Mental Health Books

Carolyn touches upon the most sacred part of medicine, the mystery of miraculous cures. The book takes the reader through a personal journey of the healer. You begin reading and in a few hours find yourself at the last page of the book, feeling rejuvenated, filled with the energy of powerful transformation that Dr Ross experienced. This book is an eye opener for many, and a reminder for the rest of us. I would highly recommend this book if you are patient with a chronic condition, healer, or simply interested in miracles.

As I read the book, I could not believe that I was not reading a book about me! I will investigate healers in my area, and look forward to challenging and learning more about my dreams and sensations/fears during yogi sessions. I believe, and I know I have the energy that needs to be balanced and rechanelled.

Thank you for providing this inspiration and opportunity to play a role in self-healing with relying strictly in physicians.....

It was upbuilding and refreshing to travel with Dr. Ross through her own journey in discovering what is at the root of miracles while experiencing healing at the same time. Dr. Ross is honest in her appraisal of such healing modalities as meditation, prayer, Reiki, yoga and more. Some of these she has tried in dealing with her own health challenges and others she evaluates through following patients.

Throughout the book, Dr. Ross provides resources for any information she has shared. These include books, websites, programs and practitioners.

Highly recommended.

I read this book with great interest and total fascination. It's a must read for all of us who are questioning of many standard medcal practices today.

When I first picked up the book, "Miracles in Healing" I was a little wary as I assumed it would be a book of secular miracle healing like cover yourself up with mud and lay there for a while and all your illnesses will go away.

Although it is a book explaining the art of healing, Dr. Ross methodically takes us with her on her journey of healing when she is suddenly diagnosed with an illness that causes her to give up her medical practice. The book reveals to us similar or familiar journeys by others facing their worst fears. It explains to us not to succumb to those fears, but rely on faith which "Miracles in Healing" by Carolyn Coker Ross, M.D., M.P.H. does just that in a very articulateness and thought out text giving way to spiritual and physical healing.

She explains having faith and believing in God, along with conventional treatment, can miraculously bring about unyielding miracles to one's body and soul in the mental and physical sense. I particularly enjoyed the stories of people that were interviewed and how they coped with, and eventually prescribed themselves their art of healing, which eventually became their miracles. The book contains in each chapter, a listing of resources for you to refer to and read; plus there is space
after each listing for you to detail or jot down any particular notes, which makes it very convenient to the reader.

It is a very uplifting read and should appeal to anyone who feels defeated, but still looking for a ray of hope. Thank you, Dr. Ross, for sharing portions of your life and the life of thers with readers who may have had family members, or have themselves been on the receiving end of sudden illnesses and
struggling to cope. I recommend you read "Miracles in Healing" and you will appreciate one woman's determination to stand up and not fall down.

Reviewed by Kalaani

This is a scholarly book about the specifics of what makes some people commit suicide and I concur with another reviewer's warning that this is not a book that celebrates life and it definitely won't make a grieving family member feel better after reading it.

Actually, the book (which has been long out of print) is far more appropriate for academic and professional study and is not recommended for the casual reader. 575 pages.

A great mix of research, analysis, and case study. The author treats the subject of suicide with respect and carries out a thoughtful study that is revealing to those touched with the issue in some regard or even those simply interested in research. There are no over-simplications here and no attempt is made to give haphazard answers to complicated questions.

The text is well-written and well laid out. I would call it an easy read, if not for its poignancy and intensity.

This books looks at suicide from a more intellectual research point of view. But after saying that, this book isn't hard to read or crammed full with academic jargon. It definitely enlightened me about suicide. However this isn't the type of book suited for mourning or self-help.

I would recommend this book if anyone wants more information about suicide as a subject.

I have faced head on the aftermath of suicide and this book was finally able to bring healing and answers after 10 years of not understanding 'why' and feeling guilty and ashamed. I would not have been able to face the catastrophic grief this book brings to life any earlier than this. This is not for someone in their first years of healing but if you have a suicide in your past or have ever contimplated suicide then read every page. I read every day, and most days had to stop when I couldn't see the words for the tears. But in the end I feel free of the guilt I carried for so long, and understood, and normal again. It's different but a new different. And it's stopped any thought of contagious or genetic suicide from effecting me. Walking through the grief of the surviving families was the most healing, powerful, insightful, life changing experience I've known.
Thank-you George Howe Colt!

A must read for those with a serious interest in the study of suicide. I found this book six years ago after the suicide death of my friend's only child, a beautiful and talented 18 year old.

Of the books I've read on suicide this has been the most thorough at exploring the various schools of thought regarding the subject. George Howe Colt looks at suicide historically, culturally, philosophically, and as the intimate assault it is on persons, families, and communities. He unveils many unwieldy questions, including the right to die with candor and only a hint of occasional bias. Although he avoids no subject, he does not aggrandize himself by claiming to have the answers. From the outside view of prevention to the inside view of pain he explores and shares what is happening in the two worlds via interviews with survivors, memoirs of suicides, gripping case studies and more.

Having said that, let me emphasize that THIS IS NOT A BEREAVEMENT BOOK! This came piercingly clear when I opened the pages recently after the loss of my own child to teen suicide. A suicide survivor may find it difficult to navigate the wrenching realities this discourse brings. It is not a book designed for comfort, but rather one illustrative of our discomfort and only possible because of human suffering.

**A note for those struggling to regain equilibrium after a suicide. As a suicide "survivor", I have not yet found a book studying suicide that I can wholly recommend for grief work purposes. If you want an in-depth exploration and are emotionally ready, this is the book I would recommend. However, many suicide books purposely or inadvertently direct blame to those who can least bear it. For healing purposes I would recommend the excellent book When the Bough Breaks: Forever After the Death of A Son or daughter by Judith R. Bernstein & Nora Donaghy for those who have lost a child. For all bereaved persons I recommend A Broken Heart Still Beats by Anne McCracken & Mary Semel.**

This book covers what psychotherapists need to know in order to protect themselves in our litigious world. I'm recommending it to all of my colleagues.

After reading this book, I realize some of my ordinary behavior must be changed.Having been trained to use counter transferential observations as an important tool, I often recorded my feelings during the sessions in my notes. I now understand this is a serious mistake. Tragically, I now think of my notes as a public document in a potential investigation of my professional practice. I don't like doing it, but I now document my activities around my one client who is potentially suicidal. I feel I have been warned in time, so I now practice with more awareness of potential litigation.

This book covers what psychotherapists need to know in order to protect themselves in our litigious world. I'm recommending it to all of my colleagues.

You may think you are protected from wrongful accusations by clients, but this book demonstrates that in most cases you are not. I didn't know anything about such matters until a dear friend and colleague was unjustly accused, and unfortunately didn't have the help of this book. What she went through damaged not only her ability but her desire to continue making her living as a therapist. I stopped doing custody cases after I saw what happened. ON YOUR SIDE is the best -- perhaps the only -- source of step-by-step help for embattled practitioners. I'm grateful to have found it and have been telling every therapist I know. If you find yourself on the spot, this book will explain the intricacies of the system and advise you step-by-step on the best practical (and psychological) ways to defend yourself. But please, don't wait until it happens!

As a healthcare professional, I found this work to be extremely useful and cautionary. It is one of those rare non-fiction books that informs while being completely absorbing. "Adams" brings sensitivity, intelligence, experience and wisdom to this compelling read. By generously exposing the pitfalls we may face because our chosen profession is at the mercy of the legal system, "Adams" shows us how to safeguard ourselves and our livelihood. If you think malpractice insurance will protect you, think again...and read this book!

Having a close family member recently diagnosed with Panic Anxiety Disorder, I found the book extremely useful in both understanding the illness and knowing how to support this person. The author provides easy-to-understand details about the illness and solid ways of supporting loved-ones. Now, I feel like I can talk to my family member and no longer have to side-step the discussion. A must-read for anyone who has loved ones with this condition.

Having personal experience with an anxiety disorder, I found Linda's book to have practical, reassuring information that I have been searching for for a long time. No one can really understand an anxiety disorder unless they have first-hand knowledge of it. The author speaks from her heart. Many of the mental-health professionals I have spoken to do not have this level of insight.

I'd heard about Linda's upcoming tips book on Panic and Anxiety Disorder, but wasn't really interested in reading it, mainly because it was a "tips" book; I've seen those booklets in the check-out line, and always considered them vague and rather gimmicky. So, when I first picked up "Panic and Anxiety Disorder, 121 Tips, Real-life Advice, Resources & More", not only was I surprised by its book-like appearance, I was also drawn to its calm, down-to-earth approach to self-help. Yes, there are numbered tips, but as I read, I realized this wasn't implicitly for someone coping with anxiety disorders; Linda has written to everybody. Her tips, while pinpointing individual aspects of anxiety, actually address the very simple, basic, moment-by-moment steps to follow in order to successfully survive just about any stressful inner conflict. From digging in the earth to truly relearning the art of breathing, Linda's guidance is straightforward and simultaneously profound. Not leaving any stone unturned, Linda has dedicated an entire chapter to folks who've found themselves in the challenging role of support, and included numerous sources of additional literature and information.

Linda Manassee Buell has written this book with the compassion and personal landscape of someone who's lived in the cave of fear, and who's triumphantly emerged into the sunshine.

'This is a little book.......filled with
amazing tips....in order to overcome anxiety
and panic attacks....I am majoring in Clinical
Psychology at the University.....and I am too
suffered from panic attacks since 17 years old..
so the advices she give us in her book....are so
simple and practical..coming from a wonderful
woman who also knows how to experiment a full
panic attack...I recommend this book to all
people who is feeling alone.......who feels that
nobody understands.......you will connect with
the compassive Linda...who shares with us....all
the tips available to handle this uneasy condition...
Buy this book....you will not regret.......the message
there is.....THAT YOU CAN LIVE A FULL LIFE EVEN
WITH THIS CONDITION...like everyone else!!!

This book is a valuable addition to the others on the subject. Written in a direct and compassionate voice, it provides great insight and assistance to anyone connected to this disorder. I myself do not suffer from it; however, I'm close to a number of people who do. This book is a tremendous help to those of us who must learn to cope with a loved one who has a panic/anxiety disorder. And it provides an excellent tool to begin safely discussing the topic with that loved one. Lastly, I've had the privilege to meet the author on a couple occasions and talk about the issue -- she is truly knowledgeable, sensitive, and passionate about it.

I sent in a review and it has not yet appeared. Did you receive it?

Louisa J. Lasher Thanks much

This book is very insightful into the world of facticious disorders. It helped me cope with my mother who has Munchausen's syndrome. It may not completely solve the why, but it gives the possibilities. I enjoyed the different stories about other people and family members who have fallen victim to these types of people. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

This is a very well-written book and an incredible read. I found it really hard to put down. Dr. Feldman writes about these patients with great compassion and sincerity, but is at least as sympathetic to those who come into contact with them, including their poor families. (What they must go through!) Although I am not a psychiatrist, I do think this book should be compulsory reading for everyone who works in this field.

I'm interested in this topic because of my experience in dealing with a family member who has used tales of illness and hardship for years to get support and money and get out of trouble that he brought on himself. Reading this book helped me to comprehend that his schemes and scams are not all that far-fetched or uncommon among practitioners of fraud. I would have liked to have had more case histories and info specifically on malingering.

In "Playsing Sick?" Dr. Marc Feldman opens a window onto the minds of those whose need for love and nurturance drives them to the extremes of fraud, emotional abuse and even self mutilation. Malingering, factitious disorder and Munchausen Syndrome are often misunderstood by the general public, but Dr. Feldman offers clear explanations of these behaviors and illustrates them with real cases. His examination of Munchausen by Proxy is particularly compelling and includes the all important distinction between Munchausen by Proxy and factitious disorder. MBP is not a disorder, Dr. Feldman argues, but abuse. In my opinion, the two should never be confused. "Playing Sick?" is a must read for anyone who works in psychology and related fields, such as social work. But it is also a fascinating read for the nonpsychologist.

This piece of literature is valuable for "anyone". I can't even begin to imagine the trials someone with a physical or mental disability has in their daily life. My own disability pails in comparison; however, I draw a huge amount of information and believe that even the most healthy individual can benefit from reading Procovery. Kathleen is obviously very well read. Her choice of quotations is only surpassed by the appropriate placement of each. It is in calling upon a variety of world class authors that allows Kathleen to successfully include spiritual versus. Procovery is about Pro-action and therefore reminds us that we are empowered. Procovery is about Pro-cess so enjoy the journey. Whether it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back or 1 step forward and 2 steps back; in the end we have traveled 3 steps. Procovery is about hope so recognize that life is a gift. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did.

The Power of Procovery in Healing Mental Illness is an exciting book! Kathleen Crowley has written a book that you may indeed, "Just Start Anywhere" and learn what is needed to change your thinking or help others to begin changing their thinking about living with a disability. When looking for a model to help think about training to help others understand recovery, I learned of Ms. Crowley's Procovery movement. She has a systematic approach to the topic which helps others to organize their thinking. It is also written on a level for an individual to focus on the "procovery" need in their lives.

Excellent book for anyone who deals with Mental illness wether a consumer, family member or professional. We have been working on recovering from a mental illness for years. Last May we started our own Procovery hit and miss style. This book would have been benificial then and is now. Must Read!

This book changed my life and I think would change the life of anyone who reads it. It doesn't even matter if they are dealing with mental health problems, the book is simply about how to move forward when you cannot move back and how to have hope. I've highlighted every other paragraph -- I hope others find out about about procovery and this amazing little treasure of inspiration and plain practical common sense.

This book is extraordinary! I love the word "procovery" meaning success can be found looking forward to new life and building new dreams regardless of the symptoms or diagnosis. As a case manager, I've read dozens and dozens of books on overcoming mental illness, and this is the first one to really address the difficult realities I see in practice every day with hope and practical suggestions. Procovery should be taught in graduate school for understanding the challenges and possibilities for overcoming mental illness. The sense of hope and practical guidance run throughout the book, and the separate "Procovery Notes" for consumers, family and staff make it easy for me to share the information and book with clients. I particularly agree with the "just start anywhere" principle - from my own experience it makes sense to start from where someone's energy is - and am impressed the way the book is designed so that it too can be started anywhere.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to face the underlying causes of compulsive overeating. This book was the first step on a journey of making changes in my relationship to food. I wrote down many of the prayers and carry them with me. I believe the prayers made me aware of and receptive to the "compassionate and wise sources of healing" that are available to everyone.

I strongly believe in the power of prayer and credit it for helping me in my low-carb weight loss journey back in 2004. God gave me the strength to stay on plan even when I felt like giving up and He rewarded me with a 180-pound weight loss in just one year. So naturally I am supportive of anyone who wishes to implore the Almighty as part of their weight management plan.

The Prayer Diet espoused by Dr. Matthew Anderson is focused specifically on making prayer the central focus of your weight and health plan. By taking the focus off of food, your weight, the health problems you may be facing, and all those other issues that tend to dominate the discussion regarding your diet, Dr. Anderson shifts the focus to God where it belongs and His sovereignty to make the necessary changes in you to bring about weight loss.

If you're not a Christian, then you probably won't understand why this diet could possibly work for you. But any believer who trusts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior will tell you how essential prayer is to a healthy spiritual life. And The Prayer Diet simply extends this to your physical life, too. Specific prayers for yourself and others are included in the book to help guide you towards God's will regarding the weight and health of you and your loved ones.

One person in a review above gave one star, saying she didn't have the book, that everyone raved about it, but didn't say how much they lost, how long it took and if things in the book helped them keep it off. This misses the point of the book. I was drawn to it because I know prayer works for other things and I thought, why not for weight loss? But there are so many more gifts in the book, or actually, ways to give yourself gifts. The book is very well written too. Dr. Cooper manages to gradually add, in each succeeding chapter, more depth to what he had written in the chapters before. It is a book I will refer to again and again.

Anderson is no Billy Graham type. In his introduction you will find out he is definintely a different kind of Christian Minister. His writing and beliefs sounded New Agey to me but to my surprise, by page 162 Anderson was criticizing the New Age movement for its lack of depth and discipline of mind and heart. He says the New Age movements cannot provide guidance into the dark areas of life such as grief, self hate and self sacrifice. I agree with him on this point.

Anderson's ideas about weight loss are based on two assumptions: first, that man is instinctively spiritual and secondly, that Americans are spiritually deprived.

Anderson's solution to overweight is not so unique. He takes the perspective of Overeaters Anon that people can be addicted to food and that they are powerless to end the addiction on their own. They need divine intervention and must be in constant prayer. Interestingly Anderson says we are not to ask God to reach a specific target weight. Our ideal weight should be left to the will of God.

The highlight of the book is the Dieter's Prayer to be said before each meal. There are other prayers as well to deal with the difficult emotions that contribute to over weight.

It was a very interesting and motivational book. Easy to read and easy to follow. Throw away those diet books and take on Anderson's prayer challenge

What a great book! I couldnt put down this book and read it in less than one week. I am a Jewish man who has fought the battle of food addiction my whole life. After OA, hypnosis, therapy, medications and a lifetime of frustration, Dr Anderson has opened up my eyes to the world of prayer in fighting my weight problem. This book has released me from the self-imposed restrictions of asking God for help and believing that I was not worthy nor capable of receiving it. Dr Anderson is upfront and personal in his style. You get the feeling that he really does understand the pain of repeated weight gain. The basic prayers that are layed out are simple and can be offered by those of any faith or belief without causing any religious conflict or discomfort. Just basic spiritual truths that make a connection with God easy.
This book may truly be the missing link for those of us who are searching for peace and permanent weight loss. Whether rebel or visionary, Dr Anderson has earned his place among the great spriritual teachers of our time.

This book is especially precious to me since I had the opportunity to meet the Real Rain Man in person in the late 90's. He sat at my desk and responded (correctly) to inquiries about what routes were near my home, what my area code was and what my zip code was.

At the time, I worked in the accounting department for an Erie, PA organization that has numerous group homes.

The Peek family (both father and son) were on tour and specially touching on the folks that have extra life challenges. It was wonderful meeting both of them. I bought the book back then...and shared it with friends. It is time to reread and remember what an awesome person the Real Rain Man truly is.

Sincerely,
C. Weagraff
Lakewood, OH

KIM PEEK AND DAD-FRAN-ARE AN UBEATABLE COMBO OF HOW TO LIVE THE GOLDEN RULE, UTILIZE GOD'S GIFTS AND CHALLENGES AND LOVE AND TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY. THIS BOOK WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART AND SOUL AND HELP YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT A MAGNIFICENT CREATOR WE HAVE. HERE IS RECOUNTED THE AMAZING LOVE SHARED BETWEEN A SAVANT SON AND A TOTALLY DEDICATED FATHER WHO ARE SHARING A BRAVE NEW WORLD TOGETHER. I LOVE THE BOOK AND THE SUBJECTS!!

I just finished my copy of The Real Rainman, which happens to be a gift from Fran and Kim Peek, the authors. One of Kim's diagnoses is Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC), which my toddler also has been diagnosed with. I was inspired by reading about all of Kim's abilities and his thoughts. I feel that ANYONE will feel uplifted instantly after reading this book.

This is by far one of the most amazining stories I have ever read. Being a fan of Rain Man the movie, I was quite interested in savant syndrome. After reading this book, I found myself scouring the internet for more information on other savants. I have found great articles on numerous websites, and you may want to check them out also. This book can be a source of hope for anyone that has been directly or indirectly by a disability. Read it, read it, read it.

Kim Peek was, of course, the real life inspiration for the character Dustin Hoffman played in the 1988 movie Rainman, but in reality, I found Kim's abilities to exceed those of the Hollywood construct he inspired. This man is truly extraordinary. Not only is he the closest thing to a human encyclopedia that we know of, but going beyond his feats of memory, Kim's story is one of triumph, survival, and inspiration. Diagnosed as mentally retarded, given slim odds of ever reaching adulthood, Kim Peek not only beat the limitations of his condition, but met the challenges asked of him and grew in time to be someone who found pleasure in demonstrating his awesome talents in front of audiences and scientific panels. This book amazed me, made me happy, and left me humbled and awe-struck. It's a story everyone should be able to appreciate.

The latest book by Gaetano Vivo, takes you on a magical journey through real stories of his students and clients.
How fascinating reading and be inspired with joy, harmony and brotherhood.
Thank you once again
Vicky

Beautiful and easy book,for every one to read and appreciate. The stories are enchanting and really let you discover the beauty and the love for the Universal Energy and Unconditional Love. Highly Reccomended.

"Reiki is Love" is one of those rare books that allows one to fully understand the effects of Reiki in our lives. Through real testimonials told by the author, Gaetano Vivo, the reader feels present. Many of stories may be familiar, but the overwhelming positive results are what surprise us.
This treasure trove of true stories is full of revelations, acknowledgments, peace and love. A "must" read for those who want to know more about Reiki, become a Reiki master, or just be inspired.

Francesca Manisco
Ship Shape Organizers

fascinating book about how reiki can reach the hearts of so many people in a such profound level.

Well Done

Carl, Sydney, Australia

Exploring the world of Reiki through this master is true enlightenment...this read has touched the lives of many and will continue to bless so many more.

We are accustomed to think of sociopaths as violent criminals like Hannibal Lechter or Ted Bundy.

Martha Stout in this book reveals how a shocking 4 percent of the population have the same chief symptom, namely a complete lack of conscience. The difference is that the majority with this mental disposition operate within the laws and only rarely get caught.

The book is easy to read without having a psych degree and Martha Stout uses many examples to show how these people charm and deceive their way through life in total disregard for the impact on other people.

Martha Stout further teaches how to identify a sociopath and how to protect oneself from the impact of one.

I found the book clear and light and also a celebration of the 96% who do have a conscience.

The book is well worth reading along with "In sheeps clothing" by George Simon, "Political Ponerology" by Andrzej Lobaczewski, "The mask of sanity" by Hervey Checkley and "Without conscience" by Robert Hare, that all deal with different aspects of the phenomenon.

Who is the devil you know? (or...Are all your friends/relatives/ neighbors/ business associates really who/what you think they are?) Forget divisions you can readily see...like race and gender and culture and weight and height and all that...and realize that the single most significant characteristic that divides the human species is one you can't see...even though it is the one that surely matters most! What is it? - THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A CONSCIENCE!

"The Sociopath Next Door" is an EYE-OPENER for anyone who thinks that meanness, or the potential for ill-will, can be easily spotted and quickly avoided. Wake-up people! But don't think you are the only one who is unaware of sociopaths. As the author points out in her introduction, "Very few people, no matter how educated they are in other ways, know the meaning of the word SOCIOPATH. Far less do they understand that, in all probability, the word could be properly applied to a handful or people they actually know."

I recommend "The Sociopath Next Door," because it gives the reader the opportunity to understand, once and for all, that the nicest people in the world deserve a second look. Just like it is said about "a deal too good to be true," if someone seems to be too nice to be true, he or she may not have YOUR best interests at heart. The Sociopath Next Door contains the real life stories of sociopaths in action...the stories with incredibly interesting and authentic subtleties that cloud the ability to realize who and what you are dealing with. My recommendation? Read this book and get smart about sociopaths...because they are smart about you.

These days, with the abundance of books, movies, and television programs available on demand for instant entertainment, our knowledge tends to be informed by popular culture rather. Because of this,our intake of the dramatic simplification of most topics is outweighed drastically by factual representation.

With this in mind, it is no wonder that most of us envision dangerous people as wild-eyed lunatics noticeable a mile way, disheveled madmen that are encountered far and few between.

As Martha Stout demonstrates in The Sociopath Next Door, there are people capable of unimaginable atrocities all around us, and not only do they appear like everyone else, but they might even be less conspicuous than one would hope.

If Good and Evil are opposites of the same coin, and Good people are those who care and feel for others, then it stands to reason that evil exists as people lacking the ability to care or love. These people exist, cold and calculating sociopaths unfettered by the restrictions of guilt or conscious, and they do so in alarming numbers reaching epidemic proportions. 4% of the US population are afflicted with Sociopathic Personalities, far greater than those afflicted with cancer. Meaning one out of every twenty-five people you meet feel no remorse or regret, and are capable of anything.

Martha Stout's book strikes an elegant balance between clinical facts and anecdotal examples, making this book an easy read that manages not to come off as either a fluffy fear-mongering diatribe or a stuffy jargon-laden medical tome. The examples created from personal case studies perfectly illustrate the points of each chapter, but don't detract from the factual or philosophical topics discussed.

Despite chapters warning of the realities of the sociopaths among us, such as their alarming ability to blend in and even charm us into their confidence, her tone never reaches an alarmist level. This is a book that informs and prepares, with instilling false hope or blind panic in its audience. Also, while this topic is heavy with emotion, Stout never descends into supermarket tabloid prose. Apart from a slight detour into 9/11, which almost has no bearing on the topic at hand, the examination of the origins and ramifications of the human conscious remain informative and exploratory without becoming preachy. Especially interesting is the chapter that delves into the nature vs. nurture debate, in which she examines the genetic, environmental, and cultural influences that can help create or subdue a growing child's sociopathic tendencies.

If you have ever witnessed someone behaving extraordinarily ruthlessly or cruelly, and have wondered how someone could even bring themselves to act in such a manner, this book will go a long way towards satisfying your curiosity.

...because sociopaths (though i prefer the older term: psychopaths) are looking so much like everyone else, are behaving exactly like everyone else, hiding so perfectly their conscienceless/heartless interior world, that walk invisible among us. And if it was only that they walk... it is in their nature to abuse everyone they come upon in order to gain money, fame, sex, whatever their deviant mind decides it wants. With no quilt, no shame, no remorse. So, they are dangerous, and they are invisible. We can't win, here can we?

Yes. By reading this book, where Martha Stout so simply and eloquently describes the characteristics of these people and how to identify them, providing case studies and examples, you gain ammunition towards preserving yourself against sociopaths. And they compose 6% of the population... it's very likely that you will come up one someday (if not already), so better be prepared. And if you already met a person whose behavior was so unlike anyone else, and caused you or people in your life pain and suffering, while he/she walked out completely detached and as if nothing ever happened, you need to read this book.

We owe it to ourselves and the people we love to know who are the predators in our world. In the animal kingdom a species knows their predators from birth. We don't. We have to read to learn. Start with this book.

As the title says, this is a must read book for everyone (that is, everyone who is not a psychopath). The only thing I don't like about it is the use the word "sociopath" instead of "psychopath". But it is a very minor flaw in a great book.

Traditionally, books on psychopathy were mostly about the inmate population, serial killers and so on. That creates a dangerous sense of complacency. After all, the psychopaths are easily recognizable brutal killers and they have all been locked up in high-security prisons, right? Unfortunately, it is not so.

In this book, Dr. Stout has done a great service for humanity in describing, persuasively and chillingly, the psychopaths that are among us. They can be anyone, from a successful and ruthless executive to the neighbor next door. Statistics shows that one in 25 people are psychopaths and they cannot be easily recognized even by experts.

What makes the psychopaths dangerous is that they have no conscience whatsoever. No remorse, no empathy, no emotion to constrain any of their acts even if the act causes great harm to their closest family members. And because of the same characteristics, they are often very successful in our society.

So pick up the book and read it now because chances are good that you will encounter a psychopath in your life. And what you don't know about them CAN hurt you. Also read Political Ponerology (A Science on the Nature of Evil Adjusted for Political Purposes) by Andrew Lobaczewski.