What I Do

Hilarious and perturbing, Jon Ronson's second collection of Guardian journalism is a treat for anyone who suspects they're at the mercy of forces they can barely comprehend.

In What I Do, Ronson explores the manifestations of insanity in the wider world. In part one, he shares anecdotes of his own social missteps and obsessions, from inadvertently making a lewd gesture to a passing teenager to becoming fixated on a new neighbour who refuses to ask about his profession.

Part two delves deeper, with longer stories investigating the tiny town of North Pole, Alaska, where it's Christmas every day; the cult-like atmosphere behind the scenes of the TV show Deal or No Deal; and a meeting with hypnotist Paul McKenna, who has teamed up with a self-help guru once tried for murder – but can they cure Ronson's biggest phobia?

Mixing investigative journalism with social psychology and humour, Ronson's narrative style makes for a compelling read. This collection of short stories offers a fascinating glimpse into popular beliefs, controversial knowledge, and the human psyche.