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The Manual to Manhood: How to Cook the Perfect Steak, Change a Tire, Impress a Girl & 97 Other Skills You Need to Survive
How to gain respect, avoid embarrassment, and impress everyone!
As a man in the making, you'll need to know how to do stuff. You also need a strong moral character to back up your new abilities. But who do you ask? If you want to have it all together, The Manual to Manhood is your go-to resource. With great illustrations and step-by-step instructions for almost everything a guy needs to know, this book shows you how to
· wear cologne correctly
· tie a tie
· grill a steak
· manage a credit card
· plan a date
· interview for a job
· ask for a reference
· clean a bathroom
· change a tire
· talk to a girl
· fold a shirt
· clear a sink drain
· behave during a traffic stop
· throw a football
· find a stud in a wall
· and tons more
The world needs confident and capable young men. With The Manual to Manhood, you'll be well on your way to becoming one of the best.
Jonathan Catherman is a leading education consultant and trainer specializing in the character and leadership development of youth. He speaks worldwide about the principles and strengths that empower greatness in children, teens, and young adults. As both a parent and a professional, Jonathan is committed to assisting young men in the making to experience success and significance as they mature into manhood and lifelong leadership. Jonathan, his bride, and their boys live in North Carolina. Learn more at www.jonathancatherman.com.
As a man in the making, you'll need to know how to do stuff. You also need a strong moral character to back up your new abilities. But who do you ask? If you want to have it all together, The Manual to Manhood is your go-to resource. With great illustrations and step-by-step instructions for almost everything a guy needs to know, this book shows you how to
· wear cologne correctly
· tie a tie
· grill a steak
· manage a credit card
· plan a date
· interview for a job
· ask for a reference
· clean a bathroom
· change a tire
· talk to a girl
· fold a shirt
· clear a sink drain
· behave during a traffic stop
· throw a football
· find a stud in a wall
· and tons more
The world needs confident and capable young men. With The Manual to Manhood, you'll be well on your way to becoming one of the best.
Jonathan Catherman is a leading education consultant and trainer specializing in the character and leadership development of youth. He speaks worldwide about the principles and strengths that empower greatness in children, teens, and young adults. As both a parent and a professional, Jonathan is committed to assisting young men in the making to experience success and significance as they mature into manhood and lifelong leadership. Jonathan, his bride, and their boys live in North Carolina. Learn more at www.jonathancatherman.com.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2014
481 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 9, 2014
I wrote this book for all young men in the making. Inspired by my own two sons I typed every chapter lead, how-to instructional, and character story with the purpose of encouraging readers to discover and become their very best. All continent is uplifting, honorable, and appropriate for readers of any age. Not a word will embarrass or point young men towards anything other than excellence and respect. Please feel free to contact me directly if you would like a signed copy for your young man in the making.
- Jonathan Catherman, author of The Manual To Manhood.
www.jonathancatherman.com
- Jonathan Catherman, author of The Manual To Manhood.
www.jonathancatherman.com
June 8, 2019
Step by step life skills guide
First, all the advice is spot on and most of it is appropriate for current times.
It lost me in the dating section. The advice itself is great but, it didn't need to be explicitly gendered. Gay boys need to learn basic manners and how to be good men.
First, all the advice is spot on and most of it is appropriate for current times.
It lost me in the dating section. The advice itself is great but, it didn't need to be explicitly gendered. Gay boys need to learn basic manners and how to be good men.
October 29, 2024
How to grill a steak. How to clean a toilet. How to date a girl. How to shake hands. Practical and non practical lessons alike, this book teaches necessary abilities all the while incorporating humor between its pages. Good book.
August 3, 2020
In short: If you are over 22 skip it, the book is an hour lost of your life.
I bought it for my nephew and just wanted to make sure it is safe for teenagers. 30 years ago I read Soviet book entitled "A manual for men younger than 16" and it was much better. This one is designed for an American teenager and has no utility for a man. I hope it will be useful for a boy.
I bought it for my nephew and just wanted to make sure it is safe for teenagers. 30 years ago I read Soviet book entitled "A manual for men younger than 16" and it was much better. This one is designed for an American teenager and has no utility for a man. I hope it will be useful for a boy.
April 15, 2019
An okay little book. Probably will reference various parts later on.
May 3, 2020
My mother bought me this book for Easter and it was a really good read. I thought that it gave great insight to what daily life and some challenges you might face growing into your adult role. I am a high school senior about to graduate and this book is coming with me to college because a lot of this stuff I will have to do when I get down to college and I'm living on my own.
May 17, 2022
good start
I wish I had this book available when I was about 12. I had good men around but didn't have the forthrightness to ask for help in a lot of these areas. this book is very helpful. I'm one of the dipsticks (his term) who was very ignorant in a lot of these skills.
I wish I had this book available when I was about 12. I had good men around but didn't have the forthrightness to ask for help in a lot of these areas. this book is very helpful. I'm one of the dipsticks (his term) who was very ignorant in a lot of these skills.
June 5, 2022
This book contains some good advice for the teens and preteens it was intended for and anyone learning how to do common tasks. However, some of the information is framed in a very heteronormative way that excludes queer youth.
Want to read
July 2, 2018(For the future, if I ever have sons. Otherwise, I would never read this xD)
March 6, 2025
"The Manual to Manhood" by Jonathan Catherman is a practical guide for young men learning how to adapt to adulthood. It covers everything from basic skills like changing a tire to managing money and even relationships. This book in my opinion was easy to read and broken into sections making it simple to find advice when you need it. Catherman wrote in a friendly, relatable way, offering practical tips without being educational. While the advice may feel basic to some people, it’s a very good starting point for young men looking to become more responsible and confident in adulthood.
This book taught me how to be prepared for when manhood comes. It taught simple things like how to be polite/respectful, while it also taught me harder things like changing a tire and driving manually. Over all this book is amazing and easy to comprehend. I recommend this book to us teens so we can have a better understanding on adult life.
This book taught me how to be prepared for when manhood comes. It taught simple things like how to be polite/respectful, while it also taught me harder things like changing a tire and driving manually. Over all this book is amazing and easy to comprehend. I recommend this book to us teens so we can have a better understanding on adult life.
September 11, 2023
A book my mom got me in early college. A decent read for a teenager I would say. Definitely can't hurt and will learn some good to know male maturity practices that I must confess, I was late in developing.
December 11, 2023
As one could generally expect. It is a fun and adventurous little collection of How-Tos and offers little bytes of trivia along the way.
Books like these are not always meant to be taken verbatim, however they do hold a really fun entertain quality to them.
I am curious to try the Steak recipe.
Books like these are not always meant to be taken verbatim, however they do hold a really fun entertain quality to them.
I am curious to try the Steak recipe.
June 18, 2018
This was a very interesting one, I enjoyed reading it and I took my time with this one, great book, lots of helpful, interesting tips for / about manhood.
January 9, 2019
Dobré pro ty, co vyrůstali bez chlapa v rodině a od někoho si ty rady potřebovali získat😄.
May 11, 2019
A great book for boys.
September 3, 2019
I would definitely recommend it 4 middle to older teens. My son and his friend both enjoyed it themselves.
November 20, 2020
The Vietnamese version seems to have only 50 tips, not 100. And they're not exceptional.
August 7, 2022
Hay, rất bổ ích, kĩ năng cần thiết cho cuộc sống
December 24, 2022
A great book for young men (teens into early 20s) covering various skills with guidance, and there are some good reminders for older guys as well.
June 27, 2023
Started to read but then realized I knew it all
February 11, 2024
This has good practical advice, as well as a great pancake recipe.
February 18, 2024
This is a bathroom reader in my house - but what a treasure for a young person new to adulthood or coming from another country to learn our customs. Don't sleep on this book.
February 19, 2025
Good for my son. Quick one to two page chapters with simple, easy to understand language
April 4, 2014
About the Book:
There's a lot a guy needs to know as he grows up and makes his way in the world. And a lot of it, he wouldn't necessarily want to have to ask about because then, well, people would know he didn't know what he was doing! For all the guys out there who want to have it all together, Jonathan Catherman offers this collection of one hundred step-by-step instructions on almost everything a guy needs to know, including how to
- wear cologne correctly
- manage a credit card
- talk to a girl
- plan a date
- write a resume
- ask for a reference
- clean a bathroom
- throw a football
- change a tire
- behave during a traffic stop
- fold a shirt
- tie a tie
- grill a steak
- clear a sink drain
- find a stud in a wall
In fact, if it's in here, it's an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident men. With great illustrations and a supporting website, this all-in-one reference tool for young men in the making is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion.
About the Author:
Jonathan Catherman is a leading education consultant and trainer specializing in the character and leadership development of youth. He speaks worldwide about the principles and strengths that empower greatness in children, teens, and young adults. As both a parent and a professional, Jonathan is committed to assisting young men in the making to experience success and significance as they mature into manhood and lifelong leadership. Jonathan, his bride, and their boys live in North Carolina. Learn more at www.jonathancatherman.com.
My Review:
This is a great book especially for those boys that don't have a father figure in their life to teach them such things. I would even go as far to say that this is also a good book for girls as well. Learning how to change a flat tire or check the oil are much needed skills in the world and both genders should know how to do these skills. My children know how to do many of the skills listed in the book but this manual is a good book to have around for a reminder course as well.
The Manual to Manhood, not only covers "manly" type things but also things boys need to learn, especially if they plan to live on their own someday. Such things as making pancakes, grilling a steak, writing a resume, etc. A great book to help with everyday tasks is a great help in today's society. This book is brilliant and we need one for girls!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.
There's a lot a guy needs to know as he grows up and makes his way in the world. And a lot of it, he wouldn't necessarily want to have to ask about because then, well, people would know he didn't know what he was doing! For all the guys out there who want to have it all together, Jonathan Catherman offers this collection of one hundred step-by-step instructions on almost everything a guy needs to know, including how to
- wear cologne correctly
- manage a credit card
- talk to a girl
- plan a date
- write a resume
- ask for a reference
- clean a bathroom
- throw a football
- change a tire
- behave during a traffic stop
- fold a shirt
- tie a tie
- grill a steak
- clear a sink drain
- find a stud in a wall
In fact, if it's in here, it's an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident men. With great illustrations and a supporting website, this all-in-one reference tool for young men in the making is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion.
About the Author:
Jonathan Catherman is a leading education consultant and trainer specializing in the character and leadership development of youth. He speaks worldwide about the principles and strengths that empower greatness in children, teens, and young adults. As both a parent and a professional, Jonathan is committed to assisting young men in the making to experience success and significance as they mature into manhood and lifelong leadership. Jonathan, his bride, and their boys live in North Carolina. Learn more at www.jonathancatherman.com.
My Review:
This is a great book especially for those boys that don't have a father figure in their life to teach them such things. I would even go as far to say that this is also a good book for girls as well. Learning how to change a flat tire or check the oil are much needed skills in the world and both genders should know how to do these skills. My children know how to do many of the skills listed in the book but this manual is a good book to have around for a reminder course as well.
The Manual to Manhood, not only covers "manly" type things but also things boys need to learn, especially if they plan to live on their own someday. Such things as making pancakes, grilling a steak, writing a resume, etc. A great book to help with everyday tasks is a great help in today's society. This book is brilliant and we need one for girls!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.
April 30, 2014
Jonathan Catherman in his new book, “The Manual To Manhood” published by Revell gives us How to Cook the Perfect Steak, Change a Tire, Impress a Girl & 97 Other Skills You Need to Survive.
From the Back Cover: How to gain respect, avoid embarrassment, and impress everyone!
As a man in the making, you’ll need to know how to do stuff. You also need a strong moral character to back up your new abilities. But who do you ask? If you want to have it all together, The Manual to Manhood is your go-to resource. With great illustrations and step-by-step instructions for almost everything a guy needs to know, this book shows you how to
· wear cologne correctly
· tie a tie
· grill a steak
· manage a credit card
· plan a date
· interview for a job
· ask for a reference
· clean a bathroom
· change a tire
· talk to a girl
· fold a shirt
· clear a sink drain
· behave during a traffic stop
· throw a football
· find a stud in a wall
· and tons more
The world needs confident and capable young men. With The Manual to Manhood, you’ll be well on your way to becoming one of the best.
Mostly the guys in the movies and, sometimes, on the TV, depends on who the star is, know how to grill, fix the car better than Detroit and remodel the house. When I finally realized that I was never ever going to fix a car I was most relieved to discover that it did not affect my manhood. I am pretty sure that there are lots of guys like me. Well Jonathan Catherman to our rescue. In ten sections that range from how to handle money correctly, women & Dating, social skills, grooming, clothes, food, cars and tools, he gives you chapters on How to handle necessary basic items. It is wonderful to have this tremendous guide. This is a book that you will refer to over and over again. It is a great gift to give to friends and family so that they will have this manual to use over and over as well. Even better news it is not just for the guys the ladies can use some of the tools as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: How to gain respect, avoid embarrassment, and impress everyone!
As a man in the making, you’ll need to know how to do stuff. You also need a strong moral character to back up your new abilities. But who do you ask? If you want to have it all together, The Manual to Manhood is your go-to resource. With great illustrations and step-by-step instructions for almost everything a guy needs to know, this book shows you how to
· wear cologne correctly
· tie a tie
· grill a steak
· manage a credit card
· plan a date
· interview for a job
· ask for a reference
· clean a bathroom
· change a tire
· talk to a girl
· fold a shirt
· clear a sink drain
· behave during a traffic stop
· throw a football
· find a stud in a wall
· and tons more
The world needs confident and capable young men. With The Manual to Manhood, you’ll be well on your way to becoming one of the best.
Mostly the guys in the movies and, sometimes, on the TV, depends on who the star is, know how to grill, fix the car better than Detroit and remodel the house. When I finally realized that I was never ever going to fix a car I was most relieved to discover that it did not affect my manhood. I am pretty sure that there are lots of guys like me. Well Jonathan Catherman to our rescue. In ten sections that range from how to handle money correctly, women & Dating, social skills, grooming, clothes, food, cars and tools, he gives you chapters on How to handle necessary basic items. It is wonderful to have this tremendous guide. This is a book that you will refer to over and over again. It is a great gift to give to friends and family so that they will have this manual to use over and over as well. Even better news it is not just for the guys the ladies can use some of the tools as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 6, 2014
The Manual to Manhood is a great reference guide for the guy who wants to learn how to do almost anything. It is written with clear, step by step instructions, and Jonathan's humor keeps the book from becoming a dry, boring “instruction manual”.
There was a day when much of the information in The Manual to Manhood would have been taught to a young man by his father, grandfather or another male role model in his life. Some lucky young men still learn these lessons from the men in their lives. But for some young men this book may be the only (and is the perfect) resource.
One of the major things I really appreciate about The Manual to Manhood is that in addition to relating all of these very important skills, Catherman gives readers role models to look up to by including inspirational profiles of men who are experts in each topic covered in the book. Profiles include: Nate Retzlaff (Fashion/Style trendsetter), Guy Fieri (Celebrity Chef/Restauranteur), Dave Ramsey (financial author/business owner), the Benham Brothers (serial entrepreneurs/founding partners of the BENHAM Companies) and Doug Herbert (founder of B.R.A.K.E.S Foundation and Driving School).
A quote from the back of the book says, “The world needs confident and capable young men. With The Manual to Manhood, you'll be well on your way to becoming one of the best.” This is NOT an exaggeration! This book contains such a wealth of information that it will equip young men to become "one of the best" and their wives/future wives, daughters, sisters and mothers will be greatly blessed by their having read this book.
But, The Manual to Manhood is not just for guys! When looking at the topics included: Women and Dating, Social Skills and Manners, Work and Ethics, Wealth and Money management, Grooming and Personal Hygiene, Clothes and Style, Sports and Recreation, Cars and Driving, Food and Cooking and Tools and It, it doesn't take long for the reader to realize that several of these topics including Wealth and Money Management, Food and Cooking and Tools & Fix It would be beneficial for everyone to read.
Kudos to Catherman! The Manual to Manhood is fantastic!
There was a day when much of the information in The Manual to Manhood would have been taught to a young man by his father, grandfather or another male role model in his life. Some lucky young men still learn these lessons from the men in their lives. But for some young men this book may be the only (and is the perfect) resource.
One of the major things I really appreciate about The Manual to Manhood is that in addition to relating all of these very important skills, Catherman gives readers role models to look up to by including inspirational profiles of men who are experts in each topic covered in the book. Profiles include: Nate Retzlaff (Fashion/Style trendsetter), Guy Fieri (Celebrity Chef/Restauranteur), Dave Ramsey (financial author/business owner), the Benham Brothers (serial entrepreneurs/founding partners of the BENHAM Companies) and Doug Herbert (founder of B.R.A.K.E.S Foundation and Driving School).
A quote from the back of the book says, “The world needs confident and capable young men. With The Manual to Manhood, you'll be well on your way to becoming one of the best.” This is NOT an exaggeration! This book contains such a wealth of information that it will equip young men to become "one of the best" and their wives/future wives, daughters, sisters and mothers will be greatly blessed by their having read this book.
But, The Manual to Manhood is not just for guys! When looking at the topics included: Women and Dating, Social Skills and Manners, Work and Ethics, Wealth and Money management, Grooming and Personal Hygiene, Clothes and Style, Sports and Recreation, Cars and Driving, Food and Cooking and Tools and It, it doesn't take long for the reader to realize that several of these topics including Wealth and Money Management, Food and Cooking and Tools & Fix It would be beneficial for everyone to read.
Kudos to Catherman! The Manual to Manhood is fantastic!
May 7, 2014
I have to admit that I am completely enamored with this book. If you have a tween or young teen boy in your life you would do them a big favor by getting this manual for them. The content contains just about everything a young boy needs to know about everyday life to ease them into manhood.
I enjoyed reading the opening of the book from the author about why he decided to write the book. It set the tone for the rest of the book and I found it very inspiring from one parent to another. The rest of the book is broken down into different topics that are presented with both humor and relevant information.
For example, in chapter five, Grooming & Personal Hygiene, there is a section on How To Apply Deodorant or Antiperspirant. If you've ever had a pre-teen boy you know getting them to wear deodorant is an uphill battle. Here's an example of how Jonathan Catherman addresses the issue with a wittiness that gets his point across without degrading the boy:
"Applying stick antiperspirant or deodorant isn't difficult. What is difficult is sitting next to the guy who forgets to wear the stuff. Think of it this way. The smell of pungent pits is one of the most powerful female repellents known to humankind. Close behind on the nasty scale is when your arm goes up and a wet pit stain shouts out, "I'm sweaty!" Living with that kind of embarrassment, now that's difficult. But don't sweat it. There is a simple solution Wear antiperspirant or deodorant--or a combination of both." (pg. 99-100)
The section then goes on to give a step-by-step tutorial and then it has a section on explaining the differences between antiperspirants and deodorants. It also explains how each works and why you would choose one or the other.
While I'm not a guy I still gleaned some very important things from this book. The section on parallel parking and backing up with a trailer had some good advice that I hadn't thought about before. I think this would make a great how-to manual for every household.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
I enjoyed reading the opening of the book from the author about why he decided to write the book. It set the tone for the rest of the book and I found it very inspiring from one parent to another. The rest of the book is broken down into different topics that are presented with both humor and relevant information.
For example, in chapter five, Grooming & Personal Hygiene, there is a section on How To Apply Deodorant or Antiperspirant. If you've ever had a pre-teen boy you know getting them to wear deodorant is an uphill battle. Here's an example of how Jonathan Catherman addresses the issue with a wittiness that gets his point across without degrading the boy:
"Applying stick antiperspirant or deodorant isn't difficult. What is difficult is sitting next to the guy who forgets to wear the stuff. Think of it this way. The smell of pungent pits is one of the most powerful female repellents known to humankind. Close behind on the nasty scale is when your arm goes up and a wet pit stain shouts out, "I'm sweaty!" Living with that kind of embarrassment, now that's difficult. But don't sweat it. There is a simple solution Wear antiperspirant or deodorant--or a combination of both." (pg. 99-100)
The section then goes on to give a step-by-step tutorial and then it has a section on explaining the differences between antiperspirants and deodorants. It also explains how each works and why you would choose one or the other.
While I'm not a guy I still gleaned some very important things from this book. The section on parallel parking and backing up with a trailer had some good advice that I hadn't thought about before. I think this would make a great how-to manual for every household.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
March 26, 2014
Title: THE MANUAL TO MANHOOD
Author: Jonathan Catherman
Publisher: Revell
April 2014
ISBN: 978-0800722296
Genre: Men’s issues / self help
T here's a lot a guy needs to know as he grows up and makes his way in the world. And a lot of it, he wouldn't necessarily want to have to ask about because then, well, people would know he didn't know what he was doing! For all the guys out there who want to have it all together, Jonathan Catherman offers this collection of one hundred step-by-step instructions on almost everything a guy needs to know, including how to:
• wear cologne correctly
• manage a credit card
• talk to a girl
• plan a date
• write a résumé
• ask for a reference
• clean a bathroom
• throw a football
• change a tire
• behave during a traffic stop
• fold a shirt
• tie a tie
• grill a steak
• clear a sink drain
• find a stud in a wall
In fact, if it's in here, it's an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident men. With great illustrations and a supporting website, this all-in-one reference tool for young men in the making is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion.
THE MANUAL TO MANHOOD tells in detail how to do everything a man might need to know, including how to cook potatoes or pasta! It includes a bunch of fun facts after every how to that even women would love to read.
I found this book a little amazing – like some men don’t know how to do this or that – but maybe not all parents teach them to their sons. And maybe some men learn them from experience—or because they won’t listen to wise advice and have to learn the hard way.
Whatever the reason, this book is a great how to manual for any man who needs to do something and doesn’t want to show their ignorance by asking. Recommended for young men, from graduating high school on up, who are leaving the nest and will find themselves having to be the man. $14.99. 288 pages. 5 stars.
Author: Jonathan Catherman
Publisher: Revell
April 2014
ISBN: 978-0800722296
Genre: Men’s issues / self help
T here's a lot a guy needs to know as he grows up and makes his way in the world. And a lot of it, he wouldn't necessarily want to have to ask about because then, well, people would know he didn't know what he was doing! For all the guys out there who want to have it all together, Jonathan Catherman offers this collection of one hundred step-by-step instructions on almost everything a guy needs to know, including how to:
• wear cologne correctly
• manage a credit card
• talk to a girl
• plan a date
• write a résumé
• ask for a reference
• clean a bathroom
• throw a football
• change a tire
• behave during a traffic stop
• fold a shirt
• tie a tie
• grill a steak
• clear a sink drain
• find a stud in a wall
In fact, if it's in here, it's an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident men. With great illustrations and a supporting website, this all-in-one reference tool for young men in the making is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion.
THE MANUAL TO MANHOOD tells in detail how to do everything a man might need to know, including how to cook potatoes or pasta! It includes a bunch of fun facts after every how to that even women would love to read.
I found this book a little amazing – like some men don’t know how to do this or that – but maybe not all parents teach them to their sons. And maybe some men learn them from experience—or because they won’t listen to wise advice and have to learn the hard way.
Whatever the reason, this book is a great how to manual for any man who needs to do something and doesn’t want to show their ignorance by asking. Recommended for young men, from graduating high school on up, who are leaving the nest and will find themselves having to be the man. $14.99. 288 pages. 5 stars.
May 3, 2014
This is an excellent book for any teen boy that is in your life. In fact I think it would be great to give to boys as they graduate into teen group. The topics are simple, every day useful things. Even as a grown woman I found some of the topics helpful and interesting for myself...such as the section on Wealth and Money Management and Tools and Fixits, and Clothes & Style (especially on how to iron slacks), and even the cooking section - every one can use improvement and help in this area, or at least most of us can.
My ten year old saw this book sitting on our dining room table when it was time for me to write the review and said, "Mom when can I read that one?" - so I know the title and topics caught his eye. Although he has a very active dad who takes a lot of one on one time with each of our four sons and two daughters I think sometimes people just learn easier on their own or at least out of the shelter of their parents - there are some kids who just pick it up better that way.
This author has done an excellent job at presenting 10 areas - with multiple topics under each area. It is easy to read and understand without being overly simplistic. It will help give young boys the confidence and knowledge to accomplish certain tasks. I believe it will also help to foster a since of accomplishment as each task is mastered. It would be an excellent resource for boys and mens ministries as a guide of topics to study. There are a multitude of books like this for young girls but few for boys - and most of those are relegated to the topic of sexual purity and the avoidance of pornography. This book was a refreshing change from the same old standard.
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review of the book.
My ten year old saw this book sitting on our dining room table when it was time for me to write the review and said, "Mom when can I read that one?" - so I know the title and topics caught his eye. Although he has a very active dad who takes a lot of one on one time with each of our four sons and two daughters I think sometimes people just learn easier on their own or at least out of the shelter of their parents - there are some kids who just pick it up better that way.
This author has done an excellent job at presenting 10 areas - with multiple topics under each area. It is easy to read and understand without being overly simplistic. It will help give young boys the confidence and knowledge to accomplish certain tasks. I believe it will also help to foster a since of accomplishment as each task is mastered. It would be an excellent resource for boys and mens ministries as a guide of topics to study. There are a multitude of books like this for young girls but few for boys - and most of those are relegated to the topic of sexual purity and the avoidance of pornography. This book was a refreshing change from the same old standard.
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review of the book.
March 22, 2014
Really? This is a manual to manhood? OK, maybe if you are a caveman emerging from a long, long coma. Or perhaps a Martian trying to pass for human. Or you have been living in a bomb shelter for most of your life. If none of those apply, no. To be sure there are some useful— if incredibly basic—tips here, such as how to jump start a dead battery, set a table, and behave during a police stop. But…how to clean a bathroom? How to open the door for another person? How to “Create a Personal Budget” in nine simple steps? No, no, no, a thousand times, no. Each entry ranges in length from about one-and-a-half to three pages. All of them have illustrations (helpful for “How to Iron Slacks,” but not so much for “Freshen Bad Breath”). But the lessons here are so elementary, so basic, that it would be difficult to imagine the scenario in which they would be useful to a reader. Possibly “How to Tie a Tie” or “How to Grill Fish.” But “How to Apply Deodorant or Antiperspirant”? “How to Machine-dry Laundry”? Are we breeding a generation of morons? VERDICT There is a slight possibility that young men would find this useful, but, with apologies to a most certainly well-intentioned author and publisher, this is mostly an insult to their intelligence. Spring for a subscription to Esquire Magazine or Megan Doherty’s useful and hilarious How Not To Be a Dick instead.
Find this review and others at Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Find this review and others at Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
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