Szalavitz, Maia

A study of the power of empathy, looking at how it develops beginning in infancy, discussing why it is important for individuals and society, and showing how modern life is weakening the foundation on which empathy forms.

Combines memoir and research to explore the truth and myths around addiction and recovery. Provides evidence against the ideas of "broken brains" and "addictive personalities" to argue that addictions are types of learning disorders. Discusses the effects of history, timing, family, peers, culture, and chemicals on illness, treatment, and recovery.

Examines the troubled-teen industry, including tough love treatment programs, boot camps, and wilderness programs that claim to cure teens' addictions and reform their destructive behavior, and explains how this industry harms teens more than helping them.