The Manbook: A Point-by-Point Guide to Sucking It Up and Getting the Job Done – A No-Nonsense Guide to Mental Toughness and Professional Growth.

by Nick Freitas

You’re not the man you want to be. Because none of us are. It's a quest, not a destination.

Whether you're young and still learning or seasoned but always trying to improve, this book is a list of hard lessons learned through marriage, fatherhood, war, business and politics all in the quest to be a good man.

Retired Green Beret, husband, father, and Virginia legislator Nick Freitas has spent a lifetime in demanding roles. He has thought deeply about the standards every man needs to meet (and, like all of us, knows the challenge of consistently measuring up). In this book, he shares straightforward, concrete advice on over fifty masculine skills,

How to win an argument fairlyHow to plan the perfect dateHow to win a fightHow to prepare a steakHow to pit a carThe answer to the crisis of masculinity is not docility or weakness, but men who are both strong and honorable. Freitas shares his experiences and lessons learned along the way. With a signature blend of humor and hard-earned wisdom, Freitas gives you the actionable knowledge to get things done and be the man your wife, children and country needs.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author. The book as well as the narration were excellent! If you’ve ever heard Nick speak, you know what you’re in for. If you’re new, welcome.

Nick has a certain brand of sarcasm paired with extraordinary wit that makes what he says, regardless of where you stand, worth hearing. Maybe it’s the GenX in me, but I probably laughed during every chapter.

This book was so good I ordered the hardback before I was even finished just because I wanted to have it on my shelf and to be able to go back and highlight particularly insightful parts, of which there were many.

There were also heartwarming moments and yes I did tear up a time or two… I’m a girl, sue me. Speaking of being a girl, yes I am and yes I did enjoy this book on being a man.

Besides the ‘provide & protect’ and ‘head of the household’ aspect of manhood, most of the lessons discussed are applicable to everyone. My 14yo daughter even enjoyed it while I had it on in the car. She said it was like a good checklist of things to look for in a man when she got older.

As for the narration, I hope he does more. I really enjoyed Jack Carr’s The Terminal List series narrated by Ray Porter. Nick’s narration reminded me of Ray’s several times throughout this book. It was phenomenal.

All that to say it was an amazing read/listen and definitely one I’ll read again.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book with far more practical guidance than I expected. I did not expect to get so much on topics such as debate and apologetics. If you’re looking for a similar book but with a more scriptural emphasis (not that this book is void of scripture), I would recommend pairing it with Family Shepherds by Voddie Baucham Jr.

[Joel Hammett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit, this was better than I expected. A couple chapters I wouldn’t really recommend, but I think globally the book is well grounded.

In other words, we’d have less problems in the world of men followed the advice of this book, however flawed it might be. It’s better than what we have, by far.

[Makayla Ledingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have the words to tell you how great this book was! It was phenomenal! One of the best books that I have ever bought! It might be for men but ladies there is so much wisdom in here. It's a book that I will definitely be re-reading in different seasons of my life. Thank you to everyone who made this book possible!! This would make a fantastic graduation gift. This is well worth the time and money.

After reading this you need to go follow Mr. Freitas on social media!

[Dobiac · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Gets It

The Title and Subtitle says it all. The Manbook: A Point-by-Point Guide to Sucking It Up and Getting the Job Done – A No-Nonsense Guide to Mental Toughness and Professional Growth.
While this is the Manbook, it would be a great for women to read too. Thank you Tina for supporting Nick to be the kind of Real Man we need more of.

[Alley Marrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. My favorite two chapters were 50 and 51. But the whole book, which I listened to on Audible, reminded me of Ron Swanson from the show Parks and Rec. I say that as a compliment because I absolutely loved Ron Swanson. From Nick’s voice to his ideas, it gave me both nostalgia and also introduced me to some great new ideas. 10/10 recommend. I will be recommending this book to many friends and family members.

[Arianna Keyser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on healthy masculinity in a time where masculinity is being questioned. While the target audience is men, it has many great points for being a competent and well rounded person that can be appreciated by both genders.

[D.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freitas is known mostly for his viral witty (and sometimes sharp) short reels, always followed by a sip from one of his iconic coffee mugs. But he also hosts a notable podcast where he dives deep into the same themes, as well as philosophy , history, apologetics, and other topics in long form. I was either expecting or hoping for the latter but got the former. Instead of a philosophical exposition from a wise older man I found concise takes on important matters. In other words, I was hoping for an extended visit with a wise grandpa but I got a short conversation with dad for each topic. In keeping with the theme of this book, I will take accountability for my expectations and not rate the book low.

All this being said, the book is very good for what it is. Freitas is that dad who knows things, and he communicates it well. At 58, I have been discussing these lessons with my son, nephews, and young men from church and work for many years. For teenage and young adult men this book will serve you well. Particularly if you don’t have a good man in your life. Which is the one chapter he didn’t write that would fit in well: how to find a mentor. Just a hint, it’s that guy at church or work who is getting so many of the other things right.

[Abby Klose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not the intended audience of this book, but when I heard Nick Freitas wrote a book, I knew I had to give it a read. This book felt like a compilation of all of the best Making the Argument episodes (iykyk) made complete with a whole chapter dedicated to the subject of how to make a steak and a nod to Good Ranchers. While I’m sad the Virginia House of Delegates no longer has Nick’s reliably courageous and incredibly articulate voice of truth, I’m glad his platform has grown in such a way that he can be a role model for the younger generations. This book might just have to be my new go-to graduation gift for all the boys in my life. Now, I’m left wondering if we can one day anticipate a book from the Queen of the Bees, Tina. 🤔👸🏼🐝

[Caleb Emlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book sets out what it states it will do. It lays out good principles for young (and old) men to know and put into practice. The majority of chapters (53 in total) explain what the title says in a concise, yet adequate few pages.

My only major complaints are that some of the chapters I felt did not adequately cover what the title said, like I was still waiting for the big takeaway, or I felt like the main point was covered but could’ve been better fleshed out in another page or two. However, out of the 53 chapters, this would only be maybe 5–8 of them. So I would still highly recommend the book.

Lastly, would have enjoyed seeing at least one chapter on personal finances/budgeting.

[Jay C Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisdom, knowledge, experience, and gratitude.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. I rarely leave reviews, although this book will open your eyes to an experienced perspective on a variety of topics. It wont change your mind about anything….it will increase your desire to learn more and improve your capabilities. I write this much as to not reveal anything in the book, hoping you find out for yourself. :). 10/10

[Adam Kareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short chapters covering all sorts of life experience and situations. Freitas outlines and gives good basic advice for all men who want to be men. I appreciated not only the practical advice but also the emphasis on being a godly man; going to church and leading your family well.

[Robert Knotts]

I couldn't finish this audiobook. Part of it was he lost me within the first few minutes when he mentioned "woke" in the negative. I got to Lesson 10 before I couldn't go any further. The book was just not for me, but I won't rate it low because it was a preference based on my opinions.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good review of subjects men should be interested in, fascinated by, or informed of, all based on Freitas’ consistent foundation of faith, family, and freedom. Enjoyable and provoking in a society that so often tries to target the fundamentals this read espouses.

[Nick Salenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that is list of hard lessons learned through marriage, fatherhood, war, business, & politics all in quest to be good man in whether you are young & still learning or seasoned as always trying to improve.

[Kristen Wooldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my husband, but as a big fan of Nick myself, I wanted to read it, too. I’m glad I did. So much wisdom!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read

Everyone should grab a copy of this book and share it with those around them. This book is written to men, but I learned a lot from it as a woman.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. It is good to see there are still some masculine politicians in the Commonwealth. All men are masculine males but not all males are masculine men.

[Caleb Bixler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to listen to! It’s full of practical advice, and I’d recommend it to any young man who is unsure of what Manhood is, or what masculine responsibility looks like in day to day life.

[Noah Linhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish he had included a reading list.

[James Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff, some for fun, and some great advice mixed in. Worth the time to read.

[Ben Aurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of solid advice, especially for husbands and fathers.

[Austin Denigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding primer on being a Man. Simple yet articulate, Nick hits the nail on the head.