Rating: 
Summary: bold look at the reality of psychopathy (even in children)
Review: Though I'm only halfway through the essay, I send kudos to Dr. Kellerman for his bold and unapologetic stance on a difficult and controversial subject. Those that have not peered into the eyes (or file--or better yet, have not seen crime scene photos, then spoken with "the nice fellow who couldn't have possibly done what was in those pictures, or if he did, he was 'temporarily insane'") of a psychopath (of any age) will think him curt, dismissive, and with a political agenda. Those that have, will immediately feel relief that they are not alone in their mixed feelings of fear (of what the "person" is capable of doing), guilt (for feeling the way they do), and impotence (regarding how to inform others of their findings).Though somewhat technical for lay personnel (even the erudite may need a dictionary), his coverage of psychopathy--a term we're afraid to utilize in America--is right on target, especially the history of the word and distinction between "psychopath" and "psychotic." Further, his willingness to discuss same in terms as being identifiable in children as young as three is, albeit chilling, an unfortunate reality of human existance. As a psychologist for a state parole board who also does evaluations with inner-city children, I was impressed by Dr. Kellerman's use of recent (and older, yet strong) research on the topic. Though he is a popular fiction author, he appears not to have lost his ability to write "scientific" articles. [I primarily evaluate true psychopaths and feel qualified to give Dr. Kellerman such a rating--through my experience and visceral identification with what he says.] Those that work with offenders (and other non-institutionalized psychopaths) should read this treatise. It will shock people that subscribe to "man-is-basically-kind" notions. However, it will also shed light on the unfortunate fact that "you're-not-guilty-of-what-you-can-get-away-with." (Especially if there are no surviving victim/witnesses to tell.)
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