copy of the book before (or after) you see Freakonomics: The Movie.

Kazuo Ishiguro’s haunting sixth novel comes to the big screen on September 15 with the release of Never Let Me Go, a film whose cast includes Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield as three doomed students at an eerie British boarding school. Charlotte Rampling plays the school’s stern headmistress.