Official Review: Gaslighting & Narcissistic Abuse Rec...

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 16 Apr 2021, 13:43

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Gaslighting & Narcissistic Abuse Recovery:" by Don Barlow.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Many people that are stuck in a toxic relationship, whether romantic or familial, don’t even realize it. They have come to believe that the way they are treated is normal. In order to break the cycle, victims need to be educated on the tactics, techniques, and manipulations used by those around them. By recognizing these tactics, they can finally admit to needing help.

In Gaslighting & Narcissistic Abuse Recovery by Don Barlow, we are treated to a wide variety of eye-opening information. This book focuses on the tendencies of people with a narcissistic personality and how they manipulate those around them. The book starts with a discussion of narcissism and the variable spectrum of a condition known as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Barlow then focuses the rest of his book on one particular technique those with NPD use: gaslighting. Within this technique, Barlow elaborates on the stages of gaslighting, how gaslighting can be seen outside romantic relationships, what the impacts are, and how one can respond/recover.

I loved how the book used many different real-life examples to help victims recognize a situation they may be in. Whether it is through the phrases a victim might hear, or a manipulator’s constant need for control, I appreciated how Barlow highlighted the abnormality of these behaviours. The book’s message and theme were approachable, accessible, and easily understood. What I liked the most, however, was the personal touch that the book brought to the pages. The book opened (and closed) with the author’s own experiences with these kinds of relationships. First, he discussed the treatment he received growing up and how that affected his romantic relationships later on. In addition to Barlow's experiences, various other victims told their stories as well. This helps the reader realize that they are not alone. The last thing I’ll mention here is that the book isn’t simply for victims. I see this as an excellent resource for family members and friends that are looking to help someone being manipulated through gaslighting.

There was only one small thing that I disliked about this book. The book's main focus was intended to be on gaslighting and NPD. Although I completely acknowledge that there is a lot of crossover between other forms of abuse and gaslighting, I had the impression that the specific focus waned significantly as the book concluded. The final chapter, entitled "Recovering from Abuse", could have been applied to almost all types of abusive relationships and techniques. This remark, however, is very minor and could even be construed as a positive point for some readers seeking additional resources.

This book was full of great information. It identified key aspects of NPD and gaslighting to which I was previously ignorant, and I can definitely see it being a priceless reference for those suffering in a manipulative relationship. For those reasons alone, I fully believe that this book deserves a perfect four out of four stars. The minor issue mentioned above wasn't enough to remove a star from the rating. The ideal audience for this book is evidently those that think they may be in a manipulative relationship, but it would be just as useful for friends and family wishing to provide assistance to a victim.

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Gaslighting & Narcissistic Abuse Recovery:
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Mwatu · Post by **Mwatu** » 20 Apr 2021, 09:17

Glad to read that this is a book that would benefit both victims of NPD and gaslighting. I do agree that being able to see NPD and gaslighting helps with dealing with its effects. This book sounds like an all-around good resource. Thank you for your review.

Kennedy NC · Post by **Kennedy NC** » 20 Apr 2021, 09:56

I have always been interested in the topic of Narcissism and a book that thoroughly explains this concept would definitely be valuable to me. Great review.

Scarbaby · Post by **Scarbaby** » 20 Apr 2021, 21:31

I found your review very intriguing! As someone who can admit to past manipulative behaviors, and falling victim to them as well, I definitely feel a pull towards learning more on this topic. Thank you for sharing.

Smmwallace · Post by **Smmwallace** » 21 Apr 2021, 21:59

Narcissism is a fascinating topic. I appreciate the author relating personal experiences and giving helpful insight to people that may be victimized. Great review!

Kavita Shah · Post by **Kavita Shah** » 22 Apr 2021, 03:31

Gas Lighting is something which plays with your emotions resulting in a bad outcome. It's a topic worth knowing and exploring. I am adding this book to my want to read shelf. Thank you for this informative review.

Mikka Joy V · Post by **Mikka Joy V** » 24 Apr 2021, 11:21

both topics are the most common thing that is happening in our generation yet few only talks about it. I’m glad I stumbled upon this review because I myself is looking for books that will tackle such topics. I’m hoping to read this someday.

C3cilia · Post by **C3cilia** » 29 Apr 2021, 23:29

Am impreese by the way the author exhaustively ironed out the issue of narcissistic and gaslighting personality.Great review.

Wildflowertheorist · Post by **Wildflowertheorist** » 01 May 2021, 10:46

Narcissism never goes out of Vogue. A little bit adds to self esteem but the moment it starts tending towards the neurotic, it because unhealthy behaviour.

markodim721 · Post by **markodim721** » 02 May 2021, 05:08

I am glad that there are also books that deal with such sensitive topics. Everyone talks about them, but rarely does anyone decide to stand behind their name and surname as the author did. Thanks for the great review.

Devanshivira · Post by **Devanshivira** » 12 Jun 2021, 02:49

This book sounds like an all-around good resource. Glad to read

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 10 Nov 2021, 14:47

The title alone is grabbing. Knowing a few such folks in my lifetime makes this book very interesting. Your review has encouraged me even more so. Thanks!

Immaculate K 6 · Post by **Immaculate K 6** » 19 Mar 2022, 01:07

The title alone is alarming. Gaslighting and narcissistic abuse is something that needs to be taken care of. Am glad the writer came out with this recovery book. Am looking forward to reading this book.
Thanks for the review

Gulam Mohamed · Post by **Gulam Mohamed** » 10 Apr 2022, 09:04

We do not really understand gaslighting because there are so many different kinds. It's a technique that is used for so many different reasons by individuals, groups and cartels. But in all cases - that much I know - gaslighting is used for abuse and perpetuating it. This book is about abusive personal relationships. The review has made it really intriguing. The reviewer explains how the author makes a simple connection between gaslighting and narcissism as a personality disorder.

We all need to know about ourselves but we are not able to be objective. Sometimes it's difficult to face our blind spots and weaknesses, which is certainly true for me and we can easily slide into unhealthy relationships. The review clearly endorses the author's approach towards his simple thesis, so this book is going to end up on my bookshelf.