Book Description: Every day headlines are filled with examples of narcissistic individuals in positions of power who are nothing more than impostors plundering and wrecking havoc on the lives of others. From the corporate moguls of Enron and WorldCom to the clergy leaders of the Catholic Church, we daily encounter narcissists and the self-serving systems that enable them. Helping people reclaim their lives from this sinister exploitative force is the mission behind Payson's book, The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family. Using simple metaphors from the American classic, The Wizard of Oz, Payson illustrates how Dorothy's journey captures all the seductive illusions and challenges that occur when we encounter the narcissist. Empowering the reader with the ABCs of unhealthy narcissism and the unique problems that occur when a person becomes involved with the narcissist, Payson gives step-by-step practical tools to identify, protect, and heal from these destructive relationships. Largely un-addressed in the psychology and self-help literature, this ground breaking book offers hope and help to those who have been drawn into these devastating relationships. She includes illuminating case studies that identify the problems that occur in the different types of relationships, from co-workers, to friends, to parents, to lovers. Readers employing these insights and skills will find new abilities to identify and protect against the narcissist's manipulations and take back control of their lives.
Finally, the answer I was looking for If I could give this book another star, I would! I have read so many books on abusive relationships and personality disorders that you could say that I needed to get a life. I was married 15 years to an emotional/verbal/financhial abuser that was turning physical. I also have 4 children with him. I was despirately looking for answers to what I was experiencing and needed validation for the abuse that my publically charming hubby was never showing anyone but his family and those closest to him. Psychologists...marriage counselors...friends...family you name it, he fooled them all. They all loved him! By the time I left this man, I was almost insane and was diagnosed with Severe Post Trauma and Battered Wife Syndrome. Worst still, our children were begging me to never leave them alone with him and our oldest even asked that cameras be put into our home to "prove" that their dad was acting this way. An absolute nightmare of grand proportions. This book was like looking right threw his game and put everything I was experiencing from him and "his family" (esp his narcistic mother) into a crystal clear realization. I now have the tools I need to detach and drop the guilt/blame that the narcissist are so skilled at using. This author also helped me understand why I was attracted to him (and so many others like him) in the first place and even identify my own narcisitic and abusive mother. I now know where I need to work on myself to make sure the same mistake does not happen again. It also talks in depth about the effects the narcissists have on their children and the different ways they exploit them. I owe this author my deepest graditude for my, and my children's sanity. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANYONE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP OF ANY KIND.
Jenia Mundo, R.N. Eleanor Payson has written a groundbreaking book on the dynamic, dysfunctional dance of codependency and narcissism. The information in this book has helped me reclaim myself and also start the process of going much deeper in healing my wounded child. I would highly recommend this book to anyone questioning their relationship with family, spouse, friends, boss, therapist, medical professional, etc...
Looking in the Mirror I am a little over halfway through this book but I cannot believe how squarely the author has hit the nail on the head with this book. It's like looking in a mirror when I read through the scenarios, thoughts, feelings, and actions. I feel like someone wrote this book about me, only they've never met me. I hope to use this book to become less co-dependent and work through my relationship with a narcissistic husband.
Well Worth It! I bought this book with a friend in mind. While I enjoyed the book, it was a life-changing read for her. It is a bit technical at times, but does a terrific job of explaining the narcissistic/co-dependent relationship, whether you are on the outside looking in or on the inside looking out. I highly recommend it.
Almost more than I wanted to know! Wow! This book is succinctly written and well organized. I found more information in it than in the last two books I read on the subject. I read it once straight through, and then a second time making many notes in the margins and highlighting passages to refer to again later. I found it very, very helpful in helping me to understand -- and cope -- with the narcissists in my life. I have sent copies to several friends and family members.
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