Shepherd Hoodwin

Manning Up

Revisado: 06-09-24

"Mindful Masculinity" is sui generis. (I've always wanted to use that term 😀.) It means that there is nothing else quite like it—it is in its own category.

Most of us grew up under the yoke of unwritten rules concerning what we had to do to conform to rigid stereotypes of manhood or womanhood, to be a "real man" or a "real woman." Apparently, it hadn't occurred to many of our forebears that we could simply be our authentic self, whatever that might prove to be. For males, this has meant cauterizing our emotions so that we could kill people in wars. It was framed as being strong but has actually weakened us and has cost everyone dearly. Fortunately, many young people today are having none of it and are demanding the freedom to explore gender in its full spectrum of possibilities.

Increasingly, toxic masculinity is being called out on the table, rightly so, but that also leaves some men feeling defensive and clueless about how to find their true manhood. "Mindful Masculinity" takes a different tack, instead using loving playfulness to explore how we can all find greater freedom to be ourselves and have healthy relationships. In the audiobook version I listened to, Scott intersperses the often humorous text with clips from his large catalogue of joyful, expertly produced songs, and adds a bonus concert at the end.

Scott writes very well and sneaks in some deep shit, man, using a spoonful of organic evaporated cane juice to help the medicine of healing go down. Highly recommended for people of all genders, bodies, and ages.

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Needed Two Narrators

Revisado: 05-21-13

I'm really enjoying this. It's an interesting insiders' look at Broadway, Hollywood, and gay life in the 50s on. The obvious thing here is that since is a dual biography, switching back and forth between two people, there should have been two readers, making it easier to track who's speaking.

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A long, interesting book that is read well.

Revisado: 11-28-12

This is not edge-of-your-seat listening, which suits me fine. I listen to books while trying to fall asleep, and history that's interesting but not too demanding works well for me. I like the fact that it's 42 hours, meaning that it will give me many nights of listening. Scott Brick, the narrator, is just right for this kind of material, reading with clarity and a slightly aristocratic tone.

Washington is a more interesting character than I'd realized. Sometimes I notice a little bias in the way the author spins things, and some things remain unexplored. For example, Jefferson comes off rather poorly in this account, and the author portrays their relationship as warm while Jefferson was secretly sabotaging his policies. It doesn't quite add up.

Many issues in the news today, such as the North/South divide, "tea party" vs. progressives, state's rights vs. a strong federal government, were already raging then.

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A total pleasure from beginning to end

Revisado: 08-27-12

I wasn't that familiar with Rachel Dratch before listening to this. Now, I'm looking forward to hearing more from her.

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Very funny!

Revisado: 08-27-12

Kristin Johnston transformed what could have been a grim story through her brilliant humor and delivery.

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An insightful look into a loving family

Revisado: 07-23-12

The back and forth narrative between father and son works well and made me interested in learning more about this family. They understandably diplomatically tiptoed around Charlie's recent meltdowns, which this book isn't really about. They are obviously trying to stay on good terms with him. Maybe greater frankness there will be possible in the future. It is just good to see a father and son who are close, even with the usual ups and downs.

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A funny lady

Revisado: 07-23-12

The "I Hate" theme became a bit too much hate for me at times, and some things were repetitive. Her style is to not edit herself at all, which can be uproarious, but when she insults a particular person's physical appearance, I felt for the victim.

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Wish it would have been unabridged.

Revisado: 07-23-12

Shirley is a pleasure to listen to. She might have slowed down a bit, especially in the beginning.

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Reader has irritating speaking style.

Revisado: 05-28-12

Is there anything you would change about this book?

When Paul Constanzo reads, he puts a slight gap between each word. I assume that some teacher told him to do that. I find it unnatural, off-putting and hard to get used to. Rather than flowing, it jerked along. I kept telling myself to ignore it, but soon it was bothering me again.

What did you like best about this story?

It could be interesting material but it's presented dryly.

Would you be willing to try another one of Paul Costanzo’s performances?

No.

Could you see What Every BODY Is Saying being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No.

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