Stephanie B. (twinsmama) reviewed The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do to Shape Boys into Exceptional Men on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
In this insightful and practical book, Michael Gurian describes what boys need to become strong, responsible, sensitive men. Instead of encouraging us to stifle boys' natural propensities for competition and aggression, Gurian offers effective and practical guidelines for channeling them. He shows how the evils boys are susceptible to, including gang activity, sexual misconduct, and crime, become neccessay outlets when positive role models and adult support are not available. Most important, Gurian explains what a boy really needs-a primary and an extended family, relationships with mentors, and intense support from his school and community- and details how we can provide these things for the boys we love.
Debi S. (DebSalanitro) reviewed The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do to Shape Boys into Exceptional Men on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Good insight as to what boys need vs. what they think they want
Kathy H. reviewed The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do to Shape Boys into Exceptional Men on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very informative book! Helped me with my 3 boys.
Sue J. (zebrastrypes) reviewed The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do to Shape Boys into Exceptional Men on + 58 more book reviews
It's not boy culture that's inherently flawed; it's the way we manage it." If the natural, testosterone-based impulses of boys are squelched or ignored, Gurian posits, such biological truths may find their way to the surface in other, more negative behaviors.
Claudine J. (claudinemj) reviewed The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do to Shape Boys into Exceptional Men on + 4 more book reviews
Interesting book on raising boys.
Cindie V. reviewed The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do to Shape Boys into Exceptional Men on + 2 more book reviews
Michael Gurian has also written, "A Fine Young Man" which addresses older boys. They are both wonderful and really catch the essence of what makes a boy tick. It is a great read for mothers, because we only know what it is like to be a girl. It truly changed the way I dealt with my boys!
Tracy F. reviewed The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do to Shape Boys into Exceptional Men on + 49 more book reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Yes, boys and girls are different, says Washington state family therapist Gurian (Mothers, Sons and Lovers), urging that society learn how to deal creatively with gender-specific needs. In considering the cultural effects of heightened gender consciousness, Gurian warns of the dangers of "enmeshing male development with a female culture in transition." Outlining biological differences, he explains that boys are "hard-wired" to possess certain traits. Because of male brain chemistry and the hormone testosterone, boys are apt, for example, to relish risk-taking and to be physically aggressive and competitive (violence, he claims is not hard-wired, but learned through culture). What Gurian adds to this generally recognized background material is a persuasive summons to society, specifically parents, educators and communities, to unite to channel these traits in positive directions. Sports, for instance, allow competition but also teach responsibility. Work, nature study, music and spiritual pursuits are other positive channels. Gurian, who has also lived in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, suggests that we in the U.S. have grown away from beneficial rites of passage?and toward "isolated, tremulous, family systems." In this shift, he contends, boys have been abandoned, and he urges that society reclaim responsibility for the moral and spiritual upbringing of young males, with guidance offered by elder mentors and support coming from extended family or community. Writing in a calm, compassionate voice, Gurian delivers a compelling call to action. 50,000 first printing; author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Yes, boys and girls are different, says Washington state family therapist Gurian (Mothers, Sons and Lovers), urging that society learn how to deal creatively with gender-specific needs. In considering the cultural effects of heightened gender consciousness, Gurian warns of the dangers of "enmeshing male development with a female culture in transition." Outlining biological differences, he explains that boys are "hard-wired" to possess certain traits. Because of male brain chemistry and the hormone testosterone, boys are apt, for example, to relish risk-taking and to be physically aggressive and competitive (violence, he claims is not hard-wired, but learned through culture). What Gurian adds to this generally recognized background material is a persuasive summons to society, specifically parents, educators and communities, to unite to channel these traits in positive directions. Sports, for instance, allow competition but also teach responsibility. Work, nature study, music and spiritual pursuits are other positive channels. Gurian, who has also lived in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, suggests that we in the U.S. have grown away from beneficial rites of passage?and toward "isolated, tremulous, family systems." In this shift, he contends, boys have been abandoned, and he urges that society reclaim responsibility for the moral and spiritual upbringing of young males, with guidance offered by elder mentors and support coming from extended family or community. Writing in a calm, compassionate voice, Gurian delivers a compelling call to action. 50,000 first printing; author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
