The Secret Life of Men: A Practical Guide to Helping Men Discover Health, Happiness and Deeper Personal Relationships

by Steve Biddulph

Book Overview

There are a lot of unhappy men out there -- evidenced by the increasing numbers of failed marriages, poor health, negligent fathering skills, and violent behavior -- but there is a way to get back on track for a healthy and happy life. In The Secret Life of Men, therapist Steve Biddulph combines the best ideas from his professional work with men's groups and his own personal experience to offer men of all ages a practical guide to transforming their...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1569244812
• ISBN13: 9781569244814
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Helpful for both men & women who want to understand

This book can be very insightful, and I think most men will find that it identifies many of the issues in their life. This said, I do not find that I agree with everything is says in the book that is to help men have a more fulfilling life, but at least it might provide pointers for many men on how to approach their lives so they are more fulfilled. Growing up male has problems with available stereotypes: a man is supposed to be independent, strong and unemotional, and beautiful women will just swoon over them. Showing emotion is not allowed, and don't do anything that might make you appear queer. The recent decades have freed women from many of the bonds, but men have been left behind, and do not know how to proceed in this new world where women, may want them, but do not need them. I think it is also women should read, particularly those that are having relationship issues with their significant other. It is not easy in this world for men, which is not helped by women who seem to react exactly to men as to encourage them to become exactly the type of man they do not like: men become submissive since they fear loss or rejection. Women have a tremendous power over men since generally sex is not as important to them as men. It is the woman that makes the decision on having sex; it becomes a situation where women effectively use withholding of sex as a punishment, and not a reward. The book points out, and rightly, that many men do not appreciate the affection that is such an important aspect of sex, and the fulfillment for both the man and the woman. Unfortunately, men in today's society have a real need of sex and this need is so often unfulfilled, making many very deeply unhappy men. You can see the how accurately this book hits the spot if you read anything by high end prostitutes who cater to very successful men: amazingly these men are just looking for affection.

A wonderful life changing book

This is one of the five best books around for men. It can help in understanding manhood and what it means.There is so much bad press about men that a positive book that helps focus on building on men's strengths and on the contribution they can make is very welcome. The book has a lot of material about living a fulfilling and authentic life as a man. The material on common problem areas is also very useful - relationships with fathers, developing a positive relationship to your sexuality, common misconceptions about men. This book was also published in some countries as "Manhood".Highly recommended.