Narcissism

Rating:
Summary: Lowen's Narcissism an Eye-Opening Experience
Review: Although another reviewer rated this book as a "1", I wonder whether we read the same book. We are, at least, very different readers. Perhaps for an academic, Lowen's discussion of narcissism might seem narrow. However, for the general reader, and especially for anyone who is fascinated (or tortured) by the paradox of self-destructive behavior, Lowen's analysis is revelatory. One does not have to accept BioEnergetic theory in general to conclude that Lowen has achieved some critical insights into the affliction known as "narcissism." Rather than the state of haughty self-absorption it is often made out to be, narcissism is in fact a form of slavery to a false image of the self. The theory that narcissism is actually a symptom of self-alienation, that can be relieved by bringing the sufferer back into contact with those portions of the self that he or she has banished, is most liberating. Lowen makes his points using understated, elegant prose that is more evocative of a collegial conversation than an argument. Highly recommended to anyone who has ever been baffled by behavior, whether of themselves or of a family member, reflecting a combination of gross insensitivity to others, intolerance of personal shortcomings, and a bewilderment at the seeming aridity of life itself. Lowen has gone a long way toward making sense of this suffering.

Rating:
Summary: Narcissism
Review: I am a wide reader in psychological literature--reading Freud, Reich, Jung etc. I noticed that one of the reviews suggested that Lowen's book is dated because modern psychiatry does not take the Oedipal/Electra complexes seriously. This is news to me. I found Lowen's book to be the best direct, no-nonsense description of the narcissistic personality I've read. He is not dated--and I hope this book goes into reprint someday.

Rating:
Summary: Well Written
Review: I enjoyed this book. Also, found it quite helpful -- since I know a Narcissist personally. But, I didn't realize that he had a clinical condition prior to reading this book. It fit him like a glove!!! I don't find Dr. Lowen's Freudian orientation objectionable--that's his perspective. Yes, it would have been nice if he had delineated alternate (non-Freudian) theories too, but it isn't required. After all, he probably doesn't agree with them. Unlike some of the reviewers, I don't think Freudian theory has been utterly displaced in psychology. I think there's room for lots of approaches and that if psychologists and therapists took a more eclectic view, they'd be far more successful in treating their clients/patients. By the way, while I did study Freud (and others) in colleges, I'm basically a Jungian layman--not a Freudian.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not a self-help book...
Review: I found this book to be excellent because it answered many questions about myself and my past behavior. I have a narcissistic personality and have often wondered why I acted out in such self-destructive ways. He explains how someone's behavior can reveal their true self. This is right on the mark. Everyone has a personality, which is revealed in their speech and their behavior. When someone's speech is different from their behavior, you know they are projecting a false image of their self. People who project false images of their self are naricisstic. Much of Dr. Alexander Lowan's research can be validated by the work done by the FBI's Behavior Science Unit, which was the basis for the popular movie "Silence of the Lambs." Once you've read Dr. Lowan's book, an excellent follow up book would be Journey Into Darkness by John Douglas, the FBI agent who started the FBI's Behaviorial Science Unit. I can truly say, Dr. Lowan's book saved my life and helped me change my behavior and find happiness with my self. This book is a must read for anyone who is in denial of their true self.

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Summary: Narcissistic Case Studies
Review: In reading this book, I found especially interesting the case studies Lowen choses to use to make his 'case' for narcissism. Having been involved in a maddening relationship with a narcissist, I marveled at the similarities in behavior he shared with especially one of the cases described. Also, I felt more secure about my understanding of this bizarre disorder after reading Lowen's description of the spectrum of personality disorders beginning with the least harmful or destructive, phallic narcissistic disorder, to the most harrowing and life threatening, schizophrenia. Although the DSM IV criteria has changed since this book was published, so that some of his observations may be refutable, I still think this short book is a valuable and interesting read for anyone dealing with or interested in this phsychological disorder. If nothing else, it helps 'victims' of narcissists feel less 'crazy' and more educated about what they are (or hopefully WERE) dealing with inside the narcissistic relationship.

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Summary: Simply a jem!
Review: One of the most eye-opening books i have ever read. Having read previous revious i must disagree, it is definetly a self help book. The manner in wich Lowen writes flows like a river. This book is so rich in infromation, that i gurantee every one will find their reflaction in more than a couple of pages. It also gives a very deep understanding of what our culture is based on. I once heard the following "If multiculturalism is as thick as multiculturalist think, there would be either total silence or total war"! We are not as different as we might want to think.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting perspective on the subject matter
Review: The one thing I liked best about this book was that in the first chapter, the author admitted that he has a Narcissistic personality. I admired that he was able to present a viewpoint which was that much more honest and authentic. I have read a few other books on this subject and I have a personal interest in it, so I have read and am reading a vast amount of material on the subject at this time. In comparrison to some of the other books, this one is right in the middle- Not too clinical, but also lacking a little bit of soul. I recommend it as an introduction into this dark and deep subject matter.

Rating:
Summary: Simply a jem!
Review: This book provides detialed insite to the mind and functions of the narcisistic indivigual. This book is excellent for any student of psychology interested in learning more about the activities of the narcisist. This book I would not recomend for the reader looking to help themselves with a narcisist. But Alexander Lowen Does a Remarkable Job describing his past treatments of narcisists.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting and Informative!
Review: This is a very interesting book that deals with a dangerous and destructive disorder. Lowen reveals that contrary to popular belief, narcissists do not love themselves, hence the title of the book Denial of the True Self! Instead, narcissists choose not to show their true selves as they fear rejection. Lowen writes very well and he manages to capture the reader's attention from the very beginning to the end. Not only is this book informative but also interesting and important! The fact that Lowen accounts for his therapy sessions where he treats narcissists makes the reading even more interesting. The section on how individuals compensate for the feelings of inferiority is extremely interesting and it provides an adequate explanation as to why some individuals behave aggressively toward other people. Lowen divulges that people who appear to be strong, untouchable and self-important are in fact weak and apprehesive. I would like to recommend this book to all people who wish to understand narcissistic personality disorder. Buy this book today! You will enjoy reading every single page of it.

Rating:
Summary: Not for the layperson...
Review: This is not made clear in the marketing for this book -- it is written expressly for clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals, and not for people who are living with narcissists or who suspect that narcissism might be the root of their troubles. (HINT: If you think you might be a narcissist, you probably aren't.) That said, this is a fun and entertaining read by a well-known name in the field. Dr. Lowen is a bit "out there" at times, he can get very Esalen all of a sudden, but generally this book has good theoretical foundations and will be of help to any clinician who is treating a narcissistic patient.