Confessions of a Sociopath

Confessions of a Sociopath by ME Thomas
Broadway Books
(reprint) May 13, 2014
paperback, 336 pgs
ISBN 978-0307956651
source: blogging for books / crown publishing

About the book:
As M.E. Thomas says of her fellow sociopaths, “We are your neighbors, your coworkers, and quite possibly the people closest to you: lovers, family, friends. Our risk-seeking behavior and general fearlessness are thrilling, our glibness and charm alluring. Our often quick wit and outside-the-box thinking make us appear intelligent—even brilliant. We climb the corporate ladder faster than the rest, and appear to have limitless self-confidence.  Who are we? We are highly successful, noncriminal sociopaths and we comprise 4 percent of the American population.”
Confessions of a Sociopath—part confessional memoir, part primer for the curious—takes readers on a journey into the mind of a sociopath, revealing what makes them tick while debunking myths about sociopathy and offering a road map for dealing with the sociopaths in your life. M. E. Thomas draws from her own experiences as a diagnosed sociopath; her popular blog, Sociopathworld.com; and scientific literature to unveil for the very first time these men and women who are “hiding in plain sight.”
Now with Extra Libris material, including a reader’s guide and bonus content

My thoughts:
Confessions of a Sociopath was an incredibly interesting memoir. I've always been interested in the inner workings of the mind, and have read many books with psychology as a major role in the title. This one certainly compares to those, but it had a different feel about it. Unlike other books about sociopaths, this one truly shows the inner workings of an anti social personality disorder. This book isn't about the outsider looking in- it's the insider looking out. That memoir story telling made this more of a diary feel. ME Thomas shares her thoughts and lack of emotion in relation to the world around her. It fully encompasses the sociopathic mind. Even the writing feels wild- lots of stories but so many disconnects. It was a herky-jerky rollercoaster from page one.
I did ultimately come away with a sense of knowing the common sociopath next door a bit more. Additionally, in my line of work, I've encountered ASPD youth and feel like this book helped me see them in a new way and will help me work with them in the future.
It also shed a light on the common misconceptions which is why I strongly suggest this book to readers interested in ASPD / sociopath / psychopath. It didn't come with the bias that I've seen in other books on the topic.
Fun and engaging, this book moves at a quick pace and will take the reader on the journey into the depth of the ASPD mind. Be warned though- you may start seeing "quirks" in a whole new light.

write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow

Book image and synopsis from Amazon.com

January First - mini review

January First by Michael Schofield was an ultimately interesting read that I finished in less than 24 hours.

Having worked with mentally ill children for 6 years, I was instantly intrigued by this memoir. January First is about a young girl diagnosed with child onset schizophrenia and the years that it took to pin that diagnosis down and what happened in he meantime. Told from the eyes of her father, this memoir gives a glimpse into the home of January.

Jani's story is compelling & it mirrors stories I've heard (and even some I've witnessed) working in this field. Having worked with a few children with the diagnosis of child onset schizophrenia, I get it- I get what Micheal was dealing with. What I don't get is his pure narcissism. He is the reason I rated this 4 stars. Michael's obsession with being the only one who can help Jani is tiring. As is some of the tactics he uses. I can sympathize with his plight,  but I still can't get over some of the things he did and some of the things he chose to overlook and ignore. He was either sticking his head in the sand or screaming from the rooftops that he (and he alone) is the solution to Jani's  struggles. 

Overall,  January First is an interesting look into the eyes of child onset schizophrenia... as well as a look into the eyes of a father who happily takes on the role of martyr.

If you're interested in learning more, the Schofield's have a site with mounds of information. You can find it here: Jani's Journey

2014 Challenges

I really can't believe that it is already February and here I am JUST now thinking about 2014 Reading Challenges. I was reading over the long weekend and realized that I haven't actually signed up for any challenges for the year so I decided to poke around and see what is out there.
I also have been really bad about staying on track with hopping to blogs and checking in on my book blogger friends! I am not tech savvy when it comes to syncing all my bloggy stuff with my phone... I really gotta get on that- any tips? I'm also trying to stay up with Twitter more this year- I seem to go in spurts with it. I also want to join more challenges and participate in more read-athons and read-alongs.

My personal blogging 2014 goals:
~ read 80 books
~ interact with more book bloggers and visit blogs
~ join more challenges / read-athons / read-alongs
~ stay up to date with twitter
~ stay on top of reviews (review new reads within a week)

2014 Challenges I am participating in:

Level SILVER: 25 books

This challenge is designed to help us clear out our many egalleys! I know that I have a ton and every time I go on to check in, I always end up adding more titles. It is an endless cycle of goodness, but it is also an endless TBR addition. 

The Deets:

Challenge Host: Falling For YA

Challenge Dates: Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014

Postings: monthly wrap-up and linky

Giveaways: throughout the year

Levels: varies between 5 (aluminum) and 100 (diamond)

SIGN UP POST LINK

Level RECRUIT: 6 books

This challenge is designed to push me to read some more dystopian reads. I love dystopian books but have really fallen off the bandwagon... my hope is that choosing recruit and reaching 6 books will reignite my love of good dystopian lit!

The Deets:

Challenge Host: Blog of Erised

Challenge Dates: Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014

Postings: monthly review linky

Giveaway: end of the year

Levels: varies between 1-6 (recruit) and 19+ (leader)

SIGN UP POST LINK

Level AWARE: 8 books

This challenge is designed to increase awareness for mental illness. Considering my profession, this challenge hits home for me. I work with children with mental illnesses and I am a huge advocate for erasing mental health stigma. My hope is that this challenge increases awareness and pushes me to read new books relating to mental health.

The Deets:

Challenge Host: Opinions of a Wolf

Challenge Dates: Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014

Postings: link in comment of sign-up

Levels: varies between 4 (acquainted) and 12+ (advocate)

GoodReads Group

SIGN UP POST LINK

write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow