I had heard about this book several times as a good intro to depression in men. I have suffered from depression in my late teens and early twenties, and again in mid-life (so guess what's coming if I make it to my seventies...), and wanted to better understand how it might be different in men than women. Specifically, my depression was never passive as it is frequently described, but more active and sometimes manic. I wanted to understand how being raised as a man by my parents, peers, teachers, culture might explain my experience. This book does an outstanding job of revealing how men reject their sensitive sides and end up suffering from both shame and grandiosity (narcissism) and how they end up both flaying their inner little boy while dissociating themselves with that part of their being. The books’ examples seem so much harsher than anything I experienced, but I also felt abandoned, rejected and ashamed of myself, and this book helped me understand why. It’s not a how-to guide, but excellent examples and story-like explanations made it a joy to read.

If you are reading this to try and understand your own life it wont disappoint. The terminology is quite psychological but explained a lot to me and gave me several moments of clarity of why I am like I am.

I have been able to reflect on my own upbringing and understand where things may have affected my mental state and the book has also given me a deeper understanding of my parents.

A very interesting and insightful book. it is mainly aimed at solving depression that is caused by trauma and so might not be useful if suffering from a different type of depression but a fascinating read and look into the male psyche and culture.

A very readable book on male depression. The author shares his own story in the book which I liked and appreciated very much.

Arrived in excellent time and in great condition.

Hugely important book for masculinity

In excellent condition

I am a fan of Terry Real. I find his writings very much to the point and very helpful. In this book, I found some of the chapters too technical and I lost interest. Overall I would recommend it.

This book offers a professional's understanding of how boys are socialized to push aside feelings that are typically discouraged in males (e.g., western civilizations). According to sociologists, boys are taught to suppress feelings of sadness, fear, and loneliness, and to overshadow it with denial which often becomes anger issues. For boys who grow up in toxic homes, this can affect their relationships. I chose this book to understand more about this dynamic. It changed my life. I understand more about how traumatized boys can become angry, bitter men, and how difficult it is for them to heal when vulnerability and honesty is needed. As a trauma survivor myself, I also found it useful for my own healing. Although it was published more than 20 years ago, it remains relevant today.

Great book

Dont buy its not original copy

Unfortunately the book arrived in bad state, with black dirt on it, and parts of the package (glue+paper) stuck badly to the cover.

The book is in too bad a condition to accept, and therefore will demand a new product.

Item came as described in the picture. This is the 2024 edition. I have yet to read it. Will give an update after reading. Product is legit.