A clinical psychologist argues that the criminal's way of thinking is vastly different from that of a responsible citizen and refutes popular beliefs that broken homes, alcoholism, media violence, unemployment, drug addiction, or passionate impulses are crime causes.

Case histories demonstrate the author's belief that the criminal chooses his associates, way of life, and the kinds of crimes he commits. They show that criminals reject society, value people to the extent they can be manipulated, and believe they are entitled to whatever they desire. Psychiatric misinterpretations of four types of crimes are discussed: crimes of passion, crimes that appear senseless, crimes that arise out of impulse control disorders, and crimes committed due to insanity. A critical discussion of the prison system emphasizes that it fails to change criminals' thought patterns and consequently is ineffective. The book describes a therapeutic approach pioneered by Dr. Samuel Yochelson that helps criminals gain a realistic view of themselves and the world, cope with frustration and life's everyday problems, and learn ways to deter criminal thinking. Selected Reading Questionnaire.

More of a sociology book than was expecting. Didn't finish it. ( )

Fantastic and informative read. Insightful. Criminals Will Hate This Book.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books and I wasn't disappointed.
First off, I hesitated reading this book. So often, books about criminals praise criminals and make excuses trying to excuse their crimes. There is no excuse for a crime; just someone wanting instant gratification without paying for it.
This book, however is a refreshing read. The author, a respected psychologist says what most rational thinking people knew all along: Criminals commit crimes because they want to. There is no extra chromosome; no poor, abusive environment, or bully in the criminal’s past that caused the criminal to commit a crime. Committing a crime is a voluntary action and the author does an excellent job in demonstrating that. Responsibility belongs to the criminal in both committing a crime and really wanting to change. As this book illustrates, there is no magic formula that will change an inmate. Give him all the education and support and all a criminal will do is use it to commit his next crime. In other words, don't pit a criminal. Don't think you can change one. Learn how they really think. Protect yourself and your loved ones by reading this book.
Overall, this is a well written and informative book that goes inside the criminal’s mind. Sorry, criminals and all those that believe their excuses: There are no excuses; no justifiable reasons to commit crimes. It is simply a matter of choice. To commit or not commit a crime is up to you, and this book does a fantastic job of proving that.
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Fantastic and informative read. Insightful. Criminals Will Hate This Book.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books and I wasn't disappointed.
First off, I hesitated reading this book. So often, books about criminals praise criminals and make excuses trying to excuse their crimes. There is no excuse for a crime; just someone wanting instant gratification without paying for it.
This book, however is a refreshing read. The author, a respected psychologist says what most rational thinking people knew all along: Criminals commit crimes because they want to. There is no extra chromosome; no poor, abusive environment, or bully in the criminal’s past that caused the criminal to commit a crime. Committing a crime is a voluntary action and the author does an excellent job in demonstrating that. Responsibility belongs to the criminal in both committing a crime and really wanting to change. As this book illustrates, there is no magic formula that will change an inmate. Give him all the education and support and all a criminal will do is use it to commit his next crime. In other words, don't pit a criminal. Don't think you can change one. Learn how they really think. Protect yourself and your loved ones by reading this book.
Overall, this is a well written and informative book that goes inside the criminal’s mind. Sorry, criminals and all those that believe their excuses: There are no excuses; no justifiable reasons to commit crimes. It is simply a matter of choice. To commit or not commit a crime is up to you, and this book does a fantastic job of proving that.
( )

Fantastic and informative read. Insightful. Criminals Will Hate This Book.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books and I wasn't disappointed.
First off, I hesitated reading this book. So often, books about criminals praise criminals and make excuses trying to excuse their crimes. There is no excuse for a crime; just someone wanting instant gratification without paying for it.
This book, however is a refreshing read. The author, a respected psychologist says what most rational thinking people knew all along: Criminals commit crimes because they want to. There is no extra chromosome; no poor, abusive environment, or bully in the criminal’s past that caused the criminal to commit a crime. Committing a crime is a voluntary action and the author does an excellent job in demonstrating that. Responsibility belongs to the criminal in both committing a crime and really wanting to change. As this book illustrates, there is no magic formula that will change an inmate. Give him all the education and support and all a criminal will do is use it to commit his next crime. In other words, don't pit a criminal. Don't think you can change one. Learn how they really think. Protect yourself and your loved ones by reading this book.
Overall, this is a well written and informative book that goes inside the criminal’s mind. Sorry, criminals and all those that believe their excuses: There are no excuses; no justifiable reasons to commit crimes. It is simply a matter of choice. To commit or not commit a crime is up to you, and this book does a fantastic job of proving that.
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