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A review by nattyc96
Outsmarting the Sociopath Next Door: How to Protect Yourself Against a Ruthless Manipulator by Martha Stout
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Rodale Inc. for the advanced ebook of "Outsmarting the Sociopath Next Door" in exchange for my honest review.
"Outsmarting the Sociopath Next Door by Dr. Martha Stout is exactly what it sounds like: a guide to dealing with sociopaths when avoiding them is impossible. Stout begins with explaining what is (and is not) sociopathic behavior and the dives into the different unavoidable situations you may find yourself in. From there she details how to protect yourself and others with advice on procedures and behaviors for you to employ.
This read was absolutely fascinating. I felt like I was studying to be on the Criminal Minds team. Understanding human behavior is always fascinating, especially when dealing with deviations from the norm. Stout has clearly done extensive research and it shows. She provides many stories and examples from a variety of sources that made this book feel like a complete collection of situations.
Stout also surprised me by having more of an understanding approach. She looks to understand the behavior, rather than to condemn it. She isn't approving the behavior, but she does acknowledge the deficiency sociopathic individuals are working with that create their behaviors. This outlook may benefit individuals in difficult situations to maintain a cool head and not provide a much desired reaction.
Stout does provide some interesting thoughts on evil and its origins that I'm not quite sure I agree with. She goes into a tangent on religion and I'm not sure it was necessary in this particular book in the way it was used.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars because it captured my attention for the entire length of the book and provided me with information I'm not sure I would be able to get anywhere else.
"Outsmarting the Sociopath Next Door by Dr. Martha Stout is exactly what it sounds like: a guide to dealing with sociopaths when avoiding them is impossible. Stout begins with explaining what is (and is not) sociopathic behavior and the dives into the different unavoidable situations you may find yourself in. From there she details how to protect yourself and others with advice on procedures and behaviors for you to employ.
This read was absolutely fascinating. I felt like I was studying to be on the Criminal Minds team. Understanding human behavior is always fascinating, especially when dealing with deviations from the norm. Stout has clearly done extensive research and it shows. She provides many stories and examples from a variety of sources that made this book feel like a complete collection of situations.
Stout also surprised me by having more of an understanding approach. She looks to understand the behavior, rather than to condemn it. She isn't approving the behavior, but she does acknowledge the deficiency sociopathic individuals are working with that create their behaviors. This outlook may benefit individuals in difficult situations to maintain a cool head and not provide a much desired reaction.
Stout does provide some interesting thoughts on evil and its origins that I'm not quite sure I agree with. She goes into a tangent on religion and I'm not sure it was necessary in this particular book in the way it was used.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars because it captured my attention for the entire length of the book and provided me with information I'm not sure I would be able to get anywhere else.