Editor’s note: In a profession that rarely slows down, carving out time to read, reflect and talk with others can be a powerful way to recharge. The Corrections1 Book Club series is about more than reviewing titles — it’s about starting conversations that help us think differently, share experiences and support each other through the challenges of the job. Each selection will include reviews, excerpts and discussion questions to guide meaningful conversations in your facility or among peers. What book should we read next? Share your ideas in the comments or email editor@corrections1.com.
Book: “The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World’s Deadliest Addiction — and How to Overcome It”
Author: James Kimmel, Jr., JD
Order: Available on Amazon.
Revenge as an “addiction?” The idea had never crossed my mind. There is no shortage of revenge throughout history, storytelling, media, movies and everyday life — but as an addiction? Not until now.
In “The Science of Revenge,” author James Kimmel, Jr., JD brings a thoughtful, evidence-based and example-filled work that raises a true sense of awareness about revenge as an addiction. He offers proactive ideas on how we, as a society, might manage the revenge-driven desires of the “addict,” while literally saving lives and preventing heartache in the process.
The author begins with his own experiences, offering honest — and no doubt difficult — examples that shaped his thinking and his life. He describes feeling bullied as a youth and, after his family home was vandalized one too many times, taking action that could have altered his life by seriously injuring — possibly killing — the offenders had he not stopped himself.
He goes into vivid detail about becoming a successful lawyer and ultimately losing himself in the process, as the desire to humiliate and expose the person on the stand became a stronger driving force than money or even winning the case. This led him to something many cannot or will not do: take deep and meaningful self-reflection and determine that change needs to be made in one’s self. His transformation not only changed the course of his life but became a life’s work to help others, supported by many professionals along the way.
A scientific and practical look at revenge
Comparing the effects of revenge addiction and substance-misuse addiction throughout the book, the reader is both educated and enlightened. In an easily understood — and at times technical — manner, Kimmel explores why some people have the capacity to “stop” before acting on their feelings of revenge while others “go,” describing its effects on the brain. He presents irrefutable evidence substantiated by scientific study, research and historical events. These examples don’t excuse the actions of the perpetrators, but explain potential causes that fueled their deeply described real or imagined grievances against their victims.
After presenting a strong case for the science of revenge, he delves into the science of forgiveness, comparing the neurological effects of both. He explains that while there is short-term pleasure in inflicting pain (getting revenge), forgiveness is a superior response with positive physical and mental benefits. On the surface this may seem obvious, but after reading the science behind it, one can better understand the similarities between the brain’s inner workings and addictive behaviors.
The NonJustice system
Readers are then introduced to the “NonJustice” system, which means “to abstain from the pursuit of justice in the form of revenge.” It is organized around the healing principles of non-justice and forgiveness rather than the destructive principles of justice as revenge. The system allows individuals to hold a five-step “Courtroom of the Mind” over those they hold grievances against. In this exercise, the participant plays all roles — victim, prosecutor, defendant, judge, jury, warden and ultimately the judge of their own life. The mental script mirrors the structure of a traditional trial, but because it takes place in one’s mind, it may help create distance from revenge-driven urges and move toward forgiveness.
A compelling case for rethinking addiction
Kimmel presents a strong narrative in support of having “revenge” classified as an official addiction diagnosis alongside those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychological Association. With more than 20 years of personal dedication to the cause and the support of countless professionals, such a designation would open doors for further research, provide opportunities to help people and potentially prevent future tragedies.
As I read the book, I came to understand the potential reasons many people reach the point where actions are driven by revenge — actions that may have been avoided had there been help to identify and treat the addiction. Again, this doesn’t excuse the behavior, but it encourages appreciation for the potential suffering occurring in one’s mind. On a personal level, the structure and flow of the narrative also brought a level of self-awareness to my own thinking. Not as a seeker of revenge, per se, but as someone who, like many of us, has at times struggled to let real or imagined grievances go, causing us to act, react or at least overthink.
I highly recommend “The Science of Revenge” for mental health and correctional professionals, as well as anyone who wants to better understand the overall effects of addiction in any form. Society often pushes those with addiction to the fringes — out of sight and out of mind. In this book, the author challenges that notion with compassion, empathy and understanding.
Book club discussion questions
Use these prompts to start your next team or book club discussion.
- Kimmel makes the case that revenge operates like an addiction. What examples — in the book or from your own professional experience — support or challenge that idea?
- How did the “Courtroom of the Mind” concept land with you? Could it be a useful tool in corrections or mental health contexts?
- After reading the science behind revenge and forgiveness, did it change how you look at anger, conflict or unresolved grievances in your own life or facility?
Have a book you think every corrections professional should read? Tell us what’s on your shelf — we might feature it in an upcoming review. Share below.