Confessions of a Sociopath

A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight

By: M. E. Thomas

Narrated by: Bernadette Sullivan

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

As M. E. Thomas says of her fellow sociopaths, we are your neighbors, co-workers, 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, non-criminal sociopaths and we comprise 4% of the American population (that's 1 in 25 people!).

Confessions of a Sociopath takes listeners on a journey into the mind of a sociopath, revealing what makes the tick and what that means for the rest of humanity. Written from the point of view of a diagnosed sociopath, it unveils these men and women who are "hiding in plain sight" for the very first time.

Confessions of a Sociopath is part confessional memoir, part primer for the wary. Drawn from Thomas' own experiences; her popular blog, Sociopathworld.com; and current and historical scientific literature, it reveals just how different - and yet often very similar - sociopaths are from the rest of the world. The book confirms suspicions and debunks myths about sociopathy and is both the memoir of a high-functioning, law-abiding (well, mostly) sociopath and a roadmap - right from the source - for dealing with the sociopath in your life, be it a boss, sibling, parent, spouse, child, neighbor, colleague or friend.

As Thomas argues, while sociopaths aren't like everyone else, and it's true some of them are incredibly dangerous, they are not inherently evil. In fact, they're potentially more productive and useful to society than neurotypicals or "empaths", as they fondly like to call "normal" people. Confessions of a Sociopath demystifyies sociopathic behavior and provides listeners with greater insight on how to respond or react to protect themselves, live among sociopaths without becoming victims, and even beat sociopaths at their own game, through a bit of empathetic cunning and manipulation.

©2013 M. E. Thomas (P)2013 Random House Audio

If I could give my brain a long, hot shower

What did you like best about Confessions of a Sociopath? What did you like least?

I Loved the contradictions and internal disconnect -- I've rarely seen the concept of a person without empathy more clearly acted out. For someone to express that they are broken, abused and stunted while at the same time crowing that they are the apex and possibly an improved part of the human condition -- yes, that's these people at their most two dimensional. What I liked least was the lingering feeling of pity. The mood brought on by reading hung on after like a bad smell.

Were the concepts of this book easy to follow, or were they too technical?

The concepts were overexplained and the book could have gotten in and out in a much shorter time.

Welcome Home 🙃

1 . . 3 . . 5 . . 7 . . 9 . . . . . . 15

fascinating

loved it. positive insights that will help u understand many more people and yourself better

Brilliant

Truly captivating, very well written by the author & marvelously read by the narrator. Thank You

Nothing like it.

Besides for a few minor contradictions, I thought that her insight was very valuable. It is refreshing to finally hear a new perspective on sociopaths.

Great story and great writing

Really enjoyed the perspective of the author about her experiences with sociopathy and how that affects her life

I call bullsh*t. This is fiction.

Any additional comments?

This book seems less like a nonfiction account of someone's life and more like a movie script. Listen to it high and then it will become more interesting. I like the book on the whole, but I don't believe the author is a sociopath.

exceptionally written

what a wonderful command off the English language. well written and super interesting. hope she keeps writing

You'll be on your guard from P.1; Arias EXPLAINED

Would you listen to Confessions of a Sociopath again? Why?

No. I listened well the first time. Unless I can convince the three 20-twentysomething sons to listen if I listened with them.

What other book might you compare Confessions of a Sociopath to and why?

Absolutely no other than I can think of, except maybe Bloodletters and Bad Men; the characters, not the presentation style.

What about Bernadette Sullivan’s performance did you like?

Bernadette totally deadpanned the entire performance. She came across as the emotion-starved, bored personality she was emulating. BRAVO!!!!! Bernadette. I didn't like you either! (I kept thinking to myself, is the AUTHOR reading this?) I've since separated the two of you. Whew. Got sucked in there!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I did it in about 4 sittings, I do electronic circuit board work. Perfect for listening to Audible.

Any additional comments?

Mothers: Make your children read or listen to this book. Mandatory reading. Get past the inconsistencies (we are talking a sociopath here, remember! Jodi Arias: Explained!) and gather the information offered about spotting these functional (and especially the nonfunctional) sociopaths. The antennae can only go up if they've been programmed. Education of our children is the best defense.

The author said it best: Mormon boys are especially easy to fool.

Just ask Travis Alexander.

Exactly what the title suggests

This book is not full of shocking, criminal stories. It simply shares the life of an every day sociopath. Good read for those who think they are a sociopath or know someone with sociopathic tendencies. I thought the author's voice appropriately fit the writer's tone as well.