Shermer's (Why People Believe Weird Things) latest work is organized in two parts: the first details the psychology behind belief in conspiracies; the second half uses this knowledge to break down popular conspiracies, including the 9/11 truth movement, Obama birthers, and the JFK assassination. In addition to terms and examples, there are solid insights that show that when faced with facts that contradict belief, most will double down on their beliefs, creating a cognitive dissonance that's hard to counter. Conspiracies succeed thanks to repetition, and Shermer's numerous examples prove how entrenched these beliefs are within contemporary American culture. The book includes solid tips on how to assess a conspiracy theory's veracity, how to talk to conspiracists, and how to restore trust and truth in national conversations. A copy of Skeptic Research Center's 2021 poll on conspiracies appears at the end of the book, providing insights into the composition of current conspiracists--a composition that may be surprising to some. VERDICT A well-written and essential tool for those navigating today's complicated geopolitical landscape.--Tina Panik

Many books about conspiracies and conspiracy theories exist, but this one stands out as an authoritative, very readable overview of the subject. Shermer (Chapman Univ.) clearly and objectively defines the concepts of conspiracy and conspiracy theory and provides a sensible, nuanced typology of the various versions of conspiracies and conspiracy theories. There follows a dispassionate and lucid analysis of the thinking habits, such as motivated reasoning and cognitive dissonance, associated with conspiracies and belief in conspiracy theories. These concepts help explain how the irrational has its own version of the rational. Shermer includes excellent descriptions of the 9/11 Truther conspiracy theory, the Obama Birther conspiracy theory, and the JFK assassination conspiracy theory. Another chapter describes the real conspiracy that resulted in the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and triggered WW I with its monumental consequences. The author also provides useful techniques for analyzing and determining the truth or falsity of a conspiracy theory alongside guidance about how to talk with adherents of dubious conspiracy theories such as QAnon. Shermer outlines how society could and should rebuild trust in truth, an especially important topic for the presently troubled times. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --Ronald Harold Fritze, emeritus, Athens State University

The bestselling author and publisher of Skeptic magazine investigates why people believe conspiracy theories. For many contemporary Americans, QAnon is an alluring explanation for the unexplainable. Technically, writes Shermer, "it's not even wrong" because its claims are so broad that it resists being proven wrong. There may be such a thing as a "deep state"--even if, as the author points out, most people aren't good enough at keeping secrets or carrying out their part in conspiracies to make them work. As evidence, he cites two assassinations. The plot to kill Abraham Lincoln also included multiple other targets, but only John Wilkes Booth succeeded in his assignment. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand almost happened by accident, since Gavrilo Princip lost sight of his target and only stumbled on the car because of a driver's error. The conspiracy theory that evolved led to catastrophe: Austro-Hungarians assumed that the Serbian government was in on the plot, and World War I ensued. "Imagine how differently the twentieth century would have unfolded without the Great War," writes Shermer, "sparing the lives of tens of millions of people…[and] almost certainly…no Hitler, no Nazis, no World War II, and no Holocaust." The author writes that while the conspiracy theories surrounding John F. Kennedy's death are understandable, given that governments, spy agencies, and the CIA harbor secrets, there's no good evidence to support any postulate other than that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Noting that there are degrees of belief in conspiracy theory--36% of people Shermer surveyed believe that the government is hiding information about the JFK assassination, while, only 11% believe that 5G towers increase the risk of Covid-19 infection--the author suggests that perhaps the best thing to do with the QAnon believer at the dinner table is to try to listen sympathetically while pushing back respectfully. Better still is to stop the spread of misinformation in the first place, which is far more difficult. A fascinating tour of oddball wrongheadedness, with gentle but firm prescriptions for combatting it. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.