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116 reviews for:
Surrounded by Narcissists: How to Effectively Recognize, Avoid, and Defend Yourself Against Toxic People
Thomas Erikson
3.3 AVERAGE
116 reviews for:
Surrounded by Narcissists: How to Effectively Recognize, Avoid, and Defend Yourself Against Toxic People
Thomas Erikson
3.3 AVERAGE
slow-paced
NOTE: I am a librarian and I received an ARC of this book in MOBI format from NetGalley.
"You're such a narcissist!"
It seems like this phrase is thrown around everywhere one goes. But what does narcissism really mean? Are there really more narcissists than ever before? How are we to deal with the narcissists in our lives?
Thomas Erikson attempts to answer these questions in his latest book, "Surrounded by Narcissists." In doing so, he postures individual narcissism as a symptom of a status-obsessed, often antagonistic society. The sociological framework Erikson works with is a rather divergent approach that helps the reader look at the problem of narcissism in new ways. Erikson explores the dark sides of the ubiquitous features of contemporary life, including social media, to illustrate how the modern world provides fuel for cultural narcissism.
Erikson also details the different manifestations of narcissism amongst individuals and explains how personality differences impact this phenomenon. He incorporates the DISC model of behavior analysis (a system that assigns an individual a color-red, yellow, green, or blue-based upon personality traits) that he has used in his other books and its relationship to narcissism as the basis of much of his argument. However, without additional background on the DISC model or the inclusion of an assessment for the reader to determine their own "color," Erikson leaves his uninitiated readers behind.
The book is somewhat lacking in practical solutions for dealing with narcissistic individuals in one's own life. The key recommendations are to avoid or cut off ties with the narcissist, and to reduce or eliminate one's use of social media. Advice for specific situations is outside the scope of the book. Still, a work like "Surrounded by Narcissists" is a necessary point of reference for anyone interested in creating a less hostile society.
"You're such a narcissist!"
It seems like this phrase is thrown around everywhere one goes. But what does narcissism really mean? Are there really more narcissists than ever before? How are we to deal with the narcissists in our lives?
Thomas Erikson attempts to answer these questions in his latest book, "Surrounded by Narcissists." In doing so, he postures individual narcissism as a symptom of a status-obsessed, often antagonistic society. The sociological framework Erikson works with is a rather divergent approach that helps the reader look at the problem of narcissism in new ways. Erikson explores the dark sides of the ubiquitous features of contemporary life, including social media, to illustrate how the modern world provides fuel for cultural narcissism.
Erikson also details the different manifestations of narcissism amongst individuals and explains how personality differences impact this phenomenon. He incorporates the DISC model of behavior analysis (a system that assigns an individual a color-red, yellow, green, or blue-based upon personality traits) that he has used in his other books and its relationship to narcissism as the basis of much of his argument. However, without additional background on the DISC model or the inclusion of an assessment for the reader to determine their own "color," Erikson leaves his uninitiated readers behind.
The book is somewhat lacking in practical solutions for dealing with narcissistic individuals in one's own life. The key recommendations are to avoid or cut off ties with the narcissist, and to reduce or eliminate one's use of social media. Advice for specific situations is outside the scope of the book. Still, a work like "Surrounded by Narcissists" is a necessary point of reference for anyone interested in creating a less hostile society.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
informative
slow-paced
fast-paced
medium-paced
informative
slow-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Scary accurate and very eye-opening
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Fantastic audiobook on narcissism. The author writes in a perfect mix of wit, hint of sarcasm, and serious content. And the narrator is fabulous. Kept me interested with perfect inflection and enthusiasm throughout. Content-wise, this book covers the span of so much information, but not in an overwhelming way. Very simple. I enjoyed that he didn’t downplay the potential dangers of narcissism while also acknowledging that we all have some narcissistic characteristics but that there is a difference between characteristics and a personality disorder. One of the most interesting things I learned from this was that a full blown narcissist personality disorder can, in fact, not be cured. That was interesting to me. He also talks about the points when this turns to abuse and when you turn and walk (or run) away.
But along with that, he discusses the true nature of narcissism being born and growing in our current culture. How to treat people with these traits. How to avoid these traits in ourselves. How to recognize them as well and how they may interact with different personalities. Very thorough.
I loved that there was also a basic test to answer “am I a narcissist?” Although of course he encourages that this must be officially diagnosed by a professional.
As someone who has a narcissist pretty close to me for a long time, I found myself saying, “yep, yep, yep,” so often and really was able to take away some good info on how to handle certain situations. I’d recommend this book.
But along with that, he discusses the true nature of narcissism being born and growing in our current culture. How to treat people with these traits. How to avoid these traits in ourselves. How to recognize them as well and how they may interact with different personalities. Very thorough.
I loved that there was also a basic test to answer “am I a narcissist?” Although of course he encourages that this must be officially diagnosed by a professional.
As someone who has a narcissist pretty close to me for a long time, I found myself saying, “yep, yep, yep,” so often and really was able to take away some good info on how to handle certain situations. I’d recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting