Recommendation: Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity

John Stossel of ABC's 20/20 has compiled hundreds of the myths he's reported on through his 'Give me a break' series into a single book that blows away a whole bunch of conventional wisdom. The book's full title is "Myths, Lies, and Stupidity: Get out the Shovel - Why Everything You Know Is Wrong".

Stossel's writing style is very conversational - you can almost hear the 20/20 report through the words on the page. The book is supremely easy to understand, even on some of the more complex topics. He's spent years summarizing issues into short, cohesive clips for his TV show, and it shows in this book. Each myth is addressed in just a few paragraphs, and most of them are blown wide open.

Some of the more firmly entrenched myths Stossel takes on:

• The media are objective.
• DDT is dangerous.
• Women are paid less than men.
• Outsourcing takes away American jobs.
• Education is too important to be left to free market competition.
• Bottled water is better than tap water.
• Global warming.
• Religious people are happier.

These and many, many more are addressed in this entertaining and enlightening book; most are busted, but some are confirmed. A comprehensive appendix in the back of the book provides sources if you care to check up on his research.

All in all, this book probably won't change your life. But, it is fascinating to see just how many things we take for granted, and how often the conventional wisdom is totally wrong.

If you're curious about how the world works and why, this will be a great read for you.