House and Psychology: Humanity Is Overrated

by Ted Cascio (Editor), Leonard L. Martin (Editor)

An irresistible look within the mind and behind the hit TV drama, House While House is a smart medical drama and Gregory House faces countless ethical quandaries as a doctor, what makes the show unique is that it's much more deeply rooted in psychology than in medicine. At its core, House is a show about the mind and human behavior. Gregory House is a medical genius and a Sherlock Holmesian figure, but he's also a deeply troubled misanthrope. What's going on inside the brain of this beloved, arrogant, cane-waving curmudgeon that is so appealing? House and Psychology tackles this question and explores the latest findings in brain science research, defines addiction in its many forms, and diagnoses dysfunctional relationships, all using test cases at Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital. Essential reading for every House fan, House and Psychology will help you discover the extraordinary mental universe of your favorite brilliant, bombastic, bile-belching doctor of medicine.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Science, Cultural

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[EpidermaS · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dałam się złapać na chwyt marketingowy. Wszędzie pisze się, że książka jest utrzymana w stylu „House’owym” i ma zabarwienie psychologicznie. Fajnie. Szkoda, że tak rzadko wspomina się o tym, iż jest to zbiór esejów napisanych przez różnych autorów.

Jak wrażenia? Cóż, książka jest… nudnawa. Każdy tekst chyba celowo został „zgłupiony”, żeby przeciętny Kowalski czy inny Smith mógł go zrozumieć. Czasem miałam wrażenie, że normalne publikacje naukowe zostały najpierw przerobione na popularnonaukowe, potem posiekane (żeby wyrzucić z nich kawałki ze specjalistycznym słownictwem), a na końcu zaplombowane fragmentami transkrypcji serialu. Taki kramik Icka na targowisku – niby dużo, niby korzystnie, ale jakoś odrzuca. Sytuację ratują wtrącone od czasu do czasu opisy różnych przeprowadzonych przez naukowców badań. Traktuję je jednak jako ciekawostki, bo raczej niewiele wnoszą do ogólnego przesłania książki. A przesłanie to brzmi następująco: „I na literackiej kaszanie możesz zarobić, jeśli wrzucisz na okładkę znaną z telewizji facjatę”.

Moja ocena: 2/10, przy czym nie polecam nawet fanom serialu.

[Bryce Maxwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know I only gave it 2 stars... But nevertheless, It is a great relaxed read that loosely applies modern research, theory, and terminology to the general themes throughout House.

It is only as up to date as the end of Season 6 in House... The book doesn't unveil any ground breaking material or connections in regards to House and Psychology...

Those who are more serious about psychology and are above introductory level intelligence, this may be to slow or to simple of a read for you... The authors feel the need to explain even the most elementary of Psychological terms, furthermore leading me to believe that this is obviously for general audience.

It's not to bad when you read a few pages here and there... Great bathroom read :P

[SLADE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book five stars because of two things. I love Psychology. I love the TV show House. It was a fun dive into both worlds. The only thing I would have enjoyed more is if they had waited until after seasons 7 and 8 to publish so the later episodes could be analyzed.

[Emilija · Rating 3 out of 5]

2021 52 Book Challenge - 47) A character with a disability

The information in this book is very interesting, but its written in a very dry manner which made it a hard slog of a book. Its clearly written for a general audience as the writers explain even the most simple psychological terms, but its like they forget that the more into the topic they get.

I kind of wish that the authors had waited until the end of the programme to release this book, as it only covers up to season 6, and the events of the show afterwards derail the conclusion that is drawn in the book.

That being said, it was really interesting to take a look at this show in a different way, and it looks at each character in the show in different ways.

[a_cappella]

DNF 23%

Uwielbiam House'a, ale to jest tak nudne, że szkoda czasu... Jedyne, co osiągnęła ta książka, to wzbudzenie we mnie chęci na (kolejny) rewatch 😅

[Ishraq · Rating 3 out of 5]

House M.D is one of my favorite shows that I've never felt bored watching it over and over again. The main theme of having a "hero" or a main character that is not perfect/mental/truthful and in fact an addicted Dr. on pain killers that walks using a cane and not afraid to be different or deviate from the main stream is very compelling!

This is my first experience with Audio books, I got it from audible.com and I was hesitant before joining it as I'm a booknerd that "paper_book_everything!" kinda mentality. I'm not new to listening or watching audio/video lectures, however, what I'm used to is that kind of interactive or storytelling approach that makes me interact with it on different mental levels. While audio books narrative is based on a single-theme or one-level monotone, it was a bit hard to relate at the beginning and accept until I was way through the book. Also, I found myself focusing on the content the most whenever I listened to it before sleeping where I'm not multi-tasking anymore!

Back to the book! It contains around 17 essays that was written from different researchers trying to analyze the psychological aspects of this series. It varied from very well-written and interesting articles to OK ones that discussed the ABC of psychology, addiction, manners, arrogance, brilliance, mockery, humor and how a single character/person demolish your pre-judgmental image of professionals who works under pressure or being scrutinized on a daily basis.

The interesting part from this whole book is that this is a light read that helps non-specialized interested people in psychology to read and relate to examples from their favorite TV shows. From House to Wilson to Cuddy to Chase and Cameron and Forman, it is very easy to relate to these topics while remembering events and scenes from the show.

The editors advised us at the very first page, "Take caution: you're about to enter the extraordinary mental universe of the brilliant, bombastic, bile-belching doctor of medicine referred to simply as House. How's that for a hook? No good? Okay, scratch that."

[Stephanie Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not as good as I expected. Some things are insightful and interesting but other parts are dull. I especially enjoyed the last chapter very much.

[Dr. Lloyd E. Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays written by psychologists trying to understand Dr. House, diagnostician supreme. I’m a big fan of House so this book is a real treat for me. What I like best about the show is the writing. This is some of the best T.V. Writing outside of Aaron Sorken’s West Wing. It is funny! House has a team of doctors working for him to diagnose patients that other doctors are not successful with. Whereas real doctors are taught to think, “If you hear hoof beats think horse not zebra”. House’s team only deals with zebras, rare diseases, uncommon symptoms and unidentified environmental variables.
Each chapter in the book deals with a particular quirk of House treating a zebra. For example, the first chapter is about the question, Why do people help? House claims that all helping is in terms of some self-interest. Altruism, character, genuine joy in giving are lies according to House. (Research does not support House’s position, but no matter.
Another question: What does it mean to be authentic? Is House’s intense, confronting, disagreeable style helpful or harmful to House and is it helpful or harmful to his patients? Usually House is a godsend to his patients. Most would die if it weren’t for House and his team. Personally, House’s style rarely is positive for him. He doesn’t live well, continually fighting drug addiction and sabotaging his personal relationships.
I present this as a teaser. If you are a House fan I think you will like this book and if you don’t like House forget about it. If you have never seen House watch a few episodes while we are in the midst of this pandemic. If you like the show and the moral issues the show raises, this book will reveal some ideas you may never have considered.

[ppmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, uh, I will admit that I'm a bit biased; my current main interests reside in psychology and House MD, so it would've been kind of hard to not immensely enjoy this read. I enjoyed the overall analysis of how certain psychological principles are applicable to the characters of House - namely House, of course.

Here's my only real gripe: I do wish that the author decided to write this once the season finale aired; I enjoyed the book nonetheless, though.

An effortless 5/5 stars since BOTH of my current special interest scratches were simultaneously itched.

[Kacper Dzida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lekka i całkiem przyjemna, choć czasami nudząca.

Plusem są odniesienia do naukowo popartych zagadnień z psychologii poruszanych w ramach kursu akademickiego, bibliografii też nie brakuje.

Zaskoczeniem był fakt, że fragmenty są pisane zarówno przez osoby które nie ukończyły jeszcze studiów, jak i wykładających już profesorów psychologii.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what made this book good,(not great), was because of the references and examples of the House series. Without that, the book is basically what you’d get with a beginner’s look at psychology and human behavior. That being said, if you haven’t watched the entire series, the wait to read this book. It is full of spoilers

[Evan Micheals · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book of that uses Pop Culture to discuss contemporary research. I enjoy them all, and sometimes I look deeper into the topic being discussed. They definitely help in opening my eyes in new directions and to contemplate new things. Nutritious brain chewing gum.

[Vikas Pissay · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a lover of the show, I had to read this. The book is a collection of essays actually. While the essays do a good job of exploring the complicated personality of House, it lacks continuity and does not paint the entire picture. But it is a good read for all the House MD lovers out there.

[Udit Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful insights into a fictional personality. People who love house should definitely read this to get a logical analysis. It will make you change opinions about him as a whole.

[Danil Permiakov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting repetitive towards the end.

[Aureisyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great choice for those who want to get more information about House. This book explains different psychological aspects which are connected with the characters.

[Leila Wicker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful... But very long chapters

[natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

the most me book of all time

[S.J. Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look into the characters and cases of the TV drama, "House" from a psychological perspective, with contributions from a varied group of psychological experts. If you are a fan of psychology and "House", this one's a no-brainer...you must read it! And even if you aren't, the psychological theory and research - using Dr. House, his co-workers and patients as examples - is relatable to the reader's own life as it delves into the many different psychological strengths and weaknesses at work in the world of Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital. With bibliographies at the end of each chapter, this book would be the perfect textbook for a class on the chaotic psychology afoot in and around the mind of Dr. Gregory House.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge House fan and I love psychology, so it comes as no surprise that I would like this book. I think the selection of essays to include were well chosen and appropriate except for a few exceptions. Overall a very good book that uses the show and its characters as examples of important psychological principles.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Sometimes because there are different contributors, it got repetitive, but generally very good read for any house or psychology enthusiasts. I do wish it covered seasons 7&8 as well though.

[Simon Yip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking and inspiring book for House fans.

[Gilmara Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved it! Very easy to follow and enlightening! I recommend it.

[Jonas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like it's written by first year psychology students