Confessions of a Sociopath

A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight

By: M.E. Thomas

Narrated by: Bernadette Sullivan

Confessions of a Sociopath 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.

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.”

Critic reviews

Praise for Confessions of a Sociopath:

"[A] gripping and important book…revelatory…quite the memorable roller coaster ride.”—New York Times Book Review

"[F]ascinating...part memoir, part psychological treatise, and entirely not to be trusted."—Boston Globe

"The goal of Confessions is to redefine sociopathy—or at least to shake off the stigma associated with it. And Thomas accomplishes both. Through her honest portrayal of herself as a highly capable yet deeply flawed individual, she demystifies her disorder."—Scientific American

“[F]ascinating stuff, and Thomas delivers…riveting…chilling….Her incisive observations about human nature can be breathtakingly pointed.”—Cleveland Plain Dealer

"An essential, unprecedented memoir…intelligent, measured…[H]er arguments against using the diagnosis as an indicator of evil or a pre-emptive reason to imprison are a slam-dunk. This is a critical addition to narratives of mental illness, deepened by the awareness that we're reading someone whose most intense motivation is ‘acquisition, retention, and exploitation of power’.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Fascinating and compelling as well as chilling, Thomas’ memoir offers a window into the mind of a portion of the population that usually remains shrouded in mystery and fear."—Booklist, starred review

"[Thomas] invites us into her courtroom, classroom and bedroom to witness how her behavior has stunted her work life and made her love life difficult....Much here is chilling, but there are also cracks that make you ache for her....A work of advocacy for greater awareness of sociopathy’s reach and conduct."—Kirkus Reviews

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.

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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.