Title: A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son
Author: Michael Ian Black
Published by: Algonquin Books
Released: September 15, 2020
Source: Electronic Review Copy from the Publisher
Synopsis: “Raw, intimate, and true . . . A Better Man cracked me wide open, and it’s a template for the conversation we need to be having with our boys.”
—Peggy Orenstein, bestselling author of Boys & SexA poignant look at boyhood, in the form of a heartfelt letter from comedian Michael Ian Black to his teenage son before he leaves for college, and a radical plea for rethinking masculinity and teaching young men to give and receive love.
In a world in which the word masculinity now often goes hand in hand with toxic, comedian, actor, and father Michael Ian Black offers up a way forward for boys, men, and anyone who loves them. Part memoir, part advice book, and written as a heartfelt letter to his college-bound son, A Better Man reveals Black’s own complicated relationship with his father, explores the damage and rising violence caused by the expectations placed on boys to “man up,” and searches for the best way to help young men be part of the solution, not the problem. “If we cannot allow ourselves vulnerability,” he writes, “how are we supposed to experience wonder, fear, tenderness?”
Honest, funny, and hopeful, Black skillfully navigates the complex gender issues of our time and delivers a poignant answer to an urgent question: How can we be, and raise, better men? (Synopsis from Goodreads)
My Thoughts: I thought this was a sweet, thoughtful, and reflective book. I will admit, I'm not the biggest non-fiction reader. I would rather get lost in a fictional world with fictional problems then read about real things, I did enjoy this book though. It explored a lot of different topics in a way that kept my attention. It's definitely a beneficial book for young men.
One thing I appreciated about this book is that it was written for young men. I think they are an audience that tends to get pushed to the side. We get so many books written about feminism and Girl Power, but not really very many books for boys. I think that's sort of sad. I thought a majority of the messages in here were good.
This book also functions a bit as a memoir which was interesting to read. I knew Michael Ian Black was a comedian, and there was a little bit of humor sprinkled in this book, but it wasn't the main focus or forced. I used to watch this show on VH1 called I Love the 90's or 80's or 2000's and Michael Ian Black was one of the commentators on that show, he was funny on it.
I liked this book. It's not something that I usually read, but it was nice. It's a contemplative letter from father to son that deals with some tough and important topics. I'd recommend it.
Michael Ian Black is an actor, comedian, and writer who started his career with the sketch comedy show The State, on MTV, and has created and starred in many other television shows. Movie appearances include Wet Hot American Summer, The Baxter, and Sextuplets.
Black is the author of several books for children, including the award-winning I’m Bored, I’m Sad, and I’m Worried, and the parody A Child’s First Book of Trump. His books for adults include the memoirs You’re Not Doing It Right and Navel Gazing, and the essay collection My Custom Van. Black also co-authored with Meghan McCain America, You Sexy Bitch.
As a stand-up comedian, Michael regularly tours the country, and he has released several comedy albums. His podcasts include Mike & Tom Eat Snacks, with Tom Cavanagh; Topics, with Michael Showalter; How to Be Amazing; and Obscure.
He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.
Black is the author of several books for children, including the award-winning I’m Bored, I’m Sad, and I’m Worried, and the parody A Child’s First Book of Trump. His books for adults include the memoirs You’re Not Doing It Right and Navel Gazing, and the essay collection My Custom Van. Black also co-authored with Meghan McCain America, You Sexy Bitch.
As a stand-up comedian, Michael regularly tours the country, and he has released several comedy albums. His podcasts include Mike & Tom Eat Snacks, with Tom Cavanagh; Topics, with Michael Showalter; How to Be Amazing; and Obscure.
He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.
Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son by Michael Ian Black. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Michael Ian Black for letting me be a part of the tour!
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