This book subtitled “In Sheep’s Clothing: Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People” was bought on a whim but has proved to be most helpful.  We all have those people in our lives (family, friends, colleagues) that we struggle to cope with or trust but are uncertain as to why – our gut instinct is strong on the warning signs but the actual evidence is lacking.  This book highlights a distinctive type of person – the ‘covert aggressive”.  In highlighting a number of case studies the book is very practical and a quick read.  Its conclusions are helpful but in terms of the book, quite short and pithy with little meat on the bones.  Definitely worth a read though.

In a little more detail:

The book is split into 2 parts, the first concentrating on understanding manipulative personalities and the second part on dealing effectively with manipulative people.  The case studies are extremely helpful in terms of the way they are written and it is not difficult to see traits in anyone you meet.  The danger is that you may begin labelling everyone that you meet, when in fact not everyone is ‘guilty as charged’.  If you know of people who fit the character traits there are useful approaches in how to counter their manipulation but to most seasoned observers they are common sense.

All in all a useful tome that may be helpful to help search your own soul.  I am glad that it reached my booklist and am certain that it will be one that I refer to on more than one occasion in the future.