Author: William Pollack
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 0375505830
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 551
Book Description
"In my travels throughout this country, I have discovered a glaring truth: America's boys are absolutely desperate to talk about their lives," says Dr. William Pollack, author of the bestseller Real Boys. Now, in Real Boys' Voices, Pollack lets us hear what boys today are saying, even as he explores ways to get them to talk more openly with us. "Boys long to talk about the things that are hurting them—their harassment from other boys, their troubled relationships with their fathers, their embarrassment around girls and confusion about sex, their disconnection from and love for their parents, the violence that haunts them at school and on the street, their constant fear that they might not be as masculine as other boys." In Real Boys' Voices we hear, verbatim, what boys from big cities and small towns, including Littleton, Colorado, have to say about violence, drugs, sports, school, parents, love, anger, body image, becoming a man, and much, much more. Real Boys' Voices takes us into the daily worlds of boys not only to show how society's outdated expectations force them to mask many of their true emotions, but also to let us hear how boys themselves describe their isolation, depression, longing, love, and hope. How can you get behind the mask of masculinity many boys wear? How can you tell whether a "bad boy" is actually a "sad boy"—and how do you spot the danger signals of depression? How can you grow closer to the boy you love? Pollack explores how to create safe spaces and engage in "action talk," how to listen so a boy will speak the truth about, and be, himself. In the real boys' voices here, boys speak eloquently and truthfully about such topics as shame, bullying and teasing, the pressure to fit in, addictions, how they see the lives of the men they know, the importance of their mothers and fathers, their own spiritual and creative experiences, friendships with other boys and with girls, being gay, and coping with divorce and other losses, including the death of a friend or parent. We also hear what boys from Columbine High School and other places say about fear and violence in their lives. Full of insights from and about young and adolescent boys, William Pollack's Real Boys' Voices is an important, illuminating, and invaluable book, for boys themselves and for all the people in their lives. From Real Boys' Voices " Boys are supposed to shut up and take it, to keep it all in." —Scotty, from a small town in New England " What I hate about this school is that I am being picked on in the halls and just about everywhere else." —Cody, from a suburb in New England " Sometimes people say there are two me's, like I have a dual personality. . . . The public persona is not really who I am. It's a tool . . . to be who everyone wants me to be." —Raphael, from a city in the West " If you see [abuse] coming, just walk out of the room or walk out of the house or go somewhere, go to a friend's house, go for a walk, take your dog for a run, whatever. Just try to get away from that situation before it actually explodes." —Paul, from a suburb in the West " Maybe a couple of times I used to bully some kids. I haven't bullied anyone since the shooting. I try to be nicer to people even if I don't like them." —John, from Littleton, Colorado
Real Boys' Voices
Author: William Pollack
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 0375505830
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 551
Book Description
"In my travels throughout this country, I have discovered a glaring truth: America's boys are absolutely desperate to talk about their lives," says Dr. William Pollack, author of the bestseller Real Boys. Now, in Real Boys' Voices, Pollack lets us hear what boys today are saying, even as he explores ways to get them to talk more openly with us. "Boys long to talk about the things that are hurting them—their harassment from other boys, their troubled relationships with their fathers, their embarrassment around girls and confusion about sex, their disconnection from and love for their parents, the violence that haunts them at school and on the street, their constant fear that they might not be as masculine as other boys." In Real Boys' Voices we hear, verbatim, what boys from big cities and small towns, including Littleton, Colorado, have to say about violence, drugs, sports, school, parents, love, anger, body image, becoming a man, and much, much more. Real Boys' Voices takes us into the daily worlds of boys not only to show how society's outdated expectations force them to mask many of their true emotions, but also to let us hear how boys themselves describe their isolation, depression, longing, love, and hope. How can you get behind the mask of masculinity many boys wear? How can you tell whether a "bad boy" is actually a "sad boy"—and how do you spot the danger signals of depression? How can you grow closer to the boy you love? Pollack explores how to create safe spaces and engage in "action talk," how to listen so a boy will speak the truth about, and be, himself. In the real boys' voices here, boys speak eloquently and truthfully about such topics as shame, bullying and teasing, the pressure to fit in, addictions, how they see the lives of the men they know, the importance of their mothers and fathers, their own spiritual and creative experiences, friendships with other boys and with girls, being gay, and coping with divorce and other losses, including the death of a friend or parent. We also hear what boys from Columbine High School and other places say about fear and violence in their lives. Full of insights from and about young and adolescent boys, William Pollack's Real Boys' Voices is an important, illuminating, and invaluable book, for boys themselves and for all the people in their lives. From Real Boys' Voices " Boys are supposed to shut up and take it, to keep it all in." —Scotty, from a small town in New England " What I hate about this school is that I am being picked on in the halls and just about everywhere else." —Cody, from a suburb in New England " Sometimes people say there are two me's, like I have a dual personality. . . . The public persona is not really who I am. It's a tool . . . to be who everyone wants me to be." —Raphael, from a city in the West " If you see [abuse] coming, just walk out of the room or walk out of the house or go somewhere, go to a friend's house, go for a walk, take your dog for a run, whatever. Just try to get away from that situation before it actually explodes." —Paul, from a suburb in the West " Maybe a couple of times I used to bully some kids. I haven't bullied anyone since the shooting. I try to be nicer to people even if I don't like them." —John, from Littleton, Colorado
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 0375505830
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 551
Book Description
"In my travels throughout this country, I have discovered a glaring truth: America's boys are absolutely desperate to talk about their lives," says Dr. William Pollack, author of the bestseller Real Boys. Now, in Real Boys' Voices, Pollack lets us hear what boys today are saying, even as he explores ways to get them to talk more openly with us. "Boys long to talk about the things that are hurting them—their harassment from other boys, their troubled relationships with their fathers, their embarrassment around girls and confusion about sex, their disconnection from and love for their parents, the violence that haunts them at school and on the street, their constant fear that they might not be as masculine as other boys." In Real Boys' Voices we hear, verbatim, what boys from big cities and small towns, including Littleton, Colorado, have to say about violence, drugs, sports, school, parents, love, anger, body image, becoming a man, and much, much more. Real Boys' Voices takes us into the daily worlds of boys not only to show how society's outdated expectations force them to mask many of their true emotions, but also to let us hear how boys themselves describe their isolation, depression, longing, love, and hope. How can you get behind the mask of masculinity many boys wear? How can you tell whether a "bad boy" is actually a "sad boy"—and how do you spot the danger signals of depression? How can you grow closer to the boy you love? Pollack explores how to create safe spaces and engage in "action talk," how to listen so a boy will speak the truth about, and be, himself. In the real boys' voices here, boys speak eloquently and truthfully about such topics as shame, bullying and teasing, the pressure to fit in, addictions, how they see the lives of the men they know, the importance of their mothers and fathers, their own spiritual and creative experiences, friendships with other boys and with girls, being gay, and coping with divorce and other losses, including the death of a friend or parent. We also hear what boys from Columbine High School and other places say about fear and violence in their lives. Full of insights from and about young and adolescent boys, William Pollack's Real Boys' Voices is an important, illuminating, and invaluable book, for boys themselves and for all the people in their lives. From Real Boys' Voices " Boys are supposed to shut up and take it, to keep it all in." —Scotty, from a small town in New England " What I hate about this school is that I am being picked on in the halls and just about everywhere else." —Cody, from a suburb in New England " Sometimes people say there are two me's, like I have a dual personality. . . . The public persona is not really who I am. It's a tool . . . to be who everyone wants me to be." —Raphael, from a city in the West " If you see [abuse] coming, just walk out of the room or walk out of the house or go somewhere, go to a friend's house, go for a walk, take your dog for a run, whatever. Just try to get away from that situation before it actually explodes." —Paul, from a suburb in the West " Maybe a couple of times I used to bully some kids. I haven't bullied anyone since the shooting. I try to be nicer to people even if I don't like them." —John, from Littleton, Colorado
Real Boys' Voices
Author: William S. Pollack
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0141002948
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 433
Book Description
What real boys have to say: "A lot of people use words like 'psycho' or 'wacko' to refer to people who are feeling glum or think they might want to take their own life. I think these sorts of slang terms create further isolation in a teen, and that's not what you want to do to a teen who already feels alone" —Alexander, 18, from a small town in the South "A guy is supposed to be strong, tall, and fast and have the qualities of an ideal athlete. At the same time he's supposed to be smart. He's expected to be nearly perfect." —Chandler, 14, from a suburb in the Northwest "What I hate about this school is that I am being picked on in the halls and just about everywhere else." —Cody, 14, from a suburb in New England In Real Boys, Dr. William Pollack explored the issues that most boys in our nation face today. In this fascinating follow-up bestseller, Pollack goes right to the source: boys ages 10 to 20-evoking the secret struggles and passions of America's adolescent males in their own words. Their voices are searingly honest and eager to be heard, revealing how society's outdated expectations force them to mask their feelings of isolation, depression, longing, love, and hope. We hear from boys and young men in big cities and small towns-including survivors of the Columbine High School massacre-who share compelling, extrordinarily candid stories about bullying, drugs, sports, school, parents, sex, love, and much more. Pollack also offers ways to start a dialog and illustrates through templates what to do in many situations. This is an eye-opening book for teenage boys and girls, but-with its insights and strategies for dealing with their issues-especially invaluable for all the people in their lives.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0141002948
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 433
Book Description
What real boys have to say: "A lot of people use words like 'psycho' or 'wacko' to refer to people who are feeling glum or think they might want to take their own life. I think these sorts of slang terms create further isolation in a teen, and that's not what you want to do to a teen who already feels alone" —Alexander, 18, from a small town in the South "A guy is supposed to be strong, tall, and fast and have the qualities of an ideal athlete. At the same time he's supposed to be smart. He's expected to be nearly perfect." —Chandler, 14, from a suburb in the Northwest "What I hate about this school is that I am being picked on in the halls and just about everywhere else." —Cody, 14, from a suburb in New England In Real Boys, Dr. William Pollack explored the issues that most boys in our nation face today. In this fascinating follow-up bestseller, Pollack goes right to the source: boys ages 10 to 20-evoking the secret struggles and passions of America's adolescent males in their own words. Their voices are searingly honest and eager to be heard, revealing how society's outdated expectations force them to mask their feelings of isolation, depression, longing, love, and hope. We hear from boys and young men in big cities and small towns-including survivors of the Columbine High School massacre-who share compelling, extrordinarily candid stories about bullying, drugs, sports, school, parents, sex, love, and much more. Pollack also offers ways to start a dialog and illustrates through templates what to do in many situations. This is an eye-opening book for teenage boys and girls, but-with its insights and strategies for dealing with their issues-especially invaluable for all the people in their lives.
Understanding and Treating Chronic Shame
Author: Patricia A. DeYoung
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000513041
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
A masterful synthesis of relational and attachment theory, neurobiology, and contemporary psychoanalysis, Understanding and Treating Chronic Shame has been internationally recognized as an essential text on shame. Integrating new theory about trauma, shame resilience, and self-compassion, this second edition further clarifies the relational, right-brain essence of being in and with the suffering of shame. New chapters carry theory further into praxis. In the time of a national Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a global Black Lives Matter movement, "Societies of Chronic Shame" invites therapists to deepen their awareness of collective societal trauma and of their own place within dissociated societal shame. "Three Faces of Shame" organizes the clinical wisdom of the book into clear guidelines for differential diagnosis and treatment. Lucid and compassionate, this book engages with the most profound challenges of clinical practice and touches into the depths of being human.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000513041
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
A masterful synthesis of relational and attachment theory, neurobiology, and contemporary psychoanalysis, Understanding and Treating Chronic Shame has been internationally recognized as an essential text on shame. Integrating new theory about trauma, shame resilience, and self-compassion, this second edition further clarifies the relational, right-brain essence of being in and with the suffering of shame. New chapters carry theory further into praxis. In the time of a national Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a global Black Lives Matter movement, "Societies of Chronic Shame" invites therapists to deepen their awareness of collective societal trauma and of their own place within dissociated societal shame. "Three Faces of Shame" organizes the clinical wisdom of the book into clear guidelines for differential diagnosis and treatment. Lucid and compassionate, this book engages with the most profound challenges of clinical practice and touches into the depths of being human.
The Axis of Shame
Author: Arthur Christos Hasiotis
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing
ISBN: 1434906825
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
One part Middle Eastern history, one part political exposé, The Axis of Shame recounts the genesis of the state of Israel within the context of the historical background of Moslem-Christian relations and brings to light both the machinations of Great Britain in bringing Israel into being and the ongoing activities of the United States in maintaining Israel. It exposes the endemic corruption of the U.S. political system in allowing foreign policy to be dictated by wealthy and powerful lobby groups and calls for drastic reform of how America elects its leaders.
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing
ISBN: 1434906825
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
One part Middle Eastern history, one part political exposé, The Axis of Shame recounts the genesis of the state of Israel within the context of the historical background of Moslem-Christian relations and brings to light both the machinations of Great Britain in bringing Israel into being and the ongoing activities of the United States in maintaining Israel. It exposes the endemic corruption of the U.S. political system in allowing foreign policy to be dictated by wealthy and powerful lobby groups and calls for drastic reform of how America elects its leaders.
For Shame
Author: James B. Twitchell
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 9780312194536
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 260
Book Description
A scathing, take-no-prisoners look at contemporary American shamelessness, from Jerry Springer to Joey Buttafuoco. Twitchell traces the disappearance of shame in family values, politics, education, the entertainment industry, and religion, arguing that this has had disastrous results for our society.
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 9780312194536
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 260
Book Description
A scathing, take-no-prisoners look at contemporary American shamelessness, from Jerry Springer to Joey Buttafuoco. Twitchell traces the disappearance of shame in family values, politics, education, the entertainment industry, and religion, arguing that this has had disastrous results for our society.
An Embarrassment of Mangoes
Author: Ann Vanderhoof
Publisher: Anchor Canada
ISBN: 0307375145
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
Under the Tuscan Sun meets the wide-open sea . . . An Embarrassment of Mangoes is a delicious chronicle of leaving the type-A lifestyle behind -- and discovering the seductive secrets of life in the Caribbean. Who hasn’t fantasized about chucking the job, saying goodbye to the rat race, and escaping to some exotic destination in search of sun, sand, and a different way of life? Canadians Ann Vanderhoof and her husband, Steve did just that. In the mid 1990s, they were driven, forty-something professionals who were desperate for a break from their deadline-dominated, career-defined lives. So they quit their jobs, rented out their house, moved onto a 42-foot sailboat called Receta (“recipe,” in Spanish), and set sail for the Caribbean on a two-year voyage of culinary and cultural discovery. In lavish detail that will have you packing your swimsuit and dashing for the airport, Vanderhoof describes the sun-drenched landscapes, enchanting characters and mouthwatering tastes that season their new lifestyle. Come along for the ride and be seduced by Caribbean rhythms as she and Steve sip rum with their island neighbors, hike lush rain forests, pull their supper out of the sea, and adapt to life on “island time.” Exchanging business clothes for bare feet, they drop anchor in 16 countries -- 47 individual islands -- where they explore secluded beaches and shop lively local markets. Along the way, Ann records the delectable dishes they encounter -- from cracked conch in the Bahamas to curried lobster in Grenada, from Dominican papaya salsa to classic West Indian rum punch -- and incorporates these enticing recipes into the text so that readers can participate in the adventure. Almost as good as making the journey itself, An Embarrassment of Mangoes is an intimate account that conjures all the irresistible beauty and bounty from the Bahamas to Trinidad -- and just may compel you to make a rash decision that will land you in paradise.
Publisher: Anchor Canada
ISBN: 0307375145
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
Under the Tuscan Sun meets the wide-open sea . . . An Embarrassment of Mangoes is a delicious chronicle of leaving the type-A lifestyle behind -- and discovering the seductive secrets of life in the Caribbean. Who hasn’t fantasized about chucking the job, saying goodbye to the rat race, and escaping to some exotic destination in search of sun, sand, and a different way of life? Canadians Ann Vanderhoof and her husband, Steve did just that. In the mid 1990s, they were driven, forty-something professionals who were desperate for a break from their deadline-dominated, career-defined lives. So they quit their jobs, rented out their house, moved onto a 42-foot sailboat called Receta (“recipe,” in Spanish), and set sail for the Caribbean on a two-year voyage of culinary and cultural discovery. In lavish detail that will have you packing your swimsuit and dashing for the airport, Vanderhoof describes the sun-drenched landscapes, enchanting characters and mouthwatering tastes that season their new lifestyle. Come along for the ride and be seduced by Caribbean rhythms as she and Steve sip rum with their island neighbors, hike lush rain forests, pull their supper out of the sea, and adapt to life on “island time.” Exchanging business clothes for bare feet, they drop anchor in 16 countries -- 47 individual islands -- where they explore secluded beaches and shop lively local markets. Along the way, Ann records the delectable dishes they encounter -- from cracked conch in the Bahamas to curried lobster in Grenada, from Dominican papaya salsa to classic West Indian rum punch -- and incorporates these enticing recipes into the text so that readers can participate in the adventure. Almost as good as making the journey itself, An Embarrassment of Mangoes is an intimate account that conjures all the irresistible beauty and bounty from the Bahamas to Trinidad -- and just may compel you to make a rash decision that will land you in paradise.
Walk Tall
Author: Carleen Brice
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595425658
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
"I have been in search of a book . that lifts me in celebration of who I am as an African-American woman and my blessed connection to other women of color, to all women, to all people; a book that teaches me in testimony that I must, and can, take charge of the health of my soul and, therefore, awake each morning ready to live in faith, in love, in compassion with others . I need search no longer. Walk Tall is that book." -Gloria Wade-Gayles, author of My Soul is a Witness "Brice looks at the commonalities and shared spirituality of people of color . the true essence of our spiritual journey on Earth." -Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former U.S. Senator The 366 affirmations collected here celebrate cultural diversity and the drive, determination, and accomplishments of people of color. These daily thoughts help readers challenge internalized racism and nurture personal responsibility and self-love.
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595425658
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
"I have been in search of a book . that lifts me in celebration of who I am as an African-American woman and my blessed connection to other women of color, to all women, to all people; a book that teaches me in testimony that I must, and can, take charge of the health of my soul and, therefore, awake each morning ready to live in faith, in love, in compassion with others . I need search no longer. Walk Tall is that book." -Gloria Wade-Gayles, author of My Soul is a Witness "Brice looks at the commonalities and shared spirituality of people of color . the true essence of our spiritual journey on Earth." -Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former U.S. Senator The 366 affirmations collected here celebrate cultural diversity and the drive, determination, and accomplishments of people of color. These daily thoughts help readers challenge internalized racism and nurture personal responsibility and self-love.
Heart Power
Author: Ed Conrad
Publisher: Archway Publishing
ISBN: 1452522294
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 391
Book Description
Rather than attempting to engage the reader in more mental exercises, the wisdom and inspiration in this daily companion book is designed to uncover something far more powerful. Through personal stories infused with honest, bold, and sometimes humorous reflections, the author invites us to awaken and energize our greatest inner resource-the power of the inner heart. Not only does he draw upon his personal experience, practice, research, and vulnerabilities in crafting these daily pieces of wisdom, he also draws from the well of renowned spiritual teachers and ageless wisdom traditions. Day by day, each writing stands on its own as a love offering created to inspire as well as support the dismantling of our personal fears. When included as part of daily spiritual practice, Heart Power is likely to awaken the sleeping giants of tangible courage, spiritual healing, creative energy, and ongoing loving, compassionate connection with ourselves and our companions. Simple, but potent, heart-centered daily practices are provided to help with this personal and spiritual restoration. In this one-of-a-kind daybook, the power and wisdom of the inner heart comes of age.
Publisher: Archway Publishing
ISBN: 1452522294
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 391
Book Description
Rather than attempting to engage the reader in more mental exercises, the wisdom and inspiration in this daily companion book is designed to uncover something far more powerful. Through personal stories infused with honest, bold, and sometimes humorous reflections, the author invites us to awaken and energize our greatest inner resource-the power of the inner heart. Not only does he draw upon his personal experience, practice, research, and vulnerabilities in crafting these daily pieces of wisdom, he also draws from the well of renowned spiritual teachers and ageless wisdom traditions. Day by day, each writing stands on its own as a love offering created to inspire as well as support the dismantling of our personal fears. When included as part of daily spiritual practice, Heart Power is likely to awaken the sleeping giants of tangible courage, spiritual healing, creative energy, and ongoing loving, compassionate connection with ourselves and our companions. Simple, but potent, heart-centered daily practices are provided to help with this personal and spiritual restoration. In this one-of-a-kind daybook, the power and wisdom of the inner heart comes of age.
Real Boys Workbook
Author: William Pollack
Publisher: Villard
ISBN: 0375755268
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
The Real Boys' Workbook is a unique, instructive workbook, full of advice, exercises, and stories to help parents, professionals, and boys themselves understand boys—and how to make life with them better. How to listen to boys, talk and be with them, exercises to teach you new ways to handle situations, and strategies for coping with problems (drug and alcohol abuse, gender identity, depression, bullies) are addressed, as readers are encouraged to respond to questions and situations, to learn how to think about boys with new understanding, and to react more creatively. Through writing down responses in the workbook, using the charts and summaries, and taking part in the provocative question-and-answer sections, you will gain insight into boys and their problems and be better able to be with them in effective and powerful ways.
Publisher: Villard
ISBN: 0375755268
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
The Real Boys' Workbook is a unique, instructive workbook, full of advice, exercises, and stories to help parents, professionals, and boys themselves understand boys—and how to make life with them better. How to listen to boys, talk and be with them, exercises to teach you new ways to handle situations, and strategies for coping with problems (drug and alcohol abuse, gender identity, depression, bullies) are addressed, as readers are encouraged to respond to questions and situations, to learn how to think about boys with new understanding, and to react more creatively. Through writing down responses in the workbook, using the charts and summaries, and taking part in the provocative question-and-answer sections, you will gain insight into boys and their problems and be better able to be with them in effective and powerful ways.
Rebels in a Rotten State
Author: Kieran Mitton
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190613076
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 360
Book Description
The atrocities of civil wars present us with many difficult questions. How do seemingly ordinary individuals come to commit such extraordinary acts of cruelty, often against unarmed civilians? Can we ever truly understand such acts of 'evil'? Based on a wealth of original interviews with perpetrators of violence in Sierra Leone's civil war, this book provides a detailed response. Moving beyond the rigid bounds of political science, the author engages with sociology, psychology and social psychology, to provide a comprehensive picture of the complex individual motives behind seemingly senseless violence in Sierra Leone's war. Highlighting the inadequacy of current explanations that centre on the anarchic nature of brutality, or conversely, its calculated rationality, this book sheds light on the critical but hitherto neglected role played by the emotions of shame and disgust. Drawing on first-hand accounts of strategies employed by Sierra Leone's rebel commanders, it documents the manner in which rebel recruits were systematically brutalised and came to perform horrifying acts of cruelty as routine. In so doing, it offers fresh insight into the causes of extreme violence that holds relevance beyond Sierra Leone to the atrocities of contemporary civil wars.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190613076
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 360
Book Description
The atrocities of civil wars present us with many difficult questions. How do seemingly ordinary individuals come to commit such extraordinary acts of cruelty, often against unarmed civilians? Can we ever truly understand such acts of 'evil'? Based on a wealth of original interviews with perpetrators of violence in Sierra Leone's civil war, this book provides a detailed response. Moving beyond the rigid bounds of political science, the author engages with sociology, psychology and social psychology, to provide a comprehensive picture of the complex individual motives behind seemingly senseless violence in Sierra Leone's war. Highlighting the inadequacy of current explanations that centre on the anarchic nature of brutality, or conversely, its calculated rationality, this book sheds light on the critical but hitherto neglected role played by the emotions of shame and disgust. Drawing on first-hand accounts of strategies employed by Sierra Leone's rebel commanders, it documents the manner in which rebel recruits were systematically brutalised and came to perform horrifying acts of cruelty as routine. In so doing, it offers fresh insight into the causes of extreme violence that holds relevance beyond Sierra Leone to the atrocities of contemporary civil wars.