The Strange Case of Donald J. Trump
A Psychological Reckoning

This book was far better than expected. Written by a psychology professor from Georgetown University, it describes Trump's personality using a variety of models. It is a scientific study, not a tabloid style profile. It includes his family background, describes what he was like as a child, and analy......more

Dan McAdams is a Psychology Professor at Northwestern University. His specialties are personality and human development, with a particular interest in narratives. Unlike every other book on Trump, McAdams only wants to understand him, without diagnosis or political slants. As much as learning about......more

While Macadams has left wing sympathies and implies that only the right has authoritarian leanings, his explanation of Trump fits like one of Melania's dresses (fits on Melania). So far the only book or any piece of writing I've read that is both fair and precise. People with Trump derangement syndr......more

3.5/5 Okay, okay. My bookclub convinced me. Even writing the first few words of this review, I had to go change the stars from three to four. Here’s the deal: would I recommend the book? Not particularly. Did it have compelling ideas and solid arguments? Yes, many. I’ll start with the good. The auth......more

I am tempted to give it a five and would easily give it a four and a half if I could, but I'm hard grader. Many years ago I had the author for a grad school psychology class and his approach to adult development intrigued me. Which is why I read the book even though I can't stand the subject. McAdam......more