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The Psychopath Test

A Journey Through the Madness Industry

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The Psychopath Test

By: Jon Ronson
Narrated by: Jon Ronson
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About this listen

Uncover the madness at the heart of society in this Sunday Times bestseller.

'The belly laughs come thick and fast' – The Observer
'Chirpy, inquisitive, funny' - Craig Brown

What if society wasn't fundamentally rational, but was motivated by insanity? This thought sets Jon Ronson on an utterly compelling adventure into the world of madness.

Along the way, Jon meets psychopaths, those whose lives have been touched by madness and those whose job it is to diagnose it, including the influential psychologist who developed the Psychopath Test, from whom Jon learns the art of psychopath-spotting. A skill which seemingly reveals that madness could indeed be at the heart of everything . . .

Combining Jon Ronson's trademark humour, charm and investigative incision, The Psychopath Test is both entertaining and honest, unearthing dangerous truths and asking serious questions about how we define normality in a world where we are increasingly judged by our maddest edges.

 Criminal & Forensic Psychology Mental Health Professionals & Academics Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions Social Scientists & Psychologists Crime Thought-Provoking Funny Health

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Critic reviews

I began The Psychopath Test late at night, tired, dispirited and ill – then found myself laughing like the proverbial loon for page after page. (Will Self)
The belly laughs come thick and fast – my God, he is funny . . . Ronson’s new book is provocative and interesting, and you will, I guarantee, zip merrily through it.
All stars
Most relevant
The blurb for this book says it is "utterly compelling". Those were precisely the words I wanted to use to describe this book, so I've rather had the wind taken out of my sails.

I found this book especially interesting as I and family members have experienced mental illness. I was dumbfounded by the story of how the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental health problems was put together. However, that's by no means to say that personal mental misfortune is necessary to be fascinated by The Psychopath Test.

Ronson makes the process of journalism rather more transparent than other writers and his thoughts and feelings are often to the fore. His journeys to meet people are described and his thought processes are laid out as he interviews them. I find that interesting as someone who occasionally harbours journalistic pretensions, but I think anyone would enjoy getting some insight into how journalism is carried out.

If you're already a fan of Jon Ronson then I think you will be delighted by this. I would warn that it is a fair bit darker than his other books. You may guess that to be probable from the subject matter. There's fewer quips. But it is as interesting as his other work.

If you're new to Ronson I'd probably recommend "Them: Adventures With Extremists" though I don't know if that comes in an audio version. But if you're curious about this book in particular for any reason then please do make the leap and get downloading. You won't regret it.

In the book you are given a widely used checklist of traits that are thought to be part of a psychopaths make-up. One thing that you'll almost certainly find yourself doing is asking yourself: "do I know any psychopaths?" I am pleased to say I don't think I do. But with 1% of people thought to be psychopaths (rising to 3-4% as you reach the higher echelons of income and status) you may well find that you do.

It is indeed utterly compelling.

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Amazingly insightful glimpse into the world of the analysis of psychopathy. Having worked in a secure unit, I feel that John Ronson’s delicate but unromantic portrayal of the issue was excellently well positioned.

Insightful

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A great listen and all the more so for Jon's own excitable voice reading the text. No fear here of the narrator ruining the book, it's an enhancement for sure. Anyone who is a fan of his BBC Radio 4 show will be familiar with his unique tone and here is no exception.

His journey through the book is interesting as always, as he gets to grips with the nature of pyscopathy. A joy! I did the test, I reckon I'm safe.

If only Men Who Stare At Goats was narrated by him.

A joy for his radio 4 fans

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This is one of the best non fiction books I have read for a long time. I love the honesty of Jon Ronson as he explores the world of psychiatry. Gripping and thought provoking. If you have any interest in the mind and the human condition you should enjoy this. A great read.

Brilliant

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I was sceptical for the first hour or so and then wow! This is an amazing listen and eye opening into the world of psychiatrists from JR who goes along with everything that is being said which gets to the heart of the interviewees ideas and thoughts. Although this book has been subjected to large amounts of criticism it’s still great. Anything written on this subject will get criticism so don’t let that put you off.

Eye opening and I highly recommend this!

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