The Wonder of Boys by Michael Gurian Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Wonder of Boys
Book Review: Take Care! Anti-female bias here!
Summary: 1 Stars
Since Americans have begun questioning the value of the John Wayne male stereotype (Thank goodness!), it's essential that we look at how we raise boys -- who they are, who we want them to be and how to help them get there. I'm happy to say that there are several (other) books out now that ask good questions and offer positive insights and advice on raising strong and healthy boys. Gurian's book, however, while it raises some important boys' issues, offers "facts" that don't quite jibe. Plus, his ideas have an anti-female, and anti-feminist tone.
This is ironic since it was women and men in the feminist movement who, while questioning female stereotypes, first pointed out the destructiveness of the macho "ideal." Let's give up and get over that other stereotype and realize that by being pro-female you don't have to be anti-male (or pro-male and anti-female). The reality is, we want to help boys and girls grow into healthy, strong, happy adults. ! There's lots of work to be done to help both genders blossom.
Check out _Real Boys_ or _Unraveling the Gender Knot_ for great discussions about boys that don't have to put down the work being done on women's and girls' issues.
Book Review: Complete and utter garbage
Summary: 1 Stars
There are only a few books that I have seen as disorganized, unfounded, and dangerous as this particular "text." I fear that someone may read this pop psychology rubbish and try to apply it to their own lives. Guiran's claims are apparently unreasearched as he cites very few references. He also contradicts himselfs often. I read as much as I could until I was utterly disgusted and then threw it away like the trash that it is.Book Review: Unsupported claims and misinterpretations of data
Summary: 1 Stars
I agree whole-heartedly with the other readers who gave this book a very negative rating. As a clinical psychologist and mother of two boys, I was very interested in reading this book but found that early on already, Gurian makes claims that are not supported by any empirical evidence, and even misinterprets findings from the psychological literature. The former would be excusable if he clearly stated that this was only his own view, not a well-established fact. However, there is no excuse for the latter, and it makes me wonder about the effort Gurian put into his background research (if any!). As if to add insult to injury, the book is also poorly written and disorganized. I had a very hard time reading even half of it before I threw it away, disgusted. Parents, don't waste your money on this one. A much better book on the same topic is "The courage to raise good men."Book Review: His theories are narrow and off base.
Summary: 1 Stars
The chapter on Mothers and Sons is mostly about what mothers frequently do to hurt their sons physically or emotionally. The section titled, "What mothers should do during their sons first decade" discussed the importance of continual presence and bonding during the first year of life (the mother needing to be the primary caretaker, or problems may arise in adolescence), then jumped to "working mothers" and "single moms bringing home boyfriends". What a completely useless chapter. I learned nothing about positive actions, and felt the author was condeming me because I am a working mom. I plan to file the book away permanently.Book Review: Realistic view of boyhood with tough solutions.
Summary: 4 Stars
As I read this book I knew many women would have a tough time with this straight discussion about boys and men. I also knew that many men would immediately see themselves and their sons and know right away that this author was making incredible sense. More importantly, the solutions of strong male role models, mentors, healthy discipline and a commitment to teaching boys moral and social value on their terms is "right on".