Man Enough
Ratings3
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings3
Average rating3.7
From the director, executive producer, and star of IT ENDS WITH US Justin Baldoni, a gripping, deeply honest, fearless personal and societal exploration of masculinity and what it means to be a man.
The effects of traditionally defined masculinity have become one of the most prevalent social issues of our time. In this engaging and provocative new book, beloved actor, director, and social activist Justin Baldoni reflects on his own struggles with masculinity. With insight and honesty, he explores a range of difficult, sometimes uncomfortable topics including strength and vulnerability, relationships and marriage, body image, sex and sexuality, racial justice, gender equality, and fatherhood.
Writing from experience, Justin invites us to move beyond the scripts we’ve learned since childhood and the roles we are expected to play. He challenges men to be brave enough to be vulnerable, to be strong enough to be sensitive, to be confident enough to listen. Encouraging men to dig deep within themselves, Justin helps us reimagine what it means to be man enough and in the process what it means to be human.
Reviews with the most likes.
I really liked this. I felt like (as a man who has been involved in men's circles, and has tried to speak on this kind of discourse with my own friends for the past few years) it was able to articulate really clearly the ‘scripts' (as he says) we are given as men growing up - the games we play with other guys to feel better than etc...and an alternative path we can take that is based on awareness, love, and acceptance. Beautiful!
It's left me questioning and exploring the ways that actions I take (eg. Trying to be really helpful) can often for me come from a place of insecurity and not abundance - of not feeling good enough or helpful enough (man enough). Also left me exploring ways that I THINK I need to show love to the women in my life and ways I can be better...
All that said - the last chapter was what really sold it to me and made me really like this guy, as often books like this can become pretty indulgent. He acknowledged how much he is on a journey, and how the journey is one of ‘remembering' who we already are, who we always have been.
He didn't try to sell that he has the answer, but just tried to shed light on what he is learning. It's imperfect, it's contradictory at times, it's messy - but, it's got heart, and for me that is what the book role models more than anything!! Explore! Lead with your heart - use all those things that men are told (and holy moley, tell !!!themselves!!!) they NEED to be (strong & brave) and be vulnerable & open.
Ps him role modelling being brave in trying to be more open with his dad is really really inspiring
