THE PSYCHOPATH TEST by Jon Ronson
Velvet Evolution’s Book Recommendation Dec 2013
From the Author of ‘THEM’ and ‘THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS’, comes THE PSYCHOPATH TEST – A Journey Through The Madness Industry, in which Jon Ronson provides us with an intriguing and very readable insight into what is, who are and how we define, a Psychopath.
Psychopaths are a part of mental health that fascinate many, and as such are depicted in many different books and films (think Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ and Heath Ledger’s phenomenal final performance as the incredibly unhinged ‘Joker’ in ‘The Dark Knight’). Perhaps it could also be argued that because of this they do nothing for breaking down the taboo’s and stigma around mental health, but be that as it may, Psychopath’s are a part of society that Psychologists are still trying to understand and reach agreement about.
If you are interested in people, how the mind works, and what makes us who we are, then for you, I would suggest The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson. Ronson meets, and strikes up a friendship (of sorts) with a Psychopath in Broadmoor. He also meets with Bob Hare, the world renowned psychologists responsible for the Hare PCL-R Checklist, a 20 item checklist which helps professionals identify psychopaths. He goes on to share with us, the reader, this checklist and how to use it.
Most fascinating of all, (well for me at least), is that Ronson investigates who the psychopaths are that live amongst us. The CEO and other high flyers of this world who are not prone to Hollywood movie style killing spree’s, but have the traits of a psychopath, a lack of remorse and empathy, (amongst many other traits in combination), which make them ruthlessly successful. Yet, who function in life in a more socially acceptable way, and channel their uniqueness towards great ambitions and in some cases, success.
A great gift idea for the budding psychologist in your family!
To purchase your copy click this link:The Psychopath Test
I hope you enjoy this book and I look forward to receiving your comments.
Wishing you a happy and confident day.
Lydia x
An exert from the inside cover:
“Combining Jon’s trademark humour, charm and investigative incision, THE PSYCHOPATH TEST is a fascinating journey through an unsettling industry; a deeply honest book unearthing dangerous truths and asking serious questions about how we define normality in a world where we are increasingly judged by our maddest edges.”