I don't read many non-fiction books except for the odd biography or maths book (ok I like maths) but I'm nearing the end of one I got for my birthday that has changed my life in a few small ways.

I can no longer watch the news on tv or read a newspaper or news website without a uncomfortable cynicism that renders most stories as laughable non-news lazy hack jobs.

This is because of Flat Earth News. A brilliant expose of how the news works (or doesn't). Its scary, a bit soul destroying and utterly compelling and I would reccomend (and do) this book to everyone.

The website is here; http://www.flatearthnews.net

Its not a big conspiracy story, its written by an insider who's worked at many papers, its an explanation of the sorry state of our proper newspapers (mainly UK but USA titles too). Go read!