emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Young men should give this a listen (or read). He has a very enlightening perspective on masculinity. 
informative sad tense medium-paced
hopeful reflective
challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Such an interesting and refreshing read. It’s nice to finally read about a man who is aware of his privileges while also acknowledging their trauma.
informative reflective medium-paced

I'm curious who the intended audience is. As a woman, there was lots of head nodding and agreement. And I give the author credit for all the emotional work he has done.

But it seems a little off if the goal is for men to drop toxic masculinity and be a new breed of men. Must be nice to just up and do that while women, POC and other minorities fight for all the opportunities we can get.

For me, it seems important to also focus on dismantling the patriarchy and white supremacy to make room for a new breed of humans on more equal ground.
alexisnasya's profile picture

alexisnasya's review

4.0
informative reflective medium-paced

Challenging and moving this book hits home. Jared covers childhood trauma, masculinity, and doesn't shy from embarrassing details. In many ways it reminded me of Roxane Gay's Hunger. If you're a white guy, read this.

I was really taken by this book. Through a autobiographical lense we understand the history behind the unrealistic demands and roles expected of men. A history that men today are desperately clinging to and because of it have given rise to dangerous political figures like our president Donald Trump. This book is part reflection and part political and social commentary of where we have been and where we are going as society begins to shift. The author brings some light into this war of the sexes and provides some perspective of what it will take to unify and heal us as people.

Interweaving his personal history with research and psychology, Jared Sexton shows beyond any doubt that the USA is riddled with men who have been sold a bill of goods. Taught to be quiet, fearless, in control, and unfeeling, men find out the hard way that living like this is totally incompatible with happiness, satisfaction and healthy relationships. Unfortunately, the broken lives left in the wake of their fury can testify to this truth as well.