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Cry Like a Man: Fighting for Freedom from Emotional Incarceration
As a leader in teaching, training, and transforming boys in Detroit, Jason Wilson shares his own story of discovering what it means to “be a man” in this life-changing memoir.
His grandfather’s lynching in the deep South, the murders of his two older brothers, and his verbally harsh and absent father all worked together to form Jason Wilson’s childhood. But it was his decision to acknowledge his emotions and yield to God’s call on his life that made Wilson the man and leader he is today.
As the founder of one of the country’s most esteemed youth organizations, Wilson has decades of experience in strengthening the physical, mental, and emotional spirit of boys and men. In Cry Like a Man , Wilson explains the dangers men face in our culture’s definition of “masculinity” and gives readers hope that healing is possible.
As Wilson writes, “My passion is to help boys and men find strength to become courageously transparent about their own brokenness as I shed light on the symptoms and causes of childhood trauma and ‘father wounds.’ I long to see men free themselves from emotional incarceration—to see their minds renewed, souls weaned, and relationships restored.”
His grandfather’s lynching in the deep South, the murders of his two older brothers, and his verbally harsh and absent father all worked together to form Jason Wilson’s childhood. But it was his decision to acknowledge his emotions and yield to God’s call on his life that made Wilson the man and leader he is today.
As the founder of one of the country’s most esteemed youth organizations, Wilson has decades of experience in strengthening the physical, mental, and emotional spirit of boys and men. In Cry Like a Man , Wilson explains the dangers men face in our culture’s definition of “masculinity” and gives readers hope that healing is possible.
As Wilson writes, “My passion is to help boys and men find strength to become courageously transparent about their own brokenness as I shed light on the symptoms and causes of childhood trauma and ‘father wounds.’ I long to see men free themselves from emotional incarceration—to see their minds renewed, souls weaned, and relationships restored.”
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
345 people are currently reading
2197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
August 18, 2020
Ugh. Man, Jason Wilson is a great dude and I’m grateful that he wrote, and I read, this book. Though I’m not going to lie, I was expecting something very different. This was an autobiography, and I was expecting to gain more insight into emotional incarceration. Don’t get me wrong, his story is gripping at times, and this gives you a perspective on what it was like for an African American boy growing up in the 80’s in Detroit.
January 7, 2021
5/5
I'm scared to talk about this book. Because whatever I say will not do this book justice. At the same time I don't want to overhype it.
Its a story about Jason Wilson growing up in Detroit without a major father figure and so he starts hanging out with the wrong crew, then he turns to Christianity and he just explains why there's such an awful stigma around the emotions a man can or cannot show. He references a lot of bible verses throughout the book which I loved. His whole argument is related around the Bible.
The writing is well done, it was a fast read, and has so many good messages. This is not just for men, females can read this too and get something out of it. If you have a father or a mother I highly recommend this book. Last 30 pages of this book I was ugly crying – and after reading this book I am not afraid to admit it.
Well done, Jason Wilson.
I'm scared to talk about this book. Because whatever I say will not do this book justice. At the same time I don't want to overhype it.
Its a story about Jason Wilson growing up in Detroit without a major father figure and so he starts hanging out with the wrong crew, then he turns to Christianity and he just explains why there's such an awful stigma around the emotions a man can or cannot show. He references a lot of bible verses throughout the book which I loved. His whole argument is related around the Bible.
The writing is well done, it was a fast read, and has so many good messages. This is not just for men, females can read this too and get something out of it. If you have a father or a mother I highly recommend this book. Last 30 pages of this book I was ugly crying – and after reading this book I am not afraid to admit it.
Well done, Jason Wilson.
June 23, 2020
This book just wasn't for me, I misinterpreted what the book was going to be about, I did enjoy some parts, but I feel the book was less about developing psychological understanding of emotions and why men feel like they cant express them and more about religious beliefs and understanding life experiences as "gods will". I hope this book can help others that are that way inclined.
June 23, 2021
I want to give this book a higher rating, I really do. It was interesting to read about Wilson’s life, especially the earlier chapters. Somehow, though, towards the end it was starting to lose my interest. It began to feel a bit repetitive and sometimes there were sections that seemed to veer off and not connect together in a way that felt meaningful. I had read some reviews on here beforehand so I knew not to expect a self-help discussion of how to break through the prison of emotional incarceration, and that this was going to be a memoir, but I still feel like I didn’t get as much about that as I would have thought given its name in the title. I think I only saw that word once or twice in the whole book. It’s not necessary to use that term exactly, and I saw that he was talking about breaking and allowing emotions in, but it was all so rooted in a sense of just letting God do it all that as a non-believer I couldn’t really get much out of that. And I agree with another reviewer here that there were times where the treatment and descriptions of women / female characters in his life made me a bit uncomfortable. It was a quick read, with the chapters being short and the language and syntax being easy to understand, but I just didn’t get as much out of this as I thought I would, sadly.
December 27, 2023
2.5. Very mixed bag
February 26, 2019
Insightful
This book shed light in areas I had locked away in the dark. I will be reading it again and sharing it with other men who may find a need for it!!!
This book shed light in areas I had locked away in the dark. I will be reading it again and sharing it with other men who may find a need for it!!!
February 11, 2019
Excellent book and I high recommend it, especially for men!!!!
This book has already blessed me in many ways as a man. It was a very easy read and an absolute a page turner, I read the whole thing in like three days...I can't say enough about this book or this brother Jason Wilson! Please read it...you won't be disappointed.!!!
This book has already blessed me in many ways as a man. It was a very easy read and an absolute a page turner, I read the whole thing in like three days...I can't say enough about this book or this brother Jason Wilson! Please read it...you won't be disappointed.!!!
December 19, 2023
Wished I knew it was an autobiography from the start. A bit misleading but good still.
January 16, 2025
Powerful memoir! Jason paints such a vivid picture of his emotional, rollercoaster journey — taking you through some of his lowest moments to leading a positive life as a Christian man and model for men.
Recommend the book for anyone who suffers from emotional incarceration, particularly men who have a father wound — more so to hear another man’s journey in navigating his situation and circumstance through his walk with Christ, not for specific self-help / practical steps.
Recommend the book for anyone who suffers from emotional incarceration, particularly men who have a father wound — more so to hear another man’s journey in navigating his situation and circumstance through his walk with Christ, not for specific self-help / practical steps.
March 2, 2019
Excellent Book for men who want to feel
I would recommend this to any man that wants to feel. Wants to love his kids well, but feels there is a disconnect and wants to know why. Jason does a great job of showing men his pain and his story and then wrapping it up with Yah and how He takes care of him.
I would recommend this to any man that wants to feel. Wants to love his kids well, but feels there is a disconnect and wants to know why. Jason does a great job of showing men his pain and his story and then wrapping it up with Yah and how He takes care of him.
May 6, 2019
The author has a powerful story of transgenerational trauma. He does a great job of describing his personal journey of understanding masculinity and manhood through his years of life. Many of the life experiences he references resonate with me personally. Especially as it pertains to sports and sex. There is a religious undertone that overshadows the story at moments and takes away from the journey. However, overall this is a quick and great read.
July 29, 2020
Do not get me wrong i thought this book was very insightful but it wasn’t as in depth that I thought it would be. I thought it would enlighten more of the ways that we should reflect on our trauma and encourage each other to cry to release that but it unfortunately was not. Still a good book about this mans journey to becoming what he seems to be a man and how he improved himself.
October 1, 2018
Cry Like a Man follows the generational abuse, abandonment, and emotional suppression of Jason Wilson’s family, and the redemptive power of God through tears, vulnerability, and ultimately healing. Heart-wrenching and hopeful--an amazing book!
February 21, 2021
Black men will probably most relate to this book but men in general should take a look at this. Some people may be turned off by Jason talking about his faith, it didn’t bother me one bit. Lots of heartbreak and trauma in this book.
April 23, 2021
This book was so misogynistic it made me question why I’m even attracted to men
March 24, 2025
4.5 stars
As others have stated, the title reads like a self-help book, but it starts as a memoir. I say starts, because as I began reading the story of the authors life and what he has went through; how he was able to over come and find a way to deal with his trauma with the help of the Lord, I began to see things in me..It brought up my own hurts, feelings and trauma, but also the promises of hope and faith that I personally have with my relationship with Jesus.
Again, because of reading other reviews, I simply expected a story of his life. I was not expecting the flood of emotions at times that happened while reading. Indirectly, or simply unexpectedly, it DOES deal with what the title suggests.
For reference, if you are looking for more of a deep dive into some practical ways to become what Jason refers to as The Comprehensive Man. Please read his newest book, The Man The Moment Demands as well.
As others have stated, the title reads like a self-help book, but it starts as a memoir. I say starts, because as I began reading the story of the authors life and what he has went through; how he was able to over come and find a way to deal with his trauma with the help of the Lord, I began to see things in me..It brought up my own hurts, feelings and trauma, but also the promises of hope and faith that I personally have with my relationship with Jesus.
Again, because of reading other reviews, I simply expected a story of his life. I was not expecting the flood of emotions at times that happened while reading. Indirectly, or simply unexpectedly, it DOES deal with what the title suggests.
For reference, if you are looking for more of a deep dive into some practical ways to become what Jason refers to as The Comprehensive Man. Please read his newest book, The Man The Moment Demands as well.
March 8, 2022
This is more of an autobiography. His story had tips but that’s what it is. No matter what read it as it’s essential that men know it’s good to cry
November 6, 2022
REMARKABLE! Putting this book in line with Kingdom Man by Tony Evans aligns the reality of man and God’s calling, purpose and identify of a man.
I have no other review other than, REMARKABLE!
I have no other review other than, REMARKABLE!
January 12, 2023
Real and powerful
As a man trying to figure out how to father from a place of fatherlessness, this book was so impactful. I recognize common themes in Jason's story, and was racked with grief over my own remembrances of struggles, loneliness, and mistakes.
Men need these stories. Men need these invitations to be real. Men need to know it is okay to cry, to feel.
Highly recommend.
As a man trying to figure out how to father from a place of fatherlessness, this book was so impactful. I recognize common themes in Jason's story, and was racked with grief over my own remembrances of struggles, loneliness, and mistakes.
Men need these stories. Men need these invitations to be real. Men need to know it is okay to cry, to feel.
Highly recommend.
August 17, 2020
Jason Wilson uses his own past as well as reflections on society as a whole to confront societal norms of male emotion. This book is as much of a liberation of self as it is a piece of literature.
August 19, 2024
HEAVY.
I recently came across a video from Jason Wilson's Instagram and it was extremely powerful. I was drawn to him, followed him, and had to find out more about who this guy is..
This is the first of I believe two books that he has published. He is a leader of men and I appreciate getting to learn from him whether that be through this book or his social media platforms.
I recently came across a video from Jason Wilson's Instagram and it was extremely powerful. I was drawn to him, followed him, and had to find out more about who this guy is..
This is the first of I believe two books that he has published. He is a leader of men and I appreciate getting to learn from him whether that be through this book or his social media platforms.
February 2, 2020
This was a quick and easy read! I saw Jason at Restoration Generation Men’s Summit 2020 in Sioux Falls last weekend. He was famous for his video with a young boy in his CATTA class breaking a board—breaking through his fear and releasing his feelings. This is quite a story of Jason’s life...like a movie of his life but how he comes to Christ (Yah). What an amazing movement that he is addressing—all men can learn from this to become free to fully be themselves in life!! I can see this book being one I read over and over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
*Cry Like A Man* is NOT a self help book that teaches us how to be emotionally incarcerated, as the title may let anyone to presume. Instead, this book is an autobiography, a memoir by Jason Wilson, an African-American man undergoing generations of emotional trauma, and finally coming to terms with it, dealing with his pain, and eventually healing from it.
The the wisdom Jason imparts in his autobiography, is important for all men, especially teenage boys, I feel. I wish I had known about this book when I was in my teens, as it would help me get a better understanding of what being a man is actually about. A lot of the things Jason mentions, about healing, about drugs, about education, about sex, about family are relevant and true for every man out there. And the fact that he present all these valuable lessons in the form of his own story, makes it even more interesting and easy to read and get the meaning. Jason's story will help open up areas which every man has locked up in the dark.
Although Jason does tie some of the things to his own belief in Jesus (whom he calls Yah in the book), there is big value even to someone who is not religious or a Christian. Jason never forces his own ideologies and beliefs and only presents Yah as his own guide, explaining how He showed him the right direction in the low times. Jason Wilson uses his own past as well as reflections on society as a whole to confront societal norms of male emotion. This book is as much of a liberation of self as it is a piece of literature. It speaks about the Masculinity Complex that society sets in all young boys and gives the story of how Jason was able to overcome it. It wasn't an easy journey and like most men he had discarded his emotions at an early age, enduring a lot of pain and heartaches, but with the support of Yah, he was able to get out of it, which is presented remarkably in the book.
Jason takes us on a journey starting with his grandfather to growin up as a black kid in 80's Detroit, bringing us up to speed in modern day. What his family has endured is monumental but you're definitely able to relate to it.
Some books help us process our own pains. This was one of them. It’s like you’ve gone another step -another wrung on the ladder - towards where you’re meant to be - and who you’re meant to be. *Cry Like A Man* is one of those books and a must for every person who identifies as a man out there.
The the wisdom Jason imparts in his autobiography, is important for all men, especially teenage boys, I feel. I wish I had known about this book when I was in my teens, as it would help me get a better understanding of what being a man is actually about. A lot of the things Jason mentions, about healing, about drugs, about education, about sex, about family are relevant and true for every man out there. And the fact that he present all these valuable lessons in the form of his own story, makes it even more interesting and easy to read and get the meaning. Jason's story will help open up areas which every man has locked up in the dark.
Although Jason does tie some of the things to his own belief in Jesus (whom he calls Yah in the book), there is big value even to someone who is not religious or a Christian. Jason never forces his own ideologies and beliefs and only presents Yah as his own guide, explaining how He showed him the right direction in the low times. Jason Wilson uses his own past as well as reflections on society as a whole to confront societal norms of male emotion. This book is as much of a liberation of self as it is a piece of literature. It speaks about the Masculinity Complex that society sets in all young boys and gives the story of how Jason was able to overcome it. It wasn't an easy journey and like most men he had discarded his emotions at an early age, enduring a lot of pain and heartaches, but with the support of Yah, he was able to get out of it, which is presented remarkably in the book.
Jason takes us on a journey starting with his grandfather to growin up as a black kid in 80's Detroit, bringing us up to speed in modern day. What his family has endured is monumental but you're definitely able to relate to it.
Some books help us process our own pains. This was one of them. It’s like you’ve gone another step -another wrung on the ladder - towards where you’re meant to be - and who you’re meant to be. *Cry Like A Man* is one of those books and a must for every person who identifies as a man out there.
Want to read
February 10, 2019There have been so many times/ I have seen a man wanting to weep/ but/ instead/ beat his heart until it was unconscious. -masculine (Poem: Salt, by Nayyirah Waheed)
Keeping this on the bookshelf...I really enjoy learning about the masculine, and the nuances that are particular to a man's experience of life and experience of himself. Really encouraged by Mr. Wilson's work through his transformational training academy (The Cave of Adullam; thecatta.org), which is equipping boys who are emotionally, mentally and spiritually underdeveloped with the skills to matriculate into manhood. Expecting #GoodStuff in this book.
Keeping this on the bookshelf...I really enjoy learning about the masculine, and the nuances that are particular to a man's experience of life and experience of himself. Really encouraged by Mr. Wilson's work through his transformational training academy (The Cave of Adullam; thecatta.org), which is equipping boys who are emotionally, mentally and spiritually underdeveloped with the skills to matriculate into manhood. Expecting #GoodStuff in this book.
May 27, 2021
I was expecting different after watching/hearing him in the famous YouTube video “Breaking through emotional barriers”. I was hoping a good, strong, hard minded, expert on handling emotions and going through tough talk in this book but this was much different as I dig through each chapter. This is a human- a deprived, deceived, anxious and confused human juggling through a hard life searching for dreams in harsh realities who has written this book and with that experience, his words bring more conviction and assurance and my respect. A star reduced because the storyline is inconsistent and sometimes abrupt without sense, which is against the writer’s prose, nothing against his story.
April 4, 2019
I feel like I just spent a day sitting on a porch somewhere with Wilson, just listening to him tell me his story. I would hear his voice in my head as I read: at times sad, at times angry, at times wistful and thick with memory--and always drenched with conviction as he hammered home each hard-won lesson. This book is 60% memoir, 20% advice from a wise man, and 20% straightforward preaching. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
August 3, 2021
I feel bad for giving it a just OK rating but I thought this book was more self help than auto-biographical. To just hear the author's story was a bit of a let down.
October 19, 2021
I didn’t want to read this book but my good friend said it expressed much of what he felt. So, wanting to understand him better, he lent me it and I finally read it.
Jason’s grandfathers story is heartbreaking and it made me wonder(for the billionth time this decade) HOW THE FUCK are people capable of such evil?
Jason’s story is also heartbreaking (in a different way) Kids carrying guns and having sex…. Made me think about everything that goes on outside my bubble. We can’t judge these kids, we can only pray and actually WORK hard to make the lives of their offsprings better. I don’t know if im making any sense here so I’ll move on.
Anyway, I would’ve highlighted several lines in this book if it were mine because they hit me personally. At time so just wanted to cry because it spoke directly to what I am currently feeling.
BUT more often then not I thought Jason’s thought-process did not agree with mine. At times It was like a millennial having a conversation with a boomer. A devoted Christian preaching to a spiritual person.
The part where he felt terrible for going to a strip club for his bachelor party… and then his fiancé crucifying him for it?? I was like dude do you go every weekend? was it your idea? did you go there wanting to fuck a stripper? No!! Why are you killing yourself over it? And you’re fiancé must be very suspicious of you if she reacted like that. Idk maybe I just don’t get those types of relationships. Maybe it has more to do with the constant guilt that comes with that type of Christian mentality.
Okay, so my point is no. This book was not for me, yes insightful at some points but overall not worth it. However I can see how other people could benefit from it, like my friend. Just not for me.
Jason’s grandfathers story is heartbreaking and it made me wonder(for the billionth time this decade) HOW THE FUCK are people capable of such evil?
Jason’s story is also heartbreaking (in a different way) Kids carrying guns and having sex…. Made me think about everything that goes on outside my bubble. We can’t judge these kids, we can only pray and actually WORK hard to make the lives of their offsprings better. I don’t know if im making any sense here so I’ll move on.
Anyway, I would’ve highlighted several lines in this book if it were mine because they hit me personally. At time so just wanted to cry because it spoke directly to what I am currently feeling.
BUT more often then not I thought Jason’s thought-process did not agree with mine. At times It was like a millennial having a conversation with a boomer. A devoted Christian preaching to a spiritual person.
The part where he felt terrible for going to a strip club for his bachelor party… and then his fiancé crucifying him for it?? I was like dude do you go every weekend? was it your idea? did you go there wanting to fuck a stripper? No!! Why are you killing yourself over it? And you’re fiancé must be very suspicious of you if she reacted like that. Idk maybe I just don’t get those types of relationships. Maybe it has more to do with the constant guilt that comes with that type of Christian mentality.
Okay, so my point is no. This book was not for me, yes insightful at some points but overall not worth it. However I can see how other people could benefit from it, like my friend. Just not for me.
March 5, 2019
Where do I start?
I have been following from afar Jason Wilson and his public journey for a couple years now. It all started with watching the video, "A Village of Fathers Support A Son." As I sat there with tears in my eyes, I thought to myself, "This is beautiful, I wish I had this kind of male support when I was little." With anticipation, I followed Jason's videos and couldn't wait until the next one came out.
When I found out that Jason was writing a book, I was overjoyed! I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy. I preordered the book and waited patiently. After receiving the book, I dug in...
In "Cry Like a Man," Jason Wilson takes you on his personal journey through fatherlessness, seeking affirmation from his father, and fighting through emotional barriers that kept him from becoming the man that God called him to be.
Not to a tee, but I relate so much to Jason. The wanting affirmation from his father, to trying to fit in with the right crowd, to Jesus radically changing his life, I felt like I was sitting at a coffee shop across from Jason as he told me his testimony. "Cry Like A Man," could be a spark in conversation on the importance of a father being specifically involved in his son's life. It could be a spark of conviction toward father's who are tempted to leave their responsibility. This book could spark a movement of men who will take seriously their responsibility and break the cycle of fatherlessness, myths about how a man "should act," and truly know what it looks like to "Cry Like a Man."
I have been following from afar Jason Wilson and his public journey for a couple years now. It all started with watching the video, "A Village of Fathers Support A Son." As I sat there with tears in my eyes, I thought to myself, "This is beautiful, I wish I had this kind of male support when I was little." With anticipation, I followed Jason's videos and couldn't wait until the next one came out.
When I found out that Jason was writing a book, I was overjoyed! I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy. I preordered the book and waited patiently. After receiving the book, I dug in...
In "Cry Like a Man," Jason Wilson takes you on his personal journey through fatherlessness, seeking affirmation from his father, and fighting through emotional barriers that kept him from becoming the man that God called him to be.
Not to a tee, but I relate so much to Jason. The wanting affirmation from his father, to trying to fit in with the right crowd, to Jesus radically changing his life, I felt like I was sitting at a coffee shop across from Jason as he told me his testimony. "Cry Like A Man," could be a spark in conversation on the importance of a father being specifically involved in his son's life. It could be a spark of conviction toward father's who are tempted to leave their responsibility. This book could spark a movement of men who will take seriously their responsibility and break the cycle of fatherlessness, myths about how a man "should act," and truly know what it looks like to "Cry Like a Man."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2024
I feel mislead. Despite what the title promises, this memoir of a largely unremarkable person does not put traditional masculinity under any level of scrutiny, nor does it actually address permissible expression of emotion beyond telling the reader "it is probably good to feel feelings". In fact, I would argue this book does more to reinforce the toxic aspects of masculinity than it does to challenge or even mention its snares and pitfalls. "Crying like a man" refers to an event that would make most people cry, and is entirely unexplored as a concept.
The author also completely abdicates responsibility for failures and achievements to god, overtly preaching to the reader on nearly every page to an extraordinary degree. The content is so evenly split between biography, sermon, and pointless exhortation that I believe that filtering out the text that serves no purpose beyond reinforcing the author's religion would likely halve this book at least.
It starts off quite promising, but just sort of ends without a meaningful thesis and leaves you with a lingering feeling you've been lied to. Reading between the lines of the biographical content paints the picture of a narrator who is unreliable to the point of delusional, who wastes no space on the perspectives, opinions, or experiences of any character beyond the author and god. This tells a fascinating story of generational trauma, although I suspect it's largely an accident.
At least it's short.
The author also completely abdicates responsibility for failures and achievements to god, overtly preaching to the reader on nearly every page to an extraordinary degree. The content is so evenly split between biography, sermon, and pointless exhortation that I believe that filtering out the text that serves no purpose beyond reinforcing the author's religion would likely halve this book at least.
It starts off quite promising, but just sort of ends without a meaningful thesis and leaves you with a lingering feeling you've been lied to. Reading between the lines of the biographical content paints the picture of a narrator who is unreliable to the point of delusional, who wastes no space on the perspectives, opinions, or experiences of any character beyond the author and god. This tells a fascinating story of generational trauma, although I suspect it's largely an accident.
At least it's short.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews