The Psychopath Test

A Journey Through the Madness Industry

By: Jon Ronson

Narrated by: Jon Ronson

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

This is a story about madness. It all starts when journalist Jon Ronson is contacted by a leading neurologist. She and several colleagues have recently received a cryptically puzzling book in the mail, and Jon is challenged to solve the mystery behind it. As he searches for the answer, Jon soon finds himself, unexpectedly, on an utterly compelling and often unbelievable adventure into the world of madness.

Jon meets a Broadmoor inmate who swears he faked a mental disorder to get a lighter sentence but is now stuck there, with nobody believing he’s sane. He meets some of the people who catalogue mental illness, and those who vehemently oppose them. He meets the influential psychologist who developed the industry standard Psychopath Test and who is convinced that many important CEOs and politicians are in fact psychopaths.

Jon learns from him how to ferret out these high-flying psychopaths and, armed with his new psychopath-spotting abilities, heads into the corridors of power...Combining Jon’s trademark humour, charm and investigative incision, The Psychopath Test is 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.

©2011 Jon Ronson (P)2011 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic reviews

“Ronson’s gift is his ability to illuminate impenetrable worlds. Hare’s checklist is already the subject of criticism, but Ronson details many studies showing how bad psychiatry has been at diagnosing mental illness.”(Nature Magazine)

"In case you get really worried about a member of your party, then we’d suggest packing Jon Ronson’s The Psychopath Test, a compelling adventure into the world of madness. Funny and revealing this book will change the way you look at your boss, boyfriend or bank manager forever." (The Guardian)

"Ronson’s gift is his ability to illuminate impenetrable worlds. Hare’s checklist is already the subject of criticism, but Ronson details many studies showing how bad psychiatry has been at diagnosing mental illness." (Nature Magazine)

Couldn't stop listening!

Ronson has a very unique speaking style and I was absolutely transfixed by it! He has an ability to make serious, frightening and sometimes disturbing topics somehow hilarious. At times I was surprised to find myself so amused and entertained by a book about psychopathic behaviour. As some others have mentioned, this book is not a serious review of the "Madness Industry" but instead a collection of fascinating interviews and bizarre stories that the author discovers along his journey. The way Ronson describes himself as a bit quirky, introverted and anxiety-prone makes him seem like an unlikely interviewer for his many subjects, which I think makes his encounters with these individuals all the more entertaining! A really great listen. I plan to listen to more books written and/or narrated by Ronson!

Excellent

. Typical Ronson humour and insight into the human condition. Ronson`s reading is great too

Fascinating and compelling

Jon Ronson is one of the most consistently interesting journalists working. While plenty of people have tried writing about madness, media and the mental health industry, many writers tend to play up the scary side for drama. But Ronson carefully avoids glamorisation, but still manages to deliver a compelling and enthralling story.

i failed.. twas a relief

i do not envy poor Ronson for having to spend so much time with some of these people.. however i am glad that he endured.. to bring such a wonderful insight into the thoughts socio-elite.. they lurk around every corner.. hide in all the crevices.. or just stand there.. out in the open.. saying "hey,look at me".. but seriously.. fascinating stuff

Hugely entertaining and very disturbing

I loved every minute of it. And especially to listen to it read by the author!

Well read and highly entertaining

This was one of the first audiobooks I've enjoyed and powered through it in no time at all. Very well read and highly entertaining. My only criticism would be that the work's structure lacks some of the usually impeccable of Ronson's other work, and can feel like it's jumping around a bit. Still, this is a minor criticism of an entertaining and illuminating read. Highly recommend.

Superb

very intriguing account of psychpaths and the history of psychiatric field. Well written and worth the money.

I think im surrounded by psychopaths now

This book is more like a collection of experiences the author went through as he was writing this book or as he says, investigating about how or what makes a person a psychopath. Though i must say, the stories about the places he went and the people he talked to were very interesting to listen to especially about the conspiracies of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical companies in creating new disorders just to get people to buy their miracle medicines. That said, i only gave 3 stars because while it was interesting to hear about Jon's wouldbe adventures, there were stories in between that just felt like fillers. I also had to play this in 1.25-1.50x speed because the narrator was too slow, but it is an interesting read nonetheless.

A little too anecdotal

There is nothing wrong with some good stories, and Jon Ronson has them. I just wanted it to be more informative and less anecdotal.

Excellent

This is an insightful and entertaining exploration into the darker side of the human psyche.