In Martha Stout's The Sociopath Next Door, the psychologist-author warns people against a minority of the population, but dangerous nevertheless.

These people may or may not be violent, but they wage psychological warfare and Stout shows how it's best to keep away from them. This is the first time I've heard of a psychological equivalent of  "evil."

I bought the book because when I googled "sociopath," curious as to the exact definition, I found a profile that fit my father's personality perfectly. Let's just say I grew up with a not-so-nice dad.

After reading Stout's book, I finally figured out why my dad acted the way he did after years and years of struggling to figure it out. I wish I had known about this book sooner, as I'm sure many others would if they ever lived with or befriended a sociopath.

Sociopaths may act like they care or feel sympathy, but they don't, Stout says. It's all about control with them and ultimately, most sociopaths end up using you for their own purposes.

They have a charisma that will suck you in, but beware, Stout says. Sociopaths are incapable of love or feeling guilt and in that way are life's "devils."

Maybe this book can help you recognize them before you fall into their trap.