The Mirror Effect

By: Dr. Drew Pinsky, Dr. S. Mark Young

Narrated by: Dr. Drew Pinsky

Reality TV. Celebutantes. YouTube. Sex Tapes. Gossip Blogs. Drunk Driving. Tabloids. Drug Overdoses. Is this entertainment? Why do we keep watching? What does it mean for our kids? In the last decade, the face of entertainment has changed radically - and dangerously, as addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky and business and entertainment expert Dr. S. Mark Young argue in this eye-opening new book.

The host of VH1's Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and of the long-running radio show Loveline, Pinsky recently teamed with Young to conduct the first-ever study of narcissism among celebrities. In the process, they discovered that a high proportion of stars suffer from traits associated with clinical narcissism - including vanity, exhibitionism, entitlement, exploitativeness, self-sufficiency, authority, and superiority. Now, in The Mirror Effect, they explore how these stars, and the media, are modeling such behavior for public consumption - and how the rest of us, especially young people, are mirroring these dangerous traits in our own behavior. And it explores how YouTube, online social networks, and personal blogs offer the temptations and dangers of instant celebrity to the most vulnerable among us.

Informed and provocative, with the warm and empathetic perspective that has won Dr. Drew Pinsky legions of fans, The Mirror Effect raises important questions about our changing culture - and provides insights for parents, young people, and anyone who wonders what celebrity culture is doing to America.

©2009 Dr. Drew Pinsky and Dr. S. Mark Young (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Interesting Perspective

Dr. Pinsky has a great way of explaning clinical terms in an easily understandable manner. This book provides an interesting take on what may be happening with many of our youth who are idolizing celebrity and/or social media lifestlye, which may be very different than what it seems. www.myenrichedlife.com

Very interesting

I loved it! His stories were interesting and well told. My favorite quote was towards the end of the book "if you're raising teenagers then you are dealing with a toddler on steroids with their emotions" I laughed of course but then he goes on with tips on how you should help them during this stage in their lives. This book is entertaining & informative.

I agree with some of the other reviews

While I agree that this isn't exactly break through research I think it is important because it points out the pervasiveness of narcissism in our culture. It seems like such a difficult thing to treat because a narcissist never thinks he/she is the problem. I have to admit I am a huge fan of Dr. Drew. He really seems like the voice of reason in a world that is so messed up. Some critics of his shows use his show and an example of bad therapy, and point out that he is on a channel that isn't the most psychologically healthy. I agree with him that the people that really need therapy aren't going to be watching Discovery Health. They are going to be watching the show on VH1 about the girl that didn't know she was pregnant (and relating to her) and his show will come on about how people need to get into a treatment program. I have so much respect for him. Really a great person trying to make the world a better place.

A must-read!

Fascinating. It gives such an eye-opening analysis on what is happening in our culture. Narration by Dr. Drew himself added to the enjoyment.

Oh those narcisstic movie stars.............

Interesting book. Well read. I definitely learned a lot about narcissism from Dr Drew.

Excellent book-if only people will listen...

I bought this book because I am a fan of Dr. Drew's from his various shows and appearances. He is very well thought out and seems to have his life together (though you never REALLY know!) which makes him an unusual person these days! After "reading" this book I am even more impressed by his knowledge in that he has such a thorough understanding of our society and culture. Therefore, when he talks about how the people and situations in this book are bringing us down as a whole (a problem I think ALL of us who have seen the "Flavor of Love" or "Simple Life" realize but do not always think about on this level), it seems to shift from a comical situation to a dire one that will significantly affect the lives of our children (and so on) if we keep heading in this direction. The sad part is that I have recommended this book to dozens of friends who laugh it off saying how much they love reality TV & crazy celebrity antics which suggests that, despite the importance of this book, it will not likely slow our decent down the slippery slope we are currently on. But at least I still highly recommend it!

Accurate, Insightful, very good!!

An in-depth look at what drives celebities and what that "drive" does to the consumer. very good book. Also gives insight into how the media serves up dysfuntional behavior simply because there are so many with an appetite for destruction. The author proves that narcissism is usually the primary drive to celebrity.

Pretty good book

OK first of all I was compelled to get this book after watching him get interviewed on the Bill O'Reilly show. He was very focused and his book looked interesting. After listening to several hours of him personally narrate his own book, it occurred to me that he could easily fill in for the guy that narrates "Burn Notice" (The TV series). His voice and inflections were almost an exact match (ha). His material was very focused and engaging. I am glad I bought this book. It is good stuff.

Great how to on staying grounded

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, definitely a good way to look at how society reacts to celebrities

What did you like best about this story?

Sounds like an actual study, but it however is read in such a way that it is digestible for the everyday person.

Which character – as performed by Drew Pinsky – was your favorite?

Dr. Drew as Dr. Drew

It's Dr. Drew, need I say more?

Nope. I don't- enjoy. The computer says I must write at least fifteen words so this sentence will serve no useful function beyond that criteria.