Monster Mirror

From April 2021 - June 2022, Dr. Michael Caparrelli met with David Berkowitz, a convicted serial killer known as the Son of Sam, to discuss the mental health factors and demonic influences behind his 15 shootings, 1 stabbing and hundreds of fires. The book also features David's life now in Shawangunk Correctional Facility.

Monster Mirror: 100 Hours with David Berkowitz, once known as the Son of Sam, on mental health and evil phenomena features Dr. Caparrelli's 34 sessions with the convicted serial killer. Dr. Caparrelli and David Berkowitz discuss in-depth the factors behind his 1970s crimes along with his life in prison now. The book explores 9 themes that surface from 100 hours of data such as isolation, rage, shame, abandonment, cognitive distortions, defense mechanisms, head trauma and other mental health factors behind senseless violence. Dr. Michael Caparrelli is both a minister and a PhD in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior. His dual qualifications enable him to interpret David Berkowitz's crimes through a spiritual and psycho-social-biological vantage point. Monster Mirror sheds light on the interplay between the human psyche and the spiritual world, and how that interaction results in violence. Also, the boom captures the friendship that blossomed between Dr. Caparrelli and David Berkowitz. The bond between these two men paved the way for David to confess a secret he'd been harboring for many years relating to his crimes. David's confession is one more piece of his transformative journey from a monster into a man who cares deeply about people. This book is an enjoyable read for anyone interested in true crime, self-help and spiritual enlightenment.

Dr. Michael Caparrelli was born and bred in Providence, Rhode Island, a troubled kid who squandered his adolescence in institutions. When he was 18 years old, his life was transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. For 16 years, he pastored churches that helped people find freedom from mental illness. In 2021, he finished his PhD in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior with an emphasis upon Addiction Psychology. His doctoral dissertation is entitled, 'The Impact of Involvement With the Evangelical Church upon the Recovery Journey of People with Chemical Addictions". Currently, he's keynote speaker in churches, schools & other venues across the U.S. on subjects such as depression, addiction, grief, early childhood trauma, etc. In June 2021, he opened for John Maxwell at the National Adult & Teen Challenge Convention in Orlando. He has authored four books that help the broken overcome. His books have been adapted into the curriculum of several Adult & Teen Challenge Centers as well as the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. He is a professor of 6 psychology courses at Northpoint bible college, Manchester Community College and the Community College of Rhode Island.