Understand Psychopaths

If you’re looking for a deep dive into the psychology of psychopaths, The Great Pretender: My Undercover Mission to Understand the Psychopaths Among Us is an essential read. Written by acclaimed investigative journalist and author Debbie Nathan, this book offers an in-depth and gripping look at individuals who have been labeled as psychopaths — and it will have you questioning your own understanding of mental illness and the criminal justice system.

Nathan’s journey begins with her first conversation with “Bob,” a convicted serial rapist who claims he is not, in fact, a psychopath — an assertion that Nathan initially finds hard to believe. But as she continues to meet with Bob and other similarly-labeled individuals, she begins to discover that there is far more complexity and nuance to their stories than meets the eye. Through her interviews with these people, she uncovers a vast range of experiences that challenge her preconceptions about who could be considered a psychopath — from those who are simply misunderstood to those who are truly manipulative and dangerous.

In addition to exploring the psychology of psychopathy, Nathan also dives into the larger issues surrounding mental health treatment and the criminal justice system. She examines how our society labels certain behaviors as “crazy” or “criminal” without fully understanding them; how prisons are often used as de facto mental health facilities; and how public opinion can shape policy decisions. This thought-provoking book provides a much-needed examination of a complex topic, offering both insight and illumination on an issue that has long been shrouded in mystery.