Rating: 
Summary: Okay, but wordy and repetitive
Review: I can appreciate that the author did not have easy access to a broad representation of sociopathic individuals in the general population, instead most of his interviews and anecdotes were from prisoners. But the material became repetitious and I found myself skimming ahead looking for different kinds of examples. Instead it was another inmate with a similar scam. Most sociopaths are not behind bars according to the author but he did not discuss the ones on the loose at any length, yet these are the ones I would encounter. I would like to know how the "respectable" ones who ply their trade in society do it, what to look for and how to avoid their games.
This book is useful but limited. It's worth a skim.
Rating: 
Summary: a survival guide
Review: I consider this book a survival guide that should be read by every thinking person. In fact, after reading the book cover-to-cover (several times!), I bought copies for my closest friends and urged them to study the material. I never truly believed in the soulless human being until I read the exploits and warnings contained in this book. Bravo to its author for saving lives and sparing victims!
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful.....with some minor bugs
Review: I contemplate Dr. Hare did the best he could in trying to explain what makes up a "psychopath" in laymens terms without using all that technical theory. His insights and speculations of what produces a psychopath are far better understood then what most psychologists could have reasoned or analyzed. I feel that psychopaths exist...but remember the word "psychopath" is just sophisticated hearsay used to describe a particular kind of behavior. I dont think you can categorize a so-called psychopath distinctly. (Dr. Hare certainly did his best determining what makes up a psychopath and has an excellent guide)I think a better interpretation would be "having psychopathic tendencies." Hence as Dr. Hath informs us in the book..we cannot accurately diagnose a psychopath because he could openly lie on the test. So that leads us with no solid answers..except for the "horrendous acts" the perpetrator has already committed. However with all these speculated assumptions on what defines a "psychopath" I would conjecture there will be a time where we can target the cause of this "phenomena of human nature"....we are certainly getting closer to the truth! But in the meantime..I am going to stick to the word "predator".... a person who has "psychopathic tendencies" that way I know there is some truth and not alot of paranoia..Oh my God my best friend is a psychopath because at one time in his life he stole a christmas tree, was a smooth talker and ruthless salesman at a car dealership, took pens and paper from his office, drank alcohol,and was impulsive at one time or another....yet for twenty years he is happily married man with three children who adore him and a wife who thinks he is the greatest!!!....but yet he has "psycho tendencies???" (you determine it).....and thats the rest of the story! Please email me with your comments..TWHECHT@CS.COM
Rating:
Summary: THE book on psychopaths--crucial to understanding Columbine
Review: I covered Columbine for Salon and Slate and several other outlets, so I have spent hours and hours talking to some of the leading psychologists in the country, and they all sent me to the same source on psychopathy.
Bob Hare is unparalled as the world's expert on the field, and this book is its bible. For good reason. I could only understand Eric Harris once I read this book. It has been invaluable to my work, and I carry a copy around with me when ever I'm researching.
It's jammed with examples of actual psychopaths, graphically illustrating the behavior he describes--and doing the impossible, making sense of the condition.
(I would also strongly recommend the nonfiction book "The Devil in the White City," as a brilliant case study. I had some problems with the last 100 pages of that book, but Erik Larson presents a vivid portrait of a single pyschopathic individual. But read Without Conscience first, and you'll understand how the "devil" character fits into the framework. It will all make so much more sense.)
Rating:
Summary: Very Informative
Review: I enjoyed this book about psychopathy written in layman's language. Dr. Hare describes the traits of the psychopath so that the rest of us can recognise them when we come across them. He gives many examples of "white collar" psychopaths and the ones who commit violent crimes, using names that most of us are familiar with. He talks about the possible causes of this condition and says that there is no effective treatment. His description at one point reminds me of a certain ex-president who shall remain nameless:"'Name recognition is so important to a politician, and more people know my name than before,' he said. 'I can run with this for years.' Most of us would be devastated and humiliated by public exposure as a liar and a cheat, but not the pschopath. He or she can look the community straight in the eye and give impassioned assurances, on [his] 'word of honor'."
Teenagers especially should read this book. When I went away to college I was once conned out of 20 dollars, but now I think if I had read this book as a teen I would have been wise to this person, who is no doubt still conning people.
Rating:
Summary: Xcellent Book 4 any1 who wishes answers
Review: I found this book to be very informative as to how to distinguish the difference between pathologies.
Gr8 xamples of said pathologies too.
Sy5t3m_Err0r
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Summary: This Book Helped me Cope
Review: I had a world shattering experience with a psychopath several years ago. I had a difficult time coming to grips with the trauma as did other people that I know. Then I found this book. It lifted a weight from my shoulders. Everything made sense and the painful confusion was gone. The book has done more to help me than therapy ever did. I finally felt free to go on with my life. I shared this book with others involved in the situation, and it helped them too. I am buying another copy to keep, and a few to give to others who's lives have been touched by this destructive person. Thank you Dr. Hare, wherever you are.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding reading. An eye-opener !!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I had the pleasure of sitting on a Panel and listening to Dr. Hare. His book is just as fascinating.
Rating:
Summary: This book fills a real need.
Review: I have been acquainted with some first class psychopaths and there is very little information on the subject available to the public. Current psychiatry doesn't know much about them. It is very true that even most psychologists/psychiatrists are fooled by them because they have learned the art of posturing for their audience (victims). They may appear to be the understanding, sensitive, fun person you always dreamed about. I have had an aunt and a friend almost killed by their husbands who fit the psycho profile, and you would never guess it. They were both left with massive debts. The lengths these husbands went to, to build an illusion, were amazing. I was so shocked when I found out their real history, and I think they did actually love their wives, at least as much as they were capable of. I was very glad to find Hare's book on the subject and just absorbed every word.
Rating:
Summary: This Man Knows His Stuff
Review: I picked up this book as a prosecutor asked to commit someone as a psychopathic personality. Not knowing the first thing about psychopathy and the fact that such a committment is indefinate, I searched for guidance; because I did not want to unjustly start this procedure. What I read in Dr. Hare's book gave me a very good idea of what a psychopath is without examining the checklist he developed. It also gave me insight into how psychopaths permiate our capitalistic society and rise to the top unimpeded. I also learned that some people actually have physcial reations to psychopaths and that is what I had been feeling since I was little when someone gave me the feeling of danger. Dr. Hare was able to brilliantly write this book that appeals to someone with little or no knowledge of psychology and also those who desire more detail. The stories of interactions with real psychopaths was very informative and shocking. I believe this is a must read for anyone who does not want to become victim to a psychopath. They are smart, clever, brilliant actors, savvy body cue readers and pathological lyers. They are scary, scary preditors and they are in disguise. Save yourself pain...read this book. They are out there looking for you. Yes the person I was asked to commit was a sexual psychopath and was committed. After reading the book, I knew more of what to look for in his behavior and demeanor and how to choose an expert who would properly and neutrally examine him with the requisite qualifications. Waiting for Dr. Hare's next book with excitement!
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