The Psychopath Test

I keep forgetting that it takes me ~ 70 pages to get into a Jon Ronson book. Unlike his podcasts, the books take a lot more activation energy to get invested. But once I am in it, it's a fun rollercoaster. The Psychopath Test raises some interesting questions about sanity and insanity (which one do we judge people on). It highlights some obvious issues about the field of psychology and the failure of mental health institutions for the larger public. There were sections I wish he elaborated more on, as there was a lot more to discuss but overall the book was crisp and fun. Even if the starting felt very ... weird. That was the biggest reason that I didn't finish this book earlier.

One of the most fascinating yet disturbing books I've ever read regarding mental instability. At several points throughout this book I found myself wondering if I was reading something akin to a fantastical horror novel rather than an inquiry on psychopathy. A brilliant exploration of the human mind when things aren't functioning as they should be.

As a Criminal Minds devotee and writer, I'm jealous I didn't write this book first. In his usual talent and flair, Ronsen inserts himself among the experts, those studying psychopaths and those labeled such.

Something was missing from this book that I can't quite put my finger on. I wish more science had been included to round out the interviews.

Overall: 3.5 stars

Well written, well researched.

Early on, Ronson mentions “If you worry you might be a psychopath then you aren't one” to help keep us focused. The exploration into the world of psychopaths and mental health institutes takes an interesting path – going through Scientology and the other fields to find memorable takeaways on the current state of phycology and our still limited understanding of the mind.

Early on, Ronson mentions “If you worry you might be a psychopath then you aren't one” to help keep us focused. The exploration into the world of psychopaths and mental health institutes takes an interesting path – going through Scientology and the other fields to find memorable takeaways on the current state of phycology and our still limited understanding of the mind.

Somewhat interesting but not illuminating. I'm no expert in psychopathy, but armed with a mere BA in psychology and an admitted interest in the macabre, I was eminently more informed than Ronson appeared to be in his interviews. (I was surprised, for instance, that anyone with a passing interest in the diagnosis of psychopathy would not be immediately alarmed by its potential for misuse and abuse.) His writing style implied an unexamined acceptance of whatever expert or skeptic he was speaking with at the moment.) It was also oddly unfocused – why the interludes on pediatric bipolar disorder and delusional conspiracy theorists?! Could have been so much better.

I'm glad that the author reads the audio version in his lilting British accent.