There are better, there are more comprehensive, but nothing compares to the every-man approach of this book.

It is troubling that this book's author does not properly credit the pioneer in exposing the threats and intrusions of the Therapeutic State. For decades Thomas Szasz has written powerful books decrying the corruption of American society by rampant medicalization of virtually every aspect of life. Much of this book is timidly derivative of Szasz's works, yet he is mentioned only once, just two pages from the end. Nolan didn't even have the decency to credit Szasz with coining the term "Therapeutic State." Given Nolan's watered down critique and standing in the professoriat, perhaps he didn't want to bring himself into professional disrepute by properly and honestly crediting the firebrand Szasz. Ultimately, Szasz's writings are better written, more tightly reasoned and thorough, and far more penetrating. Amazon stocks Thomas Szasz's 1984 book, "Therapeutic State : Psychiatry in the Mirror of Current Events," and that is a far better choice, along with many other works by the one of the great social critics of the last 50 years. Nolan's work is better suited for those who like their reading bland and unchallenging.

This is an impressive and important scholarly work atuned to the cultural pulse of America. Nolan's comprehensive and well argued handling of contemporary American society's "therapeutic ethos" is very insightful and helpful to anyone studying law, education, politics, government, and popular culture in general. This is sociology at its finest--founded strongly in history, and sensitive to the subtle ways we understand ourselves, how we communicate that, and how that affects the way we live.

This book is clearly organized and actually well written-- a rarity in scholarly works. For people with no knowledge of sociology or political science, this book is still very approachable.

I enjoyed reading it and highly reccomend it.