Title: The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry
Author: Jon Ronson
First published May 12, 2011
275 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781594485756 (ISBN10: 1594485755)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Join bestselling journalist Jon Ronson on a wild and eye-opening journey through the world of psychopathy. In The Psychopath Test, Ronson delves into the industry of doctors, scientists, and others who study psychopaths, uncovering a potential hoax along the way.
With the help of an influential psychologist, Ronson learns how to recognize the telltale signs of psychopathy in CEOs and politicians. He visits a death-squad leader in a New York institution, a legendary CEO speculated to be a psychopath, and a patient who insists he’s sane in a criminally insane asylum.
Along the way, Ronson discovers that the personalities in charge of the madness industry may be just as mad as those they study, and that ordinary people are increasingly defined by their wildest edges. Come along on this fascinating journey through the minds of madness.
About the Author
Meet Jon Ronson, a talented writer and documentary filmmaker who has made a name for himself with international bestsellers such as Them: Adventures With Extremists and The Men Who Stare at Goats. You may recognize the latter as a major motion picture featuring A-list actors like George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, and Jeff Bridges.
Ronson is also a regular contributor to The Guardian, where he writes engaging columns like “Human Zoo” and “Out of the Ordinary.” He’s also the creative force behind the BBC Radio 4 series.
When it comes to film, Ronson has produced several documentaries for Channel 4, including the five-part series and . His most recent projects include (Channel 4), (More4), and (Radio 4).
Across the pond, Ronson lends his talents as a contributor to Public Radio International’s . Whether he’s writing or filming, Jon Ronson is a true creative force to be reckoned with.
Editoral Review
David Nasaw’s The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy is a comprehensive biography of one of the most influential figures in American history.
The book was first published on November 13, 2012, and it is a prime example of literary nonfiction. The book provides an in-depth look at Kennedy’s life, successes, and failures.
The book is set during a period when America was undergoing significant political and social changes, and Nasaw presents an historical, insightful, and objective analysis of Kennedy’s life that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The book’s most significant strength is its attention to detail; Nasaw has taken care to gather extensive primary source material, providing readers with a comprehensive and intimate portrayal of Kennedy’s life.
The Patriarch tells the story of Joseph P. Kennedy, who was the father of the famous Kennedy clan.
Born into a wealthy family, Kennedy had a meteoric rise in the business world before transitioning to politics. He became instrumental in national politics, working as a businessman, a politician, and a financier.
The book chronicles Kennedy’s life from his birth in 1888 to his death in 1969, covering his personal life, political influence, and involvement in national and international events. Nasaw’s portrayal of Joseph Kennedy is unbiased, and he takes care to present the facts without adding his own opinions or emotions.
In doing so, he allows his readers to form their own opinions about the controversial figure. The author has done extensive research to provide his readers with an accurate portrayal of Kennedy’s personal and professional life.
The book is a testament to the value of thorough research, and Nasaw has done an excellent job of fleshing out the character of Joseph Kennedy. Nasaw’s writing is impressive, and his style is easy to read.
He has a gift for writing, which shines through in every chapter. The book’s pacing is excellent, and Nasaw has done an excellent job of balancing detailed research with compelling storytelling.
The book is an engaging read, and Nasaw’s writing style is well-suited to his subject matter. One of the book’s most significant strengths is its historical significance; it provides a detailed look at one of the most influential figures in American history.
The book is not just a biography of Kennedy but also provides an insightful analysis of American politics, economics, and social movements during the time. Moreover, Joseph Kennedy remains a contentious figure, even today.
The book offers readers an opportunity to understand the complex figure on a more personal level, and it provides a platform for discussion. However, the book has some limitations.
First, the book feels overstuffed in places; there are times when the book could do with a more concise writing style. Second, although the book provides a detailed exploration of Joseph Kennedy’s personal and political life, it is light on analysis of his business dealings.
Overall, The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy by David Nasaw is a comprehensive and engaging biography that will appeal to readers who are interested in American history, politics, and business.
The book is a fascinating read, and the author’s attention to detail is impressive. Fans of history and biography will find much to love in this well-crafted book.
Therefore, I will give this book four stars out of five.