The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists

Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family

By: Eleanor Payson

Narrated by: Cathryn Bond Doyle

Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Every day, headlines are filled with examples of narcissistic individuals in positions of power who are nothing more than impostors plundering and wrecking havoc on the lives of others. From the financial barons of Wall Street to our elected officials, we are confronted daily with narcissists and the self-serving systems that enable them. Helping people reclaim their lives from this sinister exploitative force is the mission behind Eleanor Payson's The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family.

Using simple metaphors from the American classic, The Wizard of Oz, Payson illustrates how Dorothy's journey captures all the seductive illusions and challenges that occur when we encounter the narcissist. Empowering the listener with the ABCs of unhealthy narcissism and the unique problems that occur when a person becomes involved with the narcissist, Payson gives step-by-step practical tools to identify, protect, and heal from these destructive relationships, which are largely un-addressed in the psychology and self-help literature.

This ground-breaking book offers hope and help to those who have been drawn into these devastating relationships. She includes illuminating case studies that identify the problems that occur in the different types of relationships, from co-workers, to friends, to parents, to lovers. Listeners employing these insights and skills will find new abilities to identify and protect against the narcissist's manipulations and take back control of their lives.

©2002 Eleanor D. Payson (P)2012 Eleanor D. Payson

Critic reviews

"For Some Time I have looked for a very readable book on living with narcissism that also had clarity about addiction and codependency. Eleanor Payson has written an easy to understand guide to navigate one's way out of the labyrinth that narcissism makes...Four stars for a readable, useful book therapists can give their patients." (Patrick J. Carnes, Ph.D. author of Out of the Shadows)

"You will recognize the narcissistic personality disorder so well described by Payson as an all too common affliction among those who wield great political and corporate power in contemporary society. This book is a useful guide to recognizing and confronting the reality, which is a first step toward nullifying the power and influence of the afflicted over our lives." (David C. Korten, Ph.D. author of The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community and When Corporations Rule the World)

A MUST READ!

This book is a powerful tool for anyone who has been subjected to a narcissist or has been entangled in an emotionally toxic relationship. It is overflowing with valuable insights and information to help people get underway with their healing. So grateful to have come across it!

Finally found out what was wrong with my 35 yr marriage

I was shocked listening to this book and felt so much validation of my feelings. I thought there was no hope and something wrong with me till I listened to this book, such relief.

it read my mind!!!!!!!!!!

this book changed my life! God sent this book to me. I recommend it to anyone dealing with a narcissist

Most Informative Media I've Found

More detailed information about co-dependency and Narcissism than any other book I've read. Highly recommended

Very informative and life changing

I've read about narcissism in the past but I've never understood it the way it's explains in this Book! This is a must read for anyone who is involved with any kind of narcissistic person. Loved it

Fantastic read for everyone!

The performance is spot-on!
There are many examples from fiction and from encounters in therapy that help the reader gain a better understanding of this disorder: how it is developed, why people are attracted to NPD partners, and most importantly, I am glad the author ended the book by mapping out a plan for how to become healthy in or out of relationship with NPD person. This book is informative, nonjudgmental, and manages to create hope for individuals struggling with NPD in their relationship(s) with intimate partners, family members, or at work.
Clear and concise, this was a great read!

the best explanation of toxic individuals

this book is an exellent and informative explanation of scenarios that help the reader to understand the true nature's of those toxic people. it helps you become more aware of some of the behaviors that show abuse. great read

Excellent and so true!

What an enlightening, educational book on Narcissist. We all have had one in r life at some point. Teaches u how to deal with them. Excellent must read for everyone. I highly recommended this book.

Simplistic but informative...

Very basic book on the subject, but it does have useful information. More of a self-help book than science. It even has chapter summaries like an eighth grade text. But it is a good book for what it is. She does push the "Wizard Of Oz" metaphor--which doesn't work completely, as Dorothy never really comes to any deep realization, other than that she likes being home. (She doesn't learn how to deal with narcissists like the Wizard.) At any rate, it's a pretty good book if you don't expect anything too in depth. Read some Robert Hare if you want something a bit better.

Important for those it concerns

I find this book to be inportant for those seeking more selfknowlegde, to getting a life, with more selfcompassion, developed boundaries.. And letting go of guilt shame and low selfesteem.