Praise for Two Legged Snakes:
Multi-Modal Processing: A Quality Technique Used to Capacity, May 15, 2010
5 Stars - Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People
By Grady Harp - Top 10 Amazon Reviewer
Dr Ed Slack is a psychologist who understands communication far beyond the walls of his office practice. IN TWO LEGGED SNAKES: UNDERSTANDING AND HANDLING MANIPULATIVE PEOPLE he offers wise insights to the reader about how to avoid those fellow humans who would attempt to manipulate us into not only the way that we think, but the way that we decipher façades that lead to errors in judgment that in turn can lead to unhappy hook-ups and decisions. Starting his complexly illustrated book (a very wise choice for this informative guide), he states 'The greatest single factor determining your level of happiness and success is who you listen to and who you trust.' He then proceeds to inform us that his so named 'two-legged snakes' 'will sell you things you don't need, break your heart, steal from you with a smile, and garner your support for agendas that benefit them at ridiculous costs to you.'
What follows is a very wise lesson peppered with hilarious examples as well as strong warnings of signs to watch for as two-legged snakes cross our paths. His chapter headings tell the goal of the book: Why two legged snakes have become such a problem; Types of two legged snakes (charmers, backstabbers, media maven, the decorated, the bilker, the bombast entertainer, etc); The apple biters: Types of two legged snake fans; Common two legged snake persuasion techniques; Two legged snake biting styles; Handling two legged snakes; The snakes in our heads. In combining his pungent ideas and enlightening ways of recognizing and avoiding his two legged snake types Slack uses copious well-drawn illustrations (by Donny Smutz, Sherard Jackson, and Patrick Schlafer) that drive the messages home. His book uses quotes from famous people to enhance and validate his teachings, such as Albert Einstein's 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'
But in the end what this little volume offers is recognition about how we interact with those around us, and how to discern these who would lead us into situations we later regret. Slack also reminds us that in our own minds we carry the potential of behaving in two legged snake fashion and how to recognize these tendencies and correct them. This is a fun book to read - brief and well organized - while at the same time this is a manual for helping us deal with a phenomenon about which we never really knew existed!
Grady Harp, May 10, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People By Dr. Ed Slack
By JANICA UNRUH
BLOGCRITICS.ORG
I recently got out of a manipulative relationship. I was good friends with a woman who seemed normal and friendly, though occasionally controlling. But over time, I started feeling lied to or pulled into doing things that I didn’t particularly want to do. This friend would do something hurtful then pretend the event never happened. Or she would blame her behavior on something else, playing the victim instead of admitting a wrongdoing. I wanted to trust this “friend,” but often felt there was just something wrong. Was I going crazy?
I could never understand why I felt so strange in these relationships until I began researching psychological manipulation. Manipulative people know what they’re doing and use specific tactics to try to control those around them. Some of these manipulators can be very good at what they do. But some of them are close friends who you love dearly. So the question is: how can an ordinary person, who generally trusts people, handle a person bent on deception?
For my specific problem, I started researching on the internet, but I wish I had had Dr. Ed Slack’s comically illustrated book Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People. Dr Ed Slack has been a psychologist for over 25 years and specializes in working with addicts and manipulators. His book is designed to give practical information to regular people.
In Two Legged Snakes, Dr. Slack outlines different types of manipulators and explains how you can respond to their snaky maneuvers. Other sections describe who is most likely to believe these liars as well as include advice on how not to become one yourself.
I really enjoyed reading Two Legged Snakes. It’s a great place to get basic information on manipulative behavior without having to flip through a massive text book. In fact, Dr. Slack purposely made his book simple and accessible to every day people.
For instance, the work is constructed around the comparison between manipulators and “Bipedal Snakes” or BSs. And yes, the pun is intended. As Dr. Slack says, “For BSs, BS is king.” I liked this aspect. The theme worked, especially with the humorous illustrations that depict manipulators with snake heads or with rattle-snake tails coming out of their three piece suits. It brings a relaxed, comical perspective to an otherwise serious subject.
Dr. Slack also keeps each chapter short and to the point. There’s not a lot of fluff or jargon to sift through, just quick information with a couple of short examples. In my opinion, the most valuable section was “Handling Two Legged Snakes.” This isn’t a detailed manual but depicts simple guidelines that anyone can follow. There are hints for how to spot liars or determine if you’re dealing with a manipulator. Dr. Slack also gives advice on what to do with close friends or relatives who tend to take your money, lie, or generally con you into doing things you don’t want to do.
That is especially the section I wish I’d had months ago. When my friendship became almost unbearable, I spent several weeks trying to figure out what to do or how to fix the problem. When it just continued down the same bizarre road, I had to make a decision — was this relationship worth saving? Dr. Slack would have told me to use the “three strikes” process. Instead, I tried to ignore my feelings until I finally gave up and ran.
I think it was healthy for me to get out while I had the chance, but I wish I had had this book. It is a great quick guide to dealing with manipulative people. So if you find you often question a relationship, have a relative that cons you, or want to be able to spot predators, get Two Legged Snakes by Dr. Ed Slack. When you alone are in control of your life, you won’t regret it.
Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People By Dr. Ed Slack
By JANICA UNRUH
BLOGCRITICS.ORG
I recently got out of a manipulative relationship. I was good friends with a woman who seemed normal and friendly, though occasionally controlling. But over time, I started feeling lied to or pulled into doing things that I didn’t particularly want to do. This friend would do something hurtful then pretend the event never happened. Or she would blame her behavior on something else, playing the victim instead of admitting a wrongdoing. I wanted to trust this “friend,” but often felt there was just something wrong. Was I going crazy?
I could never understand why I felt so strange in these relationships until I began researching psychological manipulation. Manipulative people know what they’re doing and use specific tactics to try to control those around them. Some of these manipulators can be very good at what they do. But some of them are close friends who you love dearly. So the question is: how can an ordinary person, who generally trusts people, handle a person bent on deception?
For my specific problem, I started researching on the internet, but I wish I had had Dr. Ed Slack’s comically illustrated book Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People. Dr Ed Slack has been a psychologist for over 25 years and specializes in working with addicts and manipulators. His book is designed to give practical information to regular people.
In Two Legged Snakes, Dr. Slack outlines different types of manipulators and explains how you can respond to their snaky maneuvers. Other sections describe who is most likely to believe these liars as well as include advice on how not to become one yourself.
I really enjoyed reading Two Legged Snakes. It’s a great place to get basic information on manipulative behavior without having to flip through a massive text book. In fact, Dr. Slack purposely made his book simple and accessible to every day people.
For instance, the work is constructed around the comparison between manipulators and “Bipedal Snakes” or BSs. And yes, the pun is intended. As Dr. Slack says, “For BSs, BS is king.” I liked this aspect. The theme worked, especially with the humorous illustrations that depict manipulators with snake heads or with rattle-snake tails coming out of their three piece suits. It brings a relaxed, comical perspective to an otherwise serious subject.
Dr. Slack also keeps each chapter short and to the point. There’s not a lot of fluff or jargon to sift through, just quick information with a couple of short examples. In my opinion, the most valuable section was “Handling Two Legged Snakes.” This isn’t a detailed manual but depicts simple guidelines that anyone can follow. There are hints for how to spot liars or determine if you’re dealing with a manipulator. Dr. Slack also gives advice on what to do with close friends or relatives who tend to take your money, lie, or generally con you into doing things you don’t want to do.
That is especially the section I wish I’d had months ago. When my friendship became almost unbearable, I spent several weeks trying to figure out what to do or how to fix the problem. When it just continued down the same bizarre road, I had to make a decision — was this relationship worth saving? Dr. Slack would have told me to use the “three strikes” process. Instead, I tried to ignore my feelings until I finally gave up and ran.
I think it was healthy for me to get out while I had the chance, but I wish I had had this book. It is a great quick guide to dealing with manipulative people. So if you find you often question a relationship, have a relative that cons you, or want to be able to spot predators, get Two Legged Snakes by Dr. Ed Slack. When you alone are in control of your life, you won’t regret it.
The Well-Read Commuter Reviews: Two Legged Snakes Understanding and Handling Manipulative PeopleBy: Dr. Ed Slack
What this book is about:
As Dr. Slack explains it, "who we trust is the single most important factor in determining our happiness and success". Who do we give our heart, time and money to? In his book, Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People, he offers the keys to perceiving and overcoming deception with astonishing simplicity, and humor that ranges from profane to profound. The key is to help you make choices outside the shadowy world of sophistry and be happier, safer, and more successful.
Did you like this book: I found this book as relevant and as important of a read as Dr. Martha Stout's 2006 book, The Sociopath Next Door. Two Legged Snakes gets the point across with a rich and easy to understand text coupled with illustrations that lighten the mood on this serious subject. This book is different from other "avoid this type of person" books in that the material is somehow not presented in a depressing way. Dr. Slack delves into the psychology of why some people just seem to be born manipulators that leave damage and pain in their wake. The material is presented in a way that makes it ultra accessible to those outside of clinical and academic settings. There is a lot of focus on ways to enrich your own life by steering clear of and deal with the snakes that we encounter in our everyday life.
Book Maniac
What this book is about:
As Dr. Slack explains it, "who we trust is the single most important factor in determining our happiness and success". Who do we give our heart, time and money to? In his book, Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People, he offers the keys to perceiving and overcoming deception with astonishing simplicity, and humor that ranges from profane to profound. The key is to help you make choices outside the shadowy world of sophistry and be happier, safer, and more successful.
Did you like this book: I found this book as relevant and as important of a read as Dr. Martha Stout's 2006 book, The Sociopath Next Door. Two Legged Snakes gets the point across with a rich and easy to understand text coupled with illustrations that lighten the mood on this serious subject. This book is different from other "avoid this type of person" books in that the material is somehow not presented in a depressing way. Dr. Slack delves into the psychology of why some people just seem to be born manipulators that leave damage and pain in their wake. The material is presented in a way that makes it ultra accessible to those outside of clinical and academic settings. There is a lot of focus on ways to enrich your own life by steering clear of and deal with the snakes that we encounter in our everyday life.
Book Maniac
5 Stars - Slack Pen's a Winner with Two Legged Snakes!
By C. A. Webb Conversations Book Club (Jackson, MS) July 14, 2010
This is a book that everyone really needs to read. Author Dr. Ed Slack manages to bring a serious topic to the table while not forgetting his sense of humor.
The book takes you into the facades that so many around us use and how we can tell what the motives of others might be before it is too late.
Whether its politicians, family members or friends or those responsible for reporting the news, there is truly no where we shouldn't take a critical look. The book doesn't tell you to avoid all people for fear of what might happen, but it does suggest that we have to use care and commonsense when making important decisions.
Add this one to your reading list and make sure to pass the word on to your friends.
By C. A. Webb Conversations Book Club (Jackson, MS) July 14, 2010
This is a book that everyone really needs to read. Author Dr. Ed Slack manages to bring a serious topic to the table while not forgetting his sense of humor.
The book takes you into the facades that so many around us use and how we can tell what the motives of others might be before it is too late.
Whether its politicians, family members or friends or those responsible for reporting the news, there is truly no where we shouldn't take a critical look. The book doesn't tell you to avoid all people for fear of what might happen, but it does suggest that we have to use care and commonsense when making important decisions.
Add this one to your reading list and make sure to pass the word on to your friends.
Sidestep the Master Manipulators!
By Pat Hafner
5 Stars - Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People
Dr. Ed Slack's "Two Legged Snakes" is an original, engaging work that will help guide you through the social jungle of opportunists, tricksters, and manipulators. Easy to follow and fun to read, this extensively-illustrated guide steps the reader along the path of human interaction and relationships where things - and people - are not always what they seem. If you have any interest at all in better friendships, social interaction, and interpersonal communication, add this book to your library.
Amazon June 6, 2010
By Pat Hafner
5 Stars - Two Legged Snakes: Understanding and Handling Manipulative People
Dr. Ed Slack's "Two Legged Snakes" is an original, engaging work that will help guide you through the social jungle of opportunists, tricksters, and manipulators. Easy to follow and fun to read, this extensively-illustrated guide steps the reader along the path of human interaction and relationships where things - and people - are not always what they seem. If you have any interest at all in better friendships, social interaction, and interpersonal communication, add this book to your library.
Amazon June 6, 2010
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