Books matching: toxic masculinity
100 result(s)
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...- #2
'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... - #3
'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... - #4
'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... - #5
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... '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...- #7
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.
- #8
Orphaned at five, Tempest was taken in by the King's warrior faction, the Hounds. The only thing that remains between Tempest and her title of the first ever female Hound is the Trial. Tasked to bring the heart of the Jester, the leader of the shifter rebels, she sets out to infiltrate the rebel court with her honour and future at stake. But nothing could prepare her for the moment when she lands right in the Jester's snare. For that is just the beginning of Tempest's beliefs and her life's foundation crumbling down. It is a battle of wills and overcoming her prejudices if she wants to stand up for real justice. The story has some favorite tropes: Tempest the abandoned daughter with no family, who miraculously is discovered by the King's Hounds, his personal guard that meres out the king's form of justice. Of course she rises above those around her in her fighting skill and expertise.
The Hound heroin is a Strong, Wounded, and Naive soul who has been taught one thing her whole life. She is blind to the grey that exists between the balck and white sides of a land torn by poverty, greed, and leaders who always think they are doing the right thing. She is sexy, but doesn't know exactly the peril it puts her in. Surrounded by a unique family of Men who are also raging a battle between what is ordered of them and their fundamental morality of right and wrong, the layers of the story are peeled back in a way that draw you in so quickly to the Middle line. And nevermind the incredibly sexy protagonist I have a slight obsession with Foxes now And Wolves. When the Bad guys are not really Bad, and you just can't Not root for everyone, then you know it's an amazing story. The sarcasm and brevity between the characters is so real You can hear the teasing and the laughter, but feel the underlying pain in the exchanges. And the way Frost uses the character physical reactions is just as telling as the verbal sparring. The fight scenes have you holding your breath and the romance has you biting your lip All the perfect combinations of sexy and sweet and sour.
- #9
In "The Power of the Dog" by Thomas Savage, the story revolves around two brothers, Phil and George, who co-own the largest cattle ranch in Montana. The complex dynamics between the cultured and boisterous Phil and the sensitive and reserved George are further complicated when George marries a young widow named Rose, much to Phil's disdain. The arrival of Rose's son, Peter, sets off a chain of events that reveal dark secrets and lead to a chilling conclusion. Set in the 1920s Montana, the book delves into themes of toxic masculinity, family relationships, and the impact of societal norms on individuals.
The narrative style of the book is described as reminiscent of authors like Steinbeck, with vivid descriptions of the western ranch life, landscapes, and characters. The story unfolds with a brooding and dangerous dynamic as the relationships between the characters intensify, leading to a psychological study fraught with drama and tension. Through the eyes of Peter, readers uncover the layers of Phil's character, his treatment of his family, and the lengths he goes to in order to maintain control over his ranch and family.
Phil always did the castrating; first he sliced off the cup of the scrotum and tossed it aside; next he forced down first one and then the other testicle, slit the rainbow membrane that enclosed it, t... - #10
'Twisted Hearts' in 'The Camorra Chronicles' series by Cora Reilly follows the complicated relationship between Gemma and Savio. Gemma has harbored a crush on Savio since she was young, while Savio, a mobster, struggles with his feelings and commitment due to his upbringing and lifestyle. The book delves into the challenges they face, including Gemma's engagement to another man and Savio's reluctance to commit to a single woman, all set against the backdrop of the mafia world.
The story unfolds with twists and turns, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and personal growth. The writing style captures the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the characters, with readers praising the author's ability to evoke strong feelings and create a compelling narrative that keeps them engaged until the end.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Camorra Chronicles )