The Psychology of the Sopranos Love, Death, Desire and Betrayal in America's Favorite Gangster Family

Great fun read, even if you've never seen a single episode of The Sopranos...as in my case. I must declare my interest however - I am a psychiatrist in training. One chapter of this book was suggested by a tutor for some light hearted reading to stimulate discussion in an informal tutorial we have for psychotherapy. It certainly did that, and some. I am guessing this would also be fun reading for any lay reader who has a passing interest in psychychology or psychotherapy, but in particular for those who (also) have an interest in The Sopranos.

This book handles the psychology aspect of the Sopranos which I find the most complelling. It highlights why the psychology in the Sopranos is more realistic than anything seen before and elevates the series to a higher level. There are many shows and movies about Italian-American mobsters. This one is very special and rises above most. The show has its own style and consciousness. Psychology of the Sopranos highlights that style and enlightens us furthur.

Like most Sopranos fans, I don't start Monday morning at work until my colleagues and I have thoroughly analyzed the episode of the night before. We all have some psych in our background and the discussions are lively and, not surprisingly, clearly include individual projection. Now, an insightful book by a psychoanalyst! Pinch me! This is one of the panel of psychoanalysts who critiques and analyzes on "Slate" after each episode. He provides understanding to story lines and characters that were previously debatable; that is, if you accept that his analysis is the final word! And you may not always.Why didn't Tony "get" the rapist? Now I know. Why are we all so drawn to this series? Writing is great, sure, but the reasons are much more complex and personal. The relationships are examined and illuminated. Lines and images I've forgotten are brought back, and with clarification. Subtle inclusion of references to classic movies and literature in the lines or settings are examined. Our fascination with Tony is explained in context to what we struggle with personally daily. I now have a logical understanding of why I like this obviously psychopatic killer mobster!My friends and I have a ritual of providing the best line of the night and we rarely mimic each other. The lines brought back in the book left a smile on my face. Some that I missed or forgot about were hilarious, and I even underlined passages. This book was a gift from a fellow "Sorpranoette," Courtney Conlin. It fascinated and captivated me. If you are a Sorpranos fan, and especially if you are into analyzing the plots and characters, if you have unanswered questions, if you strive to learn more about human motivations, and most of all your own, you will not be able to put this book down!

Mafia don Soprano and his associates have captured more than 11 million viewers in the HBO TV hit series; but what makes the series so fascinating ? especially to psychoanalysts? The Psychology Of Sopranos provides an intriguing survey of the characters and attractions of the series, using the gangster family as a foundation for analyzing the American psyche and its fascination with death.

As a psychiatrist-in-training who admires Gabbard's writings aimed at mental health professionals, I was interested to see how this book would read. He has managed to write an analysis (pun intended) of the Sopranos that is highly enjoyable as well as enlightening. Although he is writing to a lay audience and has tried to avoid psychoanalytic jargon, this book is not at all dumbed down. You just might find yourself learning something about psychodynamic theory while plumbing the depths of Tony's psyche. I think TV fans and shrinks alike (not to mention those in both categories) will get much out of this book, and have a good time in the process.