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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

Shortlisted for: Popular Non-Fiction Book of the Year – Specsavers National Book Awards 2012

This is a story about madness. It all starts when journalist Jon Ronson is contacted by a leading neurologist. She and several colleagues have recently received a cryptically puzzling book in the mail, and Jon is challenged to solve the mystery behind it. As he searches for the answer, Jon soon finds himself, unexpectedly, on an utterly compelling and often unbelievable adventure into the world of madness.

Jon meets a Broadmoor inmate who swears he faked a mental disorder to get a lighter sentence but is now stuck there, with nobody believing he’s sane. He meets some of the people who catalogue mental illness, and those who vehemently oppose them. He meets the influential psychologist who developed the industry standard Psychopath Test and who is convinced that many important CEOs and politicians are in fact psychopaths.

Jon learns from him how to ferret out these high-flying psychopaths and, armed with his new psychopath-spotting abilities, heads into the corridors of power...Combining Jon’s trademark humour, charm and investigative incision, The Psychopath Test is a deeply honest book unearthing dangerous truths and asking serious questions about how we define normality in a world where we are increasingly judged by our maddest edges.

©2011 Jon Ronson (P)2011 Macmillan Digital Audio
Criminal & Forensic Psychology Inspiring

Editorial reviews

Shortlisted for Non-Fiction Book of the Year in the Specsavers National Book Awards 2012, the best-selling audiobook The Psychopath Test is written and narrated by award-winning British journalist and documentary filmmaker Jon Ronson. Take a closer look at the subject of madness from every angle – the diagnosed, the doctor and the imposter. Ronson gives a humorous and insightful look at a subject still plagued by stigmas and stereotypes. He reveals a way to perform the psychopath “test” on anyone – from your boss, neighbor or your lover and be surprised how their answers compare. Available now from Audible.

Critic Reviews

“Ronson’s gift is his ability to illuminate impenetrable worlds. Hare’s checklist is already the subject of criticism, but Ronson details many studies showing how bad psychiatry has been at diagnosing mental illness.”(Nature Magazine)

"In case you get really worried about a member of your party, then we’d suggest packing Jon Ronson’s The Psychopath Test, a compelling adventure into the world of madness. Funny and revealing this book will change the way you look at your boss, boyfriend or bank manager forever." (The Guardian)

"Ronson’s gift is his ability to illuminate impenetrable worlds. Hare’s checklist is already the subject of criticism, but Ronson details many studies showing how bad psychiatry has been at diagnosing mental illness." (Nature Magazine)

What listeners say about The Psychopath Test

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Amazing!

Any additional comments?

Can’t speak highly enough about this book. This was the first book by Jon Ronson that I listened to and still definitely my favourite. It’s non-fiction, but reads sort of as though it’s fiction. Amazing. 5 stars!

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worth a listen

got pretty obsessed for first 3/4 of book but got a bit distracted towards the end.

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Powerful.

Disturbing and moving at the same time. as humans the need to be able to box people has is consequences.

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amazing book

amazing book that really expose the psychology medical community. the book has great stories of people who suffered from the medical community mistakes and their stories.

really recommend it for anyone interested in these stuff.

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Fascinating

I enjoyed Jon's journey very much and thus listened to the book rather quickly. Some people may find his narration monotonous but it didn't bother me having seen some of his talks before.

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Unflinching critique

Fascinating and unflinching critique of the world of psychiatry and psychopathy. Would definitely recommend it

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Recommended!

Easy to listen and always amusing and interesting. Insightful and with lots of perspectives Jon takes you on a journey through many people's lives involving psychopathy.

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Oh my gawd!

Read by the author which made it interesting. I started comparing people I know which was a bit startling!

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This is one book l will listen to again

Fascinating. Scarey. l know that listening to this book over again l will pick up things l missed the first time around.





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Facinating

Wow scarey interesting stuff! I was greatly disturbed and entertained by the contents of this text.

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