I have 3 boys so was intrigued by the description of this book. After finishing it I think every boy on should read it! She details the pressures and expectations society puts on boys and men and how it basically traps them in loneliness. I was also surprised and convicted by the chapter about “me too” and sexism. Like her I expected to disagree but found myself noticing reverse sexism and how damaging it is to young boys as they are developing. Highly recommend. It reinforces my plan to raise my boys to be social and interact often IRL.

I requested this as soon as I read that the author, Ruth Whippman, also has three boys. In the first chapter she shares the reactions received from others- well-intended yet rude suggestions to wear them out at a playground or that they will eat you out of house and home.

Whippman pushes back against stereotypes and gives so much insight on raising boys with a feminist view. Gender stereotypes are harmful to everyone. There are a lot of good points, backed by studies and expert opinions. It is a must-read for all boy moms.

With a lovely blend of anecdote and data, Whippman has done a fabulous job highlighting the challenges in raising "good" boys in this era of heightened scrutiny of masculinity at every stage of development... She tackles head-on the issues of toxic masculinity, gender fluidity, and parental guilt, as well as the politicization of manhood by both sides of the aisle - and she does it with candor and curiosity, in a way that was engaging as well as informative (I was particularly fascinated by her trip into incel land). This was a very intriguing read, and offers a thoughtful look behind the scenes that I found fascinating, timely, and valuable.