Customer Reviews
A great tool 
2007-11-25
This is one of the most dynamic books I have read that deals with the true nature of most people's early lives. It is easily read and understandable on the laypersons level. It is a tool you can repeatedly use - it certainly is not a toss-away book! I highly recommend it!
Excellent 2007-11-17
This is an excellent book. Very succinct, clear, and informative. I would reccomend this to anyone needing to heal from an unsatisfying home life. I think many people come out of narcissitic homes and they don't even know it.
accessible, informative, enlightening for EVERY family member 2007-11-08
This is a very accessible text that offers great insight in to ALL family relationships. It explains clearly that our society is generating narcissism as the norm and how each individual in a family strives to meet their own needs. By using the techniques outlined in the book it is possible to reduce conflict and resolve issues that each of us maybe unaware we have. Of particular use are real-life case studies and dialogue that show clearly issues that we all have encountered at some stage or other. The method of compartmentalizing is particularly useful in dissolving conflict. Thoroughly recommended.
Excellent! 2007-11-06
By examining case studies, the authors of The Narcissistic Family demonstrate that some families, that might be considered normal functioning from the outside, are in fact, operating narcissistically, and can have a disabling emotional impact on a child - showing that it isn't only overt emotional or physical abuse that causes long term dissociation and harmful behaviour.
The reader gets a close up and revealing look at the formation of narcissistic behaviour and tendencies, and the negative thought loops associated with them that can lead to depression.
Highly recommended.
Excellent 2007-10-30
This book takes you on a journey through your past, and most people will find at least some information in the book that will ring true in their own lives. Narcissism is rampant in our society, and many of us have been affected by this in one way or another. It's the kind of book made for people who are seriously looking to understand their family of origin issues and how to move forward in a healthy way. It does take some work to get through but it's well worth the effort.
enlightening! 2008-06-16
My mother is still narcissistic in virtually every relationship she has. I now recognize what it is about our relationship that leaves me empty. I no longer provide her narcissistic supply and I have established some clear boundaries with her. I can't change my childhood but I am aware of how it can affect me in my daily interactions and, armed with that knowledge, I have been able to be a better mother to my son.
I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who has to deal with a narcissistic family member; it doesn't necessarily have to be your parents. It could be a sibling, too.
A new beginning 
2008-05-05
This book was quite an eye opener for my husband and I. We actually read it together and was able to identify many of the issues addressed. We feel armed with the knowledge of what we are dealing with (as knowing is 1/2 the battle), but we are still uncertain as to how exactly to deal with the narcissitic parent/family system in certain situations. We plan to continue reading about this topic, discussing how best to be in control of our own actions/feelings, and moving foward past the narcissitic upbringing. This book was definitely the place to start.
The Narcissistic Family: Diagnosis and Treatment 2008-03-31
The book was very imformative if you feel you come from the type of family written about
A great book for helping oneself.... 2008-03-11
I have read this book recently and am amazed at how much it is helping me become a better person. The stories are amazing, the analysis is genius. I can't but help recommend this book for people who are interested in learning about themselves and how to improve themselves.
Thank GOD for this book 2008-01-10
I always knew my mom could be awful and my dad was passive, and that our household wasn't normal. But because there was no obvious abuse - no alcoholism, no hitting - and my parents paid for sailing lessons and an Ivy League college - I thought my adult problems were unrelated. Even after two consecutive therapists labeled my mother a narcissist, I couldn't make the connection between my upbringing and my chronic depression, indeciveness, insatiable desire to please others...until I read this book.
It's not a "blame-your-parents-for-everything" tract. "The Narcissistic Family" simply illustrates dysfunctional behavior with examples, articulates the impact of that behavior on the individual child, and explains the reasons behind it.
For instance: you know that your mother's yelling at you for low grades was crummy, and that you weren't really lazy or inept. But did you know that by getting angry, she was making YOU the problem? The normal response would be to investigate tutoring or time management or a different coarse load. (The problem is the homework, not the child.)
In a narcissistic family, the other parent responds by calming the narcissist (in my case, mom). The child's actual problem is ignored. The parents, essentially, are focused on their own needs. Before reading the Pressmans, I was never able to make sense of my parent's generosity and attention with being made to feel like an incompetent when I couldn't finish my homework on time.
Even if the term "narcissist" sounds harsh, read the book. At worst, it will be interesting and won't apply to you. At best, it will give your life-altering perspective.
