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  • 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
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (32 ratings)
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The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists

By: Eleanor Payson
Narrated by: Cathryn Bond Doyle
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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)

What listeners say about The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists

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Informative

This hit some key points which helped understand why one way process.

If someone is driving you mad, this allows a deeper awareness of the issue

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5 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An excellent book, spoiled by poor narration

Would you try another book written by Eleanor Payson or narrated by Cathryn Bond Doyle?

I would definitely consider more books by Eleanor Payson, but I could not bear to listen to another word spoken by Cathryn Bond Doyle.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists?

No particular memorable moments, just a solidly comprehensive exploration of the issues and clear guidelines for action.

Would you be willing to try another one of Cathryn Bond Doyle’s performances?

No, No and No! I found her voice harsh and grating, and her narration style robotic and laboured.

Was The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists worth the listening time?

I'm glad I have listened to it, but if I had known what an ordeal the narration would be, I would never have bought the Audible version.

Any additional comments?

As a clinical psychologist specialising in personality disorders, I bought this book for what I could learn for myself, but also to see if it was something I could recommend to clients struggling with relationships with narcissists. I will be recommending it, but not in the Audible form. Firstly, the concepts are not easy, either intellectually or emotionally, if you are not familiar with them, and there are quite detailed, practical recommendations listed which I think most people would find easier to see in front of them on the page. Secondly I found myself struggling increasingly with the narration, and this made it much harder to listen to.

I do recommend the book. I particularly liked the Wizard of Oz metaphor running through the book, the clarification of covert narcissism (which can easily be missed and leave people feeling even more confused and distressed than when someone is more clearly grandiose or contemptuous), and the role of the other person in relationship with the narcissist. It's quite comprehensive, covering intimate relationships, relationships with parents, friends, colleagues and bosses, even service providers, and the recommendations should help people make healthy decisions about how to move forward, and when to let go. I would just not recommend the Audible version.

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3 people found this helpful

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Insightful

It was very insightful and helpful! Explained a lot in my life! Thank you! ❤

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brilliant

great book interesting and extremely helpful and realistic. would recommend it to anyone interested or in a dysfunctional relationship

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