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Anna Akbari
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There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Caught America's Biggest Catfish Kindle Edition

by Anna Akbari (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 323 ratings
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ONE OF PEOPLE'S BEST BOOKS OF JUNE AND A JULY SPOTIFY AUDIOBOOK OF THE MONTH!

“I did not expect to be shocked by There Is No Ethan. Online deception has become so ubiquitous that it’s boring…But the twists and turns in Anna Akbari’s book are outrageous. I read it in one sitting, then spent days recounting her story to anyone who would listen, unable to shake off my indignation on behalf of the author and her fellow victims.”—New York Times

Part memoir, part explosive window into the mind of a catfisher, a thrilling personal account of three women coming face-to-face with an internet predator and teaming up to expose them.

In 2011, three successful and highly educated women fell head over heels for the brilliant and charming Ethan Schuman. Unbeknownst to the others, each exchanged countless messages with Ethan, staying up late into the evenings to deepen their connections with this fascinating man. His detailed excuses about broken webcams and complicated international calling plans seemed believable, as did last minute trip cancellations. After all, why would he lie?  Ethan wasn't after money — he never convinced his marks to shell out thousands of dollars for some imagined crisis. Rather, he ensnared these women in a web of intense emotional intimacy. After the trio independently began to question inconsistencies in their new flame's stories, they managed to find one another and uncover a greater deception than they could've ever imagined. As Anna Akbari and the women untangled their catfish’s web, they found other victims and realized that without a proper crime, there was no legal reason for “Ethan” to ever stop.

THERE IS NO ETHAN catalogues Akbari's experience as both victim and observer. By looking at the bigger picture of where these stories unfold — a world where technology mediates our relationships; where words and images are easily manipulated; and where truth, reality, and identity have become slippery terms — Akbari gives a page-turning and riveting examination of why stories like Ethan's matter for us all.
 
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  1. Print length
    296 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  5. Publication date
    June 4, 2024
  6. File size
    1877 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“[A] Jaw-Dropping Tale of Digital Deception…“There Is No Ethan” is billed as a memoir, and it often reads like a true-crime thriller, but I think it is most meaningfully assessed as a piece of investigative journalism…I won’t soon forget this valiant attempt to hold a manipulator accountable.”

―New York Times

“There is no putting this book down… A riveting story that puts into perspective the dark dangers of forming online relationships. A truly terrifying cautionary tale for anyone involved in the online dating world.―Kirkus Reviews

"[R]iveting account of deception and emotional abuse in the early days of online dating."―Publishers Weekly

“Miles beyond mere cautionary tale, THERE IS NO ETHAN is a thrilling cat and mouse saga featuring three strong women who shut down a faux-charming predator. Heart. Wit. Truth. It’s all there on every page. People will talk about this book. And they should--it’s that good.”―Gregg Olsen, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of If You Tell

“Who is Ethan Schuman? That’s the question driving Anna Akbari’s propulsive new book, and the answer packs a wallop. Part memoir, part investigation, Akbari helps readers understand just how easily it is to get conned, no matter how smart or educated you may be. Will be devoured by fans of true crime and those who are still shocked when someone isn’t who they seem to be."―Abby Ellin, author of Duped: Double Lives, False Identities and the Con Man I Almost Married

“Perfect. Essential. Stunning. The missing manual for understanding what modern social engineering has done to us. A fearless, inspiring, relentless reclamation of power that will have you cheering wildly, begging others to read it and feeling strength you forgot you had.”―Mandy Stadtmiller, author of Unwifeable

"As someone who has lived it, this compelling story of a con artist's cunning manipulation gave me chilling flashbacks.  A riveting read that offers critical insight into how you get sucked into the twisted web of elaborate lies, clever excuses and mind games. A surprise twist, and the brave tenacity of the women who unmask this con, will keep you on the edge of your seat."―Benita Alexander, producer, "Bad Surgeon" on Netflix and "He Lied About Everything" on Investigation Discovery

"A true, freakishly wild ride. Appalling, riveting, stirring — with so much suspense. The one-liners and insightful social commentary are ripe to be turned into a film."―Alyson Stoner, actor

About the Author

Anna Akbari, PhD, is a sociologist and the author of multiple books, including collaborations with more than a dozen authors and public figures across multiple fields and industries. She is a former professor at New York University and Parsons School of Design. She speaks internationally, makes regular media appearances, and has written for or been featured by many top media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, Forbes, the Atlantic,Time, the Financial Times, TED, Bulletproof Executive, Psychology Today, Google Talks, Sirius XM, and many more. She is the creator of the Substack “The Sociology of… Everything.” Learn more at annaakbari.com, and follow on Instagram / Threads: @annaakbari. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CK8CJM5B
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (June 4, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 4, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1877 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 323 ratings

About the author

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Anna Akbari

Anna Akbari

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Anna Akbari, PhD, is a sociologist and the author of multiple books, including collaborations with more than a dozen authors and public figures across multiple fields and industries. She is a former professor at New York University and Parsons School of Design. She speaks internationally, makes regular media appearances, and has written for or been featured by many top media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, Forbes, the Atlantic,Time, the Financial Times, TED, Bulletproof Executive, Psychology Today, Google Talks, Sirius XM, and many more. She is the creator of the Substack “The Sociology of… Everything.”

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
323 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the reading experience great and the twist at the end only makes this story. They also say the content is not worthy of a book. Opinions are mixed on the writing style, with some finding it interesting and thought-provoking, while others find it slow and repetitive.

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Reading experienceWriting styleContent
3 customers mention "Reading experience"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a great summer read with a twist at the end.

"This is a really crazy story and fun read. Perfect for summer...." Read more

"...This is a great summer read, and the twist at the end only makes this story more intense and wild. Five stars!" Read more

"...A shocking reveal! A great read!" Read more

16 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive5 negative

Customers are mixed about the writing style. Some find the book interesting, relatable, and shocking. They also say it's engrossing, compelling, and upsetting. However, others say the book gets boring very quickly and is filled with unnecessary detail.

"This book is a fast read and very interesting bc it could happen to anyone even though you would swear it would never happen to you...." Read more

"...the manipulation strategy employed by Ethan and raises a lot of interesting and unique questions. Definitely not a story I've heard before...." Read more

"This is a tediously repetitive true story about some naive young women who were conned by a fake on-line “boyfriend.”..." Read more

"...It's shocking and truly terrifying that this person is still out there with no consequences. Recommend avoiding spoilers before you read or listen!" Read more

3 customers mention "Content"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the content of the book not worthy of a book, and boring.

"...- story but I suggest you read the magazine article, it was not worthy of a book...." Read more

"...I skimmed through most of it but it was still a waste of time and money. Probably one of the worst books I've ever read." Read more

"I was anticipating this book. It turned out to be drawn out and boring...." Read more

Truth Be Told
5 out of 5 stars

Truth Be Told

Man oh man did this story fill me with rage. I found myself boiling…. No, simmering with anger. Unfortunately catfishing is a real thing and happens all of the time. We can thank the lovely internet for that.Ethan meets three different women online at different times. He starts to court them. Considering he is highly intelligent and quite the charmer, it becomes clear that they want to meet him. I really can’t give you any more details but I’m sure you have an idea. I mean, everyone has seen the movie Catfish or the series at least right? Highly addictive but terribly disturbing.Why on earth would you continue to talk to someone and invest your whole time and energy if they refuse to talk on the phone or video chat? Hello! Your first clue is THEY ARE HIDING SOMETHING! Period! However, this book delves deep into the loneliness these women experience. There was always something niggling at them to know the truth. Why would someone spend years invested in a relationship that is just not tangible? EVER!Now, I will share my own personal experience in the age of Love@AOL. In the year 2000 I had been talking to a guy online that was absolutely gorgeous. We messaged almost nightly. Flirted intensely. I started to like this guy y’all. Well, I was flying up to Detroit to visit my brother. This man lived in St Louis, MO. I got a layover in St. Louis just so I could meet him face to face. Listen when I tell you that I stood in that airport waiting for him to walk up to only never appear. Yep. That’s my story. He disappeared. Probably married or whatever, but it taught me a little lesson. Just remember that anyone can be anybody they want through a screen.I thought the author’s writing was excellent. She goes into great lengths to share each woman’s experience and how Ethan wrecked their lives forever. His manipulations and the control he had over them was baffling. I finished this is one day. Highly recommend if you enjoy investigative stories.Thanks so much Anna Akbari for the opportunity.4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Top reviews from the United States

kmrbooklover
5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing, stunning.
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2024
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I could not put this book down as I found myself drawn into the drama and chaos that “Ethan” generated, and I was pained by the impact he had on the lives of several loving, intelligent women. It’s really an eye opener and leaves me borderline enraged that Emily Slutsky has not been charged with multiple crimes. She is clearly a danger to society and shows virtually no remorse. wonder how long before the medical corporation that she works for wakes up and realizes that the threat she poses is significant. Maybe they need to be sued first. What a tragedy. She’s a sick sadist. This author needs to be praised for her courage for coming forward this way.
3 people found this helpful
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Brooke Weinstein
4.0 out of 5 stars If it could happen to Anna it could happen to anyone
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
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This book is a fast read and very interesting bc it could happen to anyone even though you would swear it would never happen to you. This was a book club read which gave everyone a TON to unpack and discuss
4 people found this helpful
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Mary Ann
3.0 out of 5 stars Tedious
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
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This is a tediously repetitive true story about some naive young women who were conned by a fake on-line “boyfriend.” The con artist stole not their money but their hearts. For folks who might engage in on-line relationships, this is a cautionary tale.
16 people found this helpful
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Natella Royzman
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and crazy story you won’t forget
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
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This is a really crazy story and fun read. Perfect for summer. It goes into detail about the manipulation strategy employed by Ethan and raises a lot of interesting and unique questions. Definitely not a story I've heard before. All of the women are really likable and I found myself really rooting for them to solve the mystery and get closure. I also wanted some kind of justice, but it’s not obvious what that would look like. Try not to read any spoilers! I think the suspense and mystery adds a lot to the experience of reading this.
4 people found this helpful
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Daffodilbookshelf
4.0 out of 5 stars Part Memoir, Part Thriller
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
There Is No Ethan is part memoir part propulsive thriller. I binge read it in a day to find out who was Ethan. Three women end up working together in 2011 to solve the mystery of Ethan after being catfished by him and learning there was no legal way to stop him.

The reader will want to know why did Ethan do it and why did these women not block him? The answer to the first question is not 100% clear but I will say that I found Ethan's behavior after being found out to be infuriating.

As for the women, the author herself is a sociologist and you won't want to miss the afterward where she delves into it a bit further. You will learn more about the why in the story. But suffice it to say, no one should be so complacent as to think it can't happen to them. Ethan was truly a master manipulator. And yes, I did Google the names in the book but not until after I finished it.

Pick this one up for a fast-paced a summer read!
3 people found this helpful
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Madison
5.0 out of 5 stars A thrilling page-turner...
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
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Thought provoking, wildly upsetting, surprisingly funny, and just plain crazy — this is not your typical catfish story. Makes you want to have everyone you know read it so you can discuss it. My blood was boiling throughout. The fast-paced writing style kept me reading compulsively. Devoured it cause had to know what happened. I'm glad she took the space to show the details of the con and the insidious emotional abuse; it doesn't happen overnight, and a full book is required to really see that evil genius unfold. Kudos to these exceptional women for both enduring and having the bravery to speak out. It's shocking and truly terrifying that this person is still out there with no consequences. Recommend avoiding spoilers before you read or listen!
3 people found this helpful
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CC
2.0 out of 5 stars Painful
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
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An interesting - and upsetting - story but I suggest you read the magazine article, it was not worthy of a book. The book is filled with so much unnecessary detail and tedious repetition of long, not-so-interesting online exchanges. IMHO this author desperately needed a good editor. I read it to the end only because I believed the hype and thought it would get better but alas, it did not. I resorted to a LOT of skimming, something I haven't done since college! Investing time in a book is not something to take lightly. This is one I wish I had not invested in I'm afraid.
10 people found this helpful
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Donna K.
3.0 out of 5 stars TMI
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
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Interesting story but WAY too much dialogue of conversations and accounts. Started skipping entire pages. Just wanted to know how it ended and what happened to the bad “guy”.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Cherie Deacon
5.0 out of 5 stars Anna Akbari's true story is a thriller that grabs you from the first page and never lets go!
Reviewed in Canada on July 15, 2024
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Just when you think the most shocking part of the book has been revealed, it just keeps getting better! I could not put this book down for days. I ordered the audiobook initially and realized that I HAD to read it on paper. So then I ordered the book and read and listened to it jointly the first time. The idea that this professional is still working as a professional is absolutely appalling! I couldn't just read it once though, I also reread the book slower, each piece of this book provides additional details. The way that Akbari wrote this was absolutely incredible. I could and will reread this 100 more times and know that I will find new pieces of the story that I missed the time before. This is a MUST READ. I typically don't read non-fiction and am VERY picky about what will keep my attention in a book; this was at the top of my list! Go get this book now! You'll be shocked, captivated, angry, and thoroughly enjoy this unbelievable true crime story!
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mollycat
5.0 out of 5 stars A psychologically intense exploration of emotional manipulation
Reviewed in France on August 5, 2024
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Anna Akbari’s “There is No Ethan” is a thought-provoking and psychologically intense exploration of the complexities of modern relationships, all grounded in real-life events. This non-fiction work delves into the psyche of high-performing professional women, bringing to light the unsettling reality that insecurity and confusion can take on a far more sinister form when emotional manipulation is at play.

The story centers around three accomplished women who are deceived into believing in the existence of a man named Ethan—a man who appears to love them but ultimately subjects them to a unique form of emotional abuse. This abuse preys not on their professional insecurities but on their deepest personal fears: the notion that they are imposters to their own emotions, inherently unlovable, or too ambitious to fit into traditional relationship molds.

Akbari masterfully portrays the online dating world as a landscape filled with half-truths and fantasies. However, in “There is No Ethan,” she takes this a step further, revealing a labyrinthine narrative where the deception is not just a series of lies but a full-blown psychological trap orchestrated by Emily Slutsky, a respected female medical professional (**Real Name). The story becomes a suspenseful journey down a rabbit hole, where sociologists, lawyers, and psychologists turn into amateur detectives to uncover the truth.

Emily Slutsky’s character is both chilling and compelling, highlighting how someone seemingly successful and respected can harbor deeply disturbing tendencies. Akbari’s portrayal of Slutsky as a sadistic manipulator challenges readers’ perceptions and expectations, making the real-life implications of this narrative all the more striking.

One of the most significant aspects of the book is its examination of imposter syndrome, not in the professional sense, but in a deeply personal way. Akbari shifts the focus from the well-known professional insecurities to a more nuanced and contemporary version—feeling like an imposter to one’s own emotions and questioning one’s worthiness of love. This theme resonates strongly, as many readers will relate to the fear that there is something inherently unreal about love found online.

Akbari’s writing is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the complex emotional landscapes of her real-life subjects. The narrative is well-paced, balancing moments of intense psychological drama with thoughtful reflections on identity, love, and the modern quest for authenticity. It is definitely a must-read for anyone interested in a behind the scenes account of the maddening world of dating - from being ghosted to literally dating an imaginary character, this story is too crazy to be made-up. Especially when one considers that the real-life sociopath in the book - Emily Slutsky (now Dr. Emily Marantz) - is still a practicing gynecologist! Women beware!
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Expat in Munich
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping true story with a surprising outcome
Reviewed in Germany on July 23, 2024
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This book is a must read. I'm still talking to everyone I know about it. I couldn't put it down and I can't get it out of my head! It is a fascinating true story and a chilling look at how society today not only enables deceit and manipulation, but often rewards it. The story is masterfully told and intelligently analyzed. This is by far not the predicable catfishing story I was expecting.
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