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

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)

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.

Great book for healing family relationships

Would you listen to The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists again? Why?

I would absolutely listen to it again. It helped me with healing a number of relationships within my family in a straight to the point fashion. Ms. Doyle's voice was even and easy to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

That it helped me understand why some of my relationships with family members have been so difficult.

Which character – as performed by Cathryn Bond Doyle – was your favorite?

The chapter on the parent-child relationship.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes...I cried a number of times and had to turn off the recording to collect myself. It was almost as if I was sitting in front of the author.

Any additional comments?

The contents of the book were so very helpful and helped me see the world from my family member's point of view. The selection of narrator was right on point, like a mother leading a child through a difficult time in his/her life. I would recommend to others that are dealing with an NPD parent, sibling, boss, or spouse.

excellent read

this book gave me a lot of insight, strength, and understanding 2 the psychology of some of the toxic people in my life, and the toxic ways I'm responding to them.

All I can say is "WOW"

Very well written, easy to understand and is a great source of information that actually attempts to teach people how to deal with NPD, not just condemn those who are.