The Sociopath Next Door

By: Martha Stout

Narrated by: Shelly Frasier

Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

We are accustomed to think of sociopaths as violent criminals, but in The Sociopath Next Door, Harvard psychologist Martha Stout reveals that a shocking 4 percent of ordinary people, one in 25, has an often undetected mental disorder, the chief symptom of which is that that person possesses no conscience. He or she has no ability whatsoever to feel shame, guilt, or remorse. One in 25 everyday Americans, therefore, is secretly a sociopath. They could be your colleague, your neighbor, even family. And they can do literally anything at all and feel absolutely no guilt.

How do we recognize the remorseless? One of their chief characteristics is a kind of glow or charisma that makes sociopaths more charming or interesting than the other people around them. They're more spontaneous, more intense, more complex, or even sexier than everyone else, making them tricky to identify and leaving us easily seduced. Fundamentally, sociopaths are different because they cannot love. Sociopaths learn early on to show sham emotion, but underneath they are indifferent to others' suffering. They live to dominate and thrill to win.

The fact is, we all almost certainly know at least one or more sociopaths already. Part of the urgency in reading The Sociopath Next Door is the moment when we suddenly recognize that someone we know, someone we worked for, or were involved with, or voted for, is a sociopath. But what do we do with that knowledge? To arm us against the sociopath, Dr. Stout teaches us to question authority, suspect flattery, and beware the pity play. Above all, she writes, when a sociopath is beckoning, do not join the game.

It is the ruthless versus the rest of us, and The Sociopath Next Door will show you how to recognize and defeat the devil you know.

©2005 Martha Stout (P)2005 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Stout is a good writer and her exploration of sociopaths can be arresting." (Publishers Weekly)
"A remarkable philosophical examination of the phenomenon of sociopathy and its everyday manifestations....Stout's portraits make a striking impact and readers with unpleasant neighbors or colleagues may find themselves paying close attention to her sociopathic-behavior checklist and suggested coping strategies. Deeply thought-provoking and unexpectedly lyrical." (Kirkus)

A worthwhile read

A chilling account of the sickos amongst us. A well put together and well read study of human predators who are everywhere. Apparently we encounter them daily. If only we knew who they were ahead of time. Hopefully studies like this will prompt legal remedies for their innocent victims. A good reminder that if you are the trusting type it pays to verify.

An intriguing listen

This book opens doors to a completely different world that is close to everyone's life. I can never look at people the same way again. The narrator does a great job conveying dialog and does not miss a beat.

Great book

Great book. Must read. The narrator was very good. This is a book that all should read to protect oneself from such crazy ppl. This book gives people both
awareness and understanding.

Thought Provoking but a bit Opinionated

mixed. starts with an overview of. personal experiences. moves to some actual studies that back up the books points. then moves on to a very opinionated views or almost preachy retoric

Very interesting

This book is very informative. A good mix of science and illustration through stories. Some good advice, too. The reader did a good job with pace and tone, but her pronounciation was a bit odd on some words, such as the name "Ceausescu".

Sociopathy - Not just for Serial Killers anymore!

I'll admit this book's title grabbed me in a tabloid stand sort of way. Looked like a guilty-pleasure sort of read about serial killers or the like. As in, "He was always such a quiet friendly neighbor. But,bodies in the basement! Who knew?"

The reader's voice is also interesting and pleasing to hear. She speaks calmly and clearly. The actual story is never over-taken by a melodramatic interpretation.

What I also found interesting is the first reviews I read for this book. A complaint that the author was "too political." I think the chapters on Culture explain this aspect.
It's a fact that Western Culture praises the Individual above the community. Sociopaths take this perceived strength to the extreme. That listeners would feel that exploring this in terms of politics seems a bit like enabling the dictator or cut-throat businessman. Or maybe they themselves believe a little sociopathy, never hurt anyone.

What I learned was that Sociopathy has its mundane side as well. The author shows through various examples how the sociopath thinks and reacts to everyday life. The most shocking thing I learned was that boredom and dissatisfaction was ever-present for the sociopath. They are isolated from the world. There is no color, only black & white, only their wants/needs vs. everyone else's... regardless.

Short, concise and well worth the time. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an explanation as to maybe why that co-worker, neighbor or "friend" consistently behaves the way they do. And then how to avoid them.

narration was putting me to sleep

the topic was interesting. it was written decently as well. but the narrator could put someone to sleep.

Great Insight to Sociopathy

I thought this book was both enlightening and frightening. The upshot is this book gives concise information with examples who a sociopath is. Ms. Stout defines the sociopath, and the synonyms, gives a list of rules of engagement to empower the other 96% of the population, she explains scientifically why sociopaths are different. I will be telling friends about this book for a while.

This book is written for the lay person, but the information is not dumbed down. I have some difficulty with non-fiction books, but this one just sped by.

Also, the narrator was a good pairing to the content.

Interesting Information and great stories

Would you consider the audio edition of The Sociopath Next Door to be better than the print version?

I think that it would have been a better read for the simple fact that is very factual and it's easy to zone out to because it's a little mundane.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The stories really help you get a smooth idea of what a sociopath really is and not just what we think from hearing people use the term incorrectly.

Which scene was your favorite?

Groundhogs day. I could seriously see it in my mind.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A documentary about the people you never knew you knew

Any additional comments?

The voice is a little mundane but the topic is interesting and the writer does a great job using examples to get her point across.

Wish I would have read this 5 years ago!

Now it all makes sense. When you find yourself in one of those incredibly horrible relationships with someone who you can't believe is SO COLD - give this one a listen and you'll immediately begin to understand why.

This is a brilliantly written book by a skilled and insightful women. It offers numerous examples of sociopaths and clear instruction on how to recognize them in your own life. This should be required reading in as early as freshman year high school! We all NEED to know these things - and the information contained within this book can be lifesaving to those of us (like myself) who have had or may one day have the terrible misfortune of falling into a relationship with a charming sociopath who has the ability to sweep you off your feet...only to drop you off a bridge when the 'game' is done.