Sociopath: A Memoir

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Sociopath addresses the taboo topic of sociopathy. Did you find Gagne’s recollection of her experiences as a sociopath compelling? What new information did it offer about sociopathy, and was the inclusion of new information successful in realigning your view of sociopathy?
• Sociopath is considered a difficult read simply because of its subject matter. How does Patric’s own discovery of her sociopathy affect your ability to connect with her as both a character and narrator? 
• Consider Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel, a memoir that engages with “being young and depressed.” How does Sociopath compare to Prozac Nation in terms of straightforward, first-person narration about a taboo mental-health issue? 

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Connect the book’s themes and characters to personal experiences and perspectives.

• What parts of the book were hardest for you to read? What scenes or behaviors did you find the most challenging, and do they align with your prior view of sociopathy?
• Did the book change your view of taboo mental health issues? Do you find Gagne brave, opportunistic, or neither?
• Have you ever met someone who meets the book’s criteria of sociopathy? If so, how did this person make you feel? Could you befriend a person with sociopathic tendencies if you knew some of the social limitations they might experience?
• How did you react to Max? Do you feel empathy, fear, respect, or something else? What does your perception of Max tell you about your feelings toward Patric?