The Psychopath Test
Ratings92
Average rating3.7
I'm glad that the author reads the audio version in his lilting British accent.
Early on, Ronson mentions “If you worry you might be a psychopath then you aren't one” to help keep us focused. The exploration into the world of psychopaths and mental health institutes takes an interesting path – going through Scientology and the other fields to find memorable takeaways on the current state of phycology and our still limited understanding of the mind.
As a Criminal Minds devotee and writer, I'm jealous I didn't write this book first. In his usual talent and flair, Ronsen inserts himself among the experts, those studying psychopaths and those labeled such.
Something was missing from this book that I can't quite put my finger on. I wish more science had been included to round out the interviews.
Overall: 3.5 stars
Somewhat interesting but not illuminating. I'm no expert in psychopathy, but armed with a mere BA in psychology and an admitted interest in the macabre, I was eminently more informed than Ronson appeared to be in his interviews. (I was surprised, for instance, that anyone with a passing interest in the diagnosis of psychopathy would not be immediately alarmed by its potential for misuse and abuse.) His writing style implied an unexamined acceptance of whatever expert or skeptic he was speaking with at the moment.) It was also oddly unfocused – why the interludes on pediatric bipolar disorder and delusional conspiracy theorists?! Could have been so much better.
One of the most fascinating yet disturbing books I've ever read regarding mental instability. At several points throughout this book I found myself wondering if I was reading something akin to a fantastical horror novel rather than an inquiry on psychopathy. A brilliant exploration of the human mind when things aren't functioning as they should be.
Early on, Ronson mentions “If you worry you might be a psychopath then you aren't one” to help keep us focused. The exploration into the world of psychopaths and mental health institutes takes an interesting path – going through Scientology and the other fields to find memorable takeaways on the current state of phycology and our still limited understanding of the mind.
