Denialism

Confronted with a cornu copiae of disinformation, and a scientifically-challenged public, Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives, by Michael Specter, is mandatory reading. In the words of The New York Skeptic:

To me, this is a great book to show to a non-skeptical friend.  It lays out our views, even quotes a lot of our guys, without coming across as condescending or arrogant.  It lays out the case for science in a clear and compassionate way, forming a wonderful bridge between the skeptical mindset and a non-skeptical audience.

In case you were looking for that intelligent Christmas gift: this is it.

Don't forget The Age of Stupid, among others, which I consider to be complementary to this book.