Flavor of the Month ― Why Smart People Fall for Fads

"A literate, fast-moving, and engaging account of short-lived innovations in contemporary societies. Best is one of the few sociologists who actually has a sense of humor."--John Lofland, Professor Emeritus, sociology, University of California Davis

"A well-written, effective, and surely needed examination of institutional fads that should find a wide audience."--Gary Alan Fine, co-author of Whispers on the Color Line: Rumor and Race in America

"Flavors of the Month is a marvelous antidote to the infectious bite of the fad bug, and should be required reading for all optimists who believe we can move towards perfection by adopting the latest 'breakthrough paradigm.' If enthusiasm for transforming your organization persists after reading this engaging book, then read it again. Repeat as often as necessary, or until irrational exuberance has dissipated."--Robert Birnbaum, author of Management Fads in Higher Education: Where They Come From, What They Do, Why They Fail

Joel Best is Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware. Among his many books are More Damned Lies and Statistics: How Numbers Confuse Public Issues (2004), Damned Lies and Statistics: Untangling Numbers from the Media, Politicians, and Activists (2001), and Random Violence: How We Talk about New Crimes and New Victims (1999), all from UC Press.