“I think about the subject matter of Michael Ian Black's new book all the time. “Both thoughtful and lighthearted, this work will appeal to anyone interested in masculinity and modern gender roles.” Whether you're a parent or simply thinking about life choices, there's both melancholy and wisdom to be found here.” Thoughtful ruminations on masculinity in the modern age. Black lays out his thoughts and feelings with few defenses up and a comic lightness that doesn't belie the book's rather heavy truths.

“Heartfelt lessons for his college-bound son. Hand this to anyone who loved David Sedaris's Calypso.” “There's something for everyone in these pages. “Parents will be moved and enlightened by Black’s thoughtful advice.” “Essential reading for both men and boys.” But then you’re snapped back to Black’s simple decency, and intelligence and love for his son, and you think, Oh man, maybe.” To read A Better Man now, when the world often seems beyond repair, so many generations of men having steered us into calamity with their brittleness and hubris and idiocy-one could wonder whether even a good book can make a difference. “Written as a letter to his son, comedian Black’s reflections on masculinity’s pitfalls and how to raise-and be-a more enlightened guy will resonate with parents and teens alike.” He does wonderful work breaking down the masculine coding surrounding his own behaviors.” “ tone is so lovely, his empathy so clear. “If we cannot allow ourselves vulnerability,” he writes, “how are we supposed to experience wonder, fear, tenderness?”Ī BuzzFeed Most-Anticipated Book of the Year Comedian, writer, and father Black examines his complicated relationship with his own father, explores the damage and rising violence caused by the expectations placed on boys to “man up,” and searches for the best way to help young men be part of the solution, not the problem. Part memoir, part advice book, and written as a heartfelt letter to his college bound son, A Better Man offers up a way forward for boys, men, and anyone who loves them. With hope and with humor, Michael Ian Black skillfully navigates the complex gender issues of our time and delivers a poignant answer to an urgent question: How can we be, and raise, better men? Like a dad.”- The New York Times Book Review Black’s writing is modest, clear, conversational. A provocative, personal, and useful look at boyhood, and a radical plea for rethinking masculinity and teaching young men to give and receive love

A better man novel