Book Description

Statement for Amazon Listing Dr. Brady's newly released book, Why Rich Women Shoplift When The Have It All, provides a unique and "non-psycho babble" view and insights into the twisting, convoluted, sad and devastating world of the woman shoplifter whose negative thefts can, sometimes lead to jail time, even for the "rich and famous." This book, written by a criminologist and California licensed forensic psychologist, answers questions about why well-off women in society, including the celebrities we all read about, choose to steal, when they know it's not in their best interest and many times ruins their professional careers and lives. Most importantly, Dr. Brady emphasizes, "It's not about the stuff," nor is it need or greed that drives them, because they already have lots of luxury trappings and money to spare. It's really about the psychological composition of these women who, on the exterior seem, well, happy, yet on closer examination, they are lonely, disenfranchised, out of control and out of sorts with themselves and those around them. Many are driven to theft because the feel they were dealt a bad hand somewhere along the line in their lives, and now desire to "even the score" so to speak. In a word, they are desperate! They easily could be your neighbor, friend, child, spouse or even your mother. Their psychological hurt, being very real, is somehow compensated, through the short-term lift provided via theft. But, the hurt and thefts just don't end. Dr. Brady sees the rich shoplifter as the real victim, and not Saks Fifth Avenue or Macy's. Questions concerning why these women risk it all when it appears they already have it all then go ahead and steal are answered. For instance, why are so many women shoplifters highly medicated when studies show that drugs often make their thefts recur? Is shoplifting, as Dr. Brady believes, an addiction so they can't stop even after being arrested ten or fifteen times? Why would a highly successful, upper-management and well respected member of the community suddenly begin the extract her own blood after stealing? Why, in fact, are women shoplifters negatively labeled as societal deviants whereas their male counterparts are not? And, why do these highly wealthy yet low on self esteem women become trapped in, what Dr. Brady has uniquely termed, the "Shoplifting Zone?" When women begin to cycle into the theft zone what contributes to them becoming trapped? It's like a shoplifters Hotel California- "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave!" Here's what two distinguished behavioral scientists say about the book. " While it is meticulously researched and cited, Dr. Brady writes in an engaging and open manner with real life cases suitable for all readers. This book will soon become the standard-bearer on the issue." Robert Costello, J.D., Ed.D., Chair Criminal Justice Department, SUNY Nassau Community College, Adjunct Associate Professor, Sociology Department, Hofstra University. "Dr. Brady...has written one of the most important and in-depth professional tomes on the social psychological factors that influence women to shoplift." Terrence Shulman, J.D., LMSW, ASCW, An author of four books on shoplifting