ISBN #: 978-0-615-35736-2 (sc)Page Count: 251
Copyright: 2009 by The Good Men Foundation
Summary:
(Taken from back cover)
The Good Men Project: Real Stories from the Front Lines of Modern Manhood is more than a book; it is the centerpiece of a national discussion about what manhood means today. Thirty-one essays by a broad range of men - rich, poor, black, white, gay, straight, urban, rural, famous, ordinary - describe the challenges, obstacles, triumphs, failures, and life-changing moments that collectively help define what it means to be a man in America.
My Review:
I've always thought men were simple creatures with simple needs. Now, thanks to The Good Men Project, I have been given more of a sneak peek into men's thoughts and feelings.
Please don't misunderstand. The men who wrote these essays are not sissy men. They just wrote about their insecurities, uneasiness and doubts that afflict them in various life situations (i.e. the birth of a child, not being sure whether or not to follow in their family's footsteps and being a single parent of a little girl for the first time). I mean, I always knew men had feelings, but most of them have been brought up to not show feelings because they were told it is a sign of weakness. So, reading this book was a nice and pleasant visit into a world of men that were strong enough to write down how they felt and share it with the world.
I would've finished this book sooner than what I did, but I wanted to take my time and actually read these men's stories. I wanted to feel what they were trying to portray and, I must tell you, I'm glad I did. I am one of those women that believes a man is a stronger person when he can show the emotions he feels, even crying ... well ... as long as it's not the blubbering crying with snot running down their face ... that might be a little much.
Another benefit of this book: The proceeds from the sales of the book and the DVD of the film (yes, there's a film too!) will benefit The Good Men Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(3)(c) corporation supporting organizations that provide educational, social, financial, or legal support to men and boys at risk. How awesome is that?! =)
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Thanks for the review! The book was created for exactly some of the reasons you say -- because men are often portrayed in the media as one-dimensional, and not the complex humans who have a range of stories.
ReplyDeleteThe best of the stories stories come from a moment of truth, and they change the writer and change the reader.
The book was published as a catalyst to spark a conversation around "what does it mean to be a good man?" In addition to the book and film, there is an online magazine http://goodmenproject.com as well as a second film, book of teen boys stories and a NYC theatrical play all in the works.
Thanks for your support!
I knew about the online magazine, but not about the other stuff that's in the works - Thanks for letting us know. I'll be on the lookout for the new book! =)
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