The “third rail” of politics, Social Security, is without doubt an extremely controversial political issue. Reforming Social Security, however, is not a complicated policy matter. Social Security and Its Discontents, published by the Cato Institute, is an outstanding collection of seventeen erudite chapters that are written by thirteen notable scholars and policy professionals. Separated into five parts (Part I: The Crisis; Part II: Women, the Poor; and Minorities; Part III: Solving the Problem; Part IV: The Tough Questions; and Part V: The Public), the book exposes the numerous flaws, misconceptions,  and harmful effects of the current Social Security system. Collectively, the book’s chapters also provide policy and political guidance to enable reform. Edited by Michael Tanner, director of health and welfare studies at the Cato Institute and director of Cato’s Project on Social Security Choice, Social Security and Its Discontents is a must read for anyone concerned about the future (or lack thereof) of this irrational program....