In Defense of Hypocrisy: Picking Sides in the War on Virtue

Lott sets out to overturn the conviction of hypocrisy and convinces at least this juror. Aiding his case is Jeremy's easy story-telling style. Considering how in-your-face the topic probably seems to some, the book's argument is gentle (but persuasive, I think). A good read.

Though this book is billed as a defense, it's really much more than that: A study of why hypocrisy is so pervasive, why people are so offended by it, and whether that offense always makes sense. It's a remarkably thorough treatment of the topic, especially considering what a quick read it is. Lott isn't always right (he overestimates the role that aversion to hypocrisy has played in reactions to priest-molester scandals, for example), but he's always thought-provoking.