Sociopath: A Memoir
Written by Patric Gagne
Narrated by Patric Gagne
4.5/5
()
Sociopathy
Self-Discovery
Relationships
Personal Growth
Mental Health
Sociopath
Power of Friendship
Absent Father
Rebellious Teenager
Confidant
Self-Discovery Journey
Therapist
Sociopathic Hero
Sociopathic Protagonist
Forbidden Love
Identity
Honesty
Family Relationships
Music Industry
Psychology
About this audiobook
Patric Gagne realized she made others uncomfortable before she started kindergarten. Something about her caused people to react in a way she didn’t understand. She suspected it was because she didn’t feel things the way other people did. Emotions like fear, guilt, and empathy eluded her. For the most part, she felt nothing. And she didn’t like the way that “nothing” felt.
In college, Patric finally confirmed what she’d long suspected. She was a sociopath. But even though it was the very first personality disorder identified—well over 200 years ago—sociopathy had been neglected by mental health professionals for decades. She was told there was no treatment, no hope for a normal life. But when Patric reconnects with an old flame, she gets a glimpse of a future beyond her diagnosis. If she’s capable of love, it must mean that she isn’t a like the madmen and evil villains in pop culture. With the help of her sweetheart (and some curious characters she meets along the way) she embarks on a mission to prove that the millions of Americans who share her diagnosis aren’t all monsters either.
This is the inspiring story of Patric’s journey to unlock the true nature of sociopathy and build a life of love and hope against all odds.
Editor's Note
Not what you think…
Gagne doesn’t fit the mold of what people believe a sociopath to be. She’s a wife and mother, holds a PhD in psychology, and has worked as a therapist and crisis counselor. But it’s true — Gagne has antisocial personality disorder. This fascinating memoir of her life, much of which has been spent seeking to understand her diagnosis, not only challenges stereotypes of sociopathy, but also inspires empathy for those of us who can’t experience it for themselves.
Patric Gagne
Patric Gagne is a writer, former therapist, and advocate for people suffering from sociopathic, psychopathic, and anti-social personality disorders. She earned a PhD in clinical psychology with a dissertation that examined the relationship between sociopathy and anxiety. This research became the groundwork for her continued studies on sociopathic disorder, as well as the foundation for her memoir. She did her undergraduate work at UCLA and earned her masters and doctorate at the California Graduate Institute of The Chicago School.
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466 ratings32 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title a delightful, enlightening, educational, informative, and necessary read. It offers insightful and honest perspectives on sociopathy, dispelling misconceptions. The well-written narrative captivates with its honesty, humor, and self-awareness. Although some reviewers questioned the author's credentials and privilege, the majority appreciated the unique journey and inspiring message. The book's engaging narration and compelling storytelling make it a worthwhile, eye-opening experience that fosters compassion and understanding for mental health issues.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 4, 2025
I could not stop listening, chapter after chapter. I’ve always been interested in psychology and had a fascination with anything in involving the mind. And this was a new look into how sociopaths experience the world and so well executed. Loved it. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 24, 2025
Woow Patrick
It is unparalleled the ability for someone to make me affectionate towards her and feel that she is a close friend in the space of a book.
This was incredibly delightful. I can’t believe how close I got to her, and how enthralling and captivating her writing and narration is.
I’m absolutely amazed by her capabilities throughout her professions and also being a prolific writer.
She and her book will have a long lasting effect on me for sure haha - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jun 13, 2025
I wish all attorneys and judges would read this and understand the brain a wee bit more. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
May 19, 2025
This book was fantastic! I really have a better understanding of sociopathy. This memior dispelled misconceptions in an honest and humorous way. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Mar 15, 2025
A mostly interesting memoir. A few contradictions here and there, but overall a good book. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Feb 20, 2025
Very easy to listen to - ie reader - as well as informative. It kept my interest all the way - and I had no intention of even listening to it. It popped up as an option on my app - I think because I like memoirs and have listened to several. Once I started it, I couldn’t turn it off - much less quit it.
I think I know a sociopath - my former best friend who took my husband with no conscience or remorse. I suspected before this about her earlier . . . .
I will recommend this book! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Feb 14, 2025
Fascinating, meaningful experience. Highly recommended. Beautifully written and narrated with depth and heart. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Feb 14, 2025
Wowww such a good book and the audio was just so good and easy to listen to!! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Oct 27, 2024
Author conveyed a different perspective on Sociopathy that was originally understood. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Oct 20, 2024
Through this book, I learned the value of apathy. As an empathetic person, I’ve always villainized it. Now I can appreciate it with more nuance. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 27, 2024
Compelling! Such an intriguing, well-told story. I appreciated the honesty and humour. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Aug 16, 2024
It fascinating! The author’s personal journey is unique and inspiring! Enjoyed the narrator’s expressions too. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jul 25, 2024
Hands down one of the best books I’ve ever listened to. The author narrated her story delightfully and her story was touching!
Remarkable. I never knew there was so little research on Sociopathy, that certainly needs to change. This is a fantastic start. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jul 4, 2024
It was good! Love the ending-full of hope for all of us that are affected by mental illness! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jul 3, 2024
A surprisingly delightful, enlightening, educational, informative, and very necessary read for everyone. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jul 2, 2024
Amazing! Couldn’t stop, and can’t stop talking to people about it. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jun 29, 2024
EXCELLENT!!! Eye opening and extremely interesting. This could easily change someone’s life, it did mine and I don’t have social apathy!!! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jun 5, 2024
This is my first glimpse into the sociopathic mind. The author wrote so honestly. Everyone with a different mind deserves compassion. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jun 2, 2024
Honest look into sociopathy. I really enjoyed the pace and tone of the author. Couldn’t put it down. I now am sure I’m not a sociopath, but I wonder about some other people I know… LOL - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
May 30, 2024
This was a fantastic book! I was able to listen to it in two days. I didn’t want to stop listening. It’s very intriguing. I didn’t think this would get me in the feels however,chapter 24 and the last two chapters really do get you. This book is beautifully crafted and the rawness is deep. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
May 22, 2024
I appreciated the writer’s honesty and openness of her life. However it comes from a side of extreme privilege. Many with the same diagnosis do not have the same resources as she. It would have been nice to hear what about her advocacy work. - Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5
May 15, 2024
This book did not pass the smell test. I got about halfway through before I started to question this authors credentials. I have been unable to find proof of Gagnes/Cagles PHD or any other scholarly works other than this novel by the author. Very suspect to make claims about whole groups of people with the sample size of 1. It was well written, I’ll give her that. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
May 12, 2024
The author is an excellent writer…and one of the best narrators I’ve ever heard! I had to force myself to go to bed (at 2 am) for two nights because the book held my interest. About three-fourths of the way through, I felt it was getting a bit repetitive…the same conversations with different people in her life who she felt were trying to change her. I’m a retired therapist, so was intrigued on several levels by the book. The author’s having to practically invent/discover her own method of therapy was fascinating. If you find yourself losing interest about three-quarters through the book, you might want to skip some pages…you can always go back later and read them. But I encourage readers to get and read this book. I’ll be surprised if it does not become a best seller. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
May 11, 2024
A very insightful memoir about what’s really like to be a sociopath. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Apr 28, 2024
Enjoyed her insight and self awareness. I really liked her chuckles and inflections as she told her own story with vivid recall. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Apr 6, 2024
A well written, complex account of coming to terms with being a sociopath and dispelling the misconceptions of what it means to be diagnosed with that personality disorder. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Apr 9, 2024
This was so interesting. I learned a lot about psychopathy that I didn’t know as a clinical psychologist.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Apr 18, 2024
Wonderful listen. Very eye opening. Here’s more words and words. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Aug 25, 2025
An amazing read with insight into the life of a sociopath that I have never had the chance to experience before. I think it can help people have a much better understanding of those who are emotionally different from the average and change the idea that it always means something “bad.”1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Feb 26, 2025
Interesting concepts but got repetitive. Like a one note tune.1 person found this helpful
