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Books matching: toxic masculinity

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  1. Compelling, heartfelt, and definitely timely - this book is a must-read for anyone ready to confront how toxic masculinity harms men, families, and society. Not perfect, but impactful and necessary.

    'The Man They Wanted Me to Be: Toxic Masculinity and a Crisis of Our Own Making' by Jared Yates Sexton is a memoir that delves deep into the toxic construct of masculinity prevalent in society. Through personal anecdotes and candid storytelling, Sexton explores the impact of traditional masculinity on individuals, families, and society as a whole. He bravely examines his own upbringing in a small town environment in Indiana, shedding light on the generational transmission of toxic gender roles. is a thought-provoking analysis of the unrealistic expectations placed on men and boys, highlighting the damaging effects of toxic masculinity on relationships and personal well-being.

    Sexton's writing style is engaging and honest, seamlessly blending personal experiences with research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. challenges readers to reevaluate societal norms around masculinity and offers a path towards healing and self-discovery. Through a blend of memoir, sociology, and history, Sexton presents a raw and impactful narrative that resonates with readers, urging both men and women to confront and address the crisis of toxic masculinity.

    On October 7, 2016, I was celebrating my thirty-fifth birthday when news broke that The Washington Post had just published an eleven-year-old video of Republican nominee Donald Trump telling Access Ho...
    May 2019
    271 pages

  2. #2

    The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks
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    A compassionate, eye-opening must-read for anyone curious about men, masculinity, and love - more theory and reflection than checklist, but full of heart and wisdom.

    In "The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love" by bell hooks, the author delves into the impact of patriarchy on men, exploring how it shapes their identities, behaviors, and relationships. She discusses the various masks and roles that men adopt within patriarchal systems, emphasizing the detrimental effects of toxic masculinity on both men and women. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, hooks challenges traditional notions of masculinity and advocates for a more compassionate, emotionally healthy approach to manhood.

    When Phyllis Chesler’s book About Men was first published more than ten years ago, I was excited. At last, I thought then, a feminist thinker will explain this mystery—men. Back then I had never share...
    2003
    209 pages

  3. #3

    How Not To Be a Boy by Robert Webb
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    A funny, moving, and honest look at one man’s journey through masculinity - less manifesto, more memoir, and well worth your time if you enjoy books that make you think as they make you laugh.

    'How Not To Be a Boy' by Robert Webb is a memoir that delves into the author's personal journey of navigating masculinity and gender stereotypes. The book follows Webb's introspective reflections on his own experiences, relationships, and societal expectations, highlighting the impact of toxic masculinity on both men and women. Through a blend of humor and honesty, Webb explores themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth, offering a poignant and relatable narrative that challenges conventional notions of manhood.

    ‘If I get this right, Tess Rampling will definitely want to have sex with me.’ The idea slouches through my fifteen-year-old brain and disappears before I’ve had time to ask it exactly why a sixth-for...
    August 2017
    334 pages

  4. #4

    The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy
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    A bold, weird, and darkly funny takedown of modern culture - unforgettable but divisive. You'll either love its brutal honesty and offbeat style or wonder what you just read.

    'The Atmospherians' by Alex McElroy is a satirical novel that explores themes of cancel culture, toxic masculinity, and social media through the story of Sasha, a canceled wellness influencer who joins a cult led by her friend Dyson. The cult, known as 'The Atmosphere', aims to help men rid themselves of toxic masculinity. As the cult grows more bizarre, Sasha navigates the fine line of being the only woman at the camp, all while dealing with her own struggles and the questionable motives of those around her. The writing style of the book is described as dark, hilarious, clever, and serious, with the ability to balance serious topics with laugh-out-loud moments.

    THE MEN WERE outside my building: Four of them, ruddy, dressed in camouflage shorts. Hooded sweatshirts bulging over their bellies. They were hairy and amphibian-eyed, their skin Styrofoam white, bana...
    May 2021
    312 pages

  5. #5

    The Topeka School by Ben Lerner
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    Highly praised and intellectually stimulating, "The Topeka School" is a beautifully written, meditative read - though it may frustrate those who prefer action over analysis. Best suited for readers looking to puzzle out big ideas rather than coast through a breezy plot.

    The Topeka School by Ben Lerner is a novel that delves into the lives of a family in Topeka, Kansas, focusing on the son, Adam, and his experiences in high school debate activities. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, toxic masculinity, and the struggles of young adulthood. The writing style of the book is described as challenging, with a non-linear timeline and multiple interrelated characters, creating a complex and layered story that attempts to make sense of contemporary societal issues.

    The novel is structured around the family's experiences, including the father's affair, the mother's history of childhood abuse, and Adam's navigation through the pressures of his social environment. Despite the beautiful writing, some readers found the story to be disjointed, with a lack of a cohesive storyline and a narrative that veers off into subplots that may not contribute to the central themes of the book. The Topeka School is praised for its exploration of toxic masculinity, language, and family dynamics, set against the backdrop of a distinct Midwestern city.

    Darren pictured shattering the mirror with his metal chair. From TV he knew there might be people behind it in the dark, that they could see him. He believed he felt the pressure of their gazes on his...
    October 2019
    305 pages

  6. #6

    Men Explain Things to Me: And Other Essays by Rebecca Solnit
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    A fiery, important, and often witty collection that spotlights the ongoing struggles (and victories) of women. Injustices are named, truths are spoken, and hope glimmers. Essential reading for anyone curious about feminism or hungry for change - just be ready for some truly sobering truths.

    "Men Explain Things to Me: And Other Essays" by Rebecca Solnit is a collection of feminist essays that delve into societal issues such as mansplaining, toxic masculinity, violence against women, and the silencing of women. Solnit's writing style is described as articulate, passionate, and insightful, covering a wide range of topics from Virginia Woolf's writings to the importance of marriage equality. The essays are thought-provoking, eye-opening, and provide a deep exploration of gender inequality and feminist perspectives.

    I still don’t know why Sallie and I bothered to go to that party in the forest slope above Aspen. The people were all older than us and dull in a distinguished way, old enough that we, at forty-ish, p...
    April 2014
    167 pages

  7. #7

    The Duchess War - Brothers Sinister by Courtney Milan
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    A smart, character-driven historical romance with heart and depth - perfect for readers seeking both swoons and substance, even if the plot sometimes gets tangled. A standout start to the Brothers Sinister series!

    In 'The Duchess War' by Courtney Milan, Minnie, a woman with a scandalous past, aims to remain unnoticed and marry for security. However, when the Duke of Clermont discovers her, their interactions lead to unexpected paths. The book is praised for its well-drawn characters, layered plot, and the chemistry between Minnie and Robert, creating a sweet and romantic tale set in the Victorian era.

    True, he’d retreated to the upstairs library of the old Guildhall, far enough from the crowd below that the noise of the ensemble had faded to a distant rumble. True, nobody else was about. Also true:...
    December 2012
    331 pages

  8. #8

    Amateur: A True Story About What Makes a Man by Thomas Page McBee
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    A compelling, beautifully written memoir that challenges and enriches our understanding of masculinity - quick to read, but sure to spark plenty of thought.

    'Amateur: A True Story About What Makes a Man' by Thomas Page McBee explores masculinity through the lens of the author's journey to become the first trans man to fight at Madison Square Garden for a charity event. McBee delves into the complexities of gender conditioning and self-reflection, inviting readers to examine their own perceptions of masculinity and what it means to be a man. Through his experiences in boxing and transitioning, McBee challenges societal norms and sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of exploring masculinity in the modern world.

    Mendez Boxing gym was wedged between anonymous buildings in the Flatiron, under one of those ubiquitous green Manhattan awnings that signal perpetual construction. Though it was just a few blocks nort...
    August 2018
    224 pages

  9. A must-read for anyone invested in the well-being of boys - whether at home, in school, or just in life. "Raising Cain" may not be perfect, but it shines a necessary spotlight on the emotional worlds of boys and offers guidance that’s still incredibly relevant today.

    'Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys' by Dan Kindlon delves into the struggles and dilemmas faced by boys growing up in America, shedding light on the emotional development of boys and the challenges they encounter. It challenges the societal norms that have traditionally stifled men's emotional expression and advocates for more emotional education for boys, emphasizing the crucial role parents play in this process. Through case histories and insights, the authors explore the roots of issues such as troubled relationships with fathers, struggles with depression and suicide, and battles against addiction, providing a comprehensive guide for understanding and addressing the emotional needs of boys.

    An oversized, ancient, leathery brown Naugahyde chair dwarfs all but the largest athletes at this all-boys school. Some boys sink deep into the chair as if hoping to distance themselves from scrutiny;...
    1999
    305 pages

  10. #10

    Happy Birthday, Wanda June by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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    Not Vonnegut at his absolute best, but this play is witty, weird, and makes you think - definitely one for dedicated fans or collectors who enjoy a dash of bizarre social commentary with their theater.

    Happy Birthday, Wanda June is a play by Kurt Vonnegut that presents a modern retelling of Odysseus' return to his home of Ithaca. The plot revolves around Penelope, who has been living on her own with her son Paul for ten years after her husband, big game hunter Harold, disappeared. Penelope has started dating two men, one a manly man similar to her husband and the other a pacifist. However, Harold unexpectedly returns, disrupting Penelope's life. The play delves into themes of toxic masculinity, identity, and relationships, set against the backdrop of the Nixon era.

    Vonnegut's play Happy Birthday, Wanda June is characterized by its surreal yet relevant storytelling style. The narrative intertwines the return of Harold with side stories from heaven, featuring characters like Wanda June and a Nazi German officer. Through humor and wit, Vonnegut explores issues of possession, materialism, violence, and gender roles, making poignant commentary on societal norms and values.

    SILENCE. Pitch blackness. Animal eyes begin to glow in the darkness. Sounds of the jungle climax in animals fighting. A SINGER is heard singing the first bars of "All God's Chillun Got Shoes." HAROLD,...
    1970
    224 pages

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