While I can't say that I learned much new, I can say that this book took information that I've heard from various sources and combined them all into one resource. In one book, these authors provide info on how boys develop and think differently than girls, what they need emotionally from mom and dad, important character qualities to encourage, sexuality issues, school performance, technology, rites of passage, and faith. Whew! Each chapter concludes with action steps to take.
The drawback to touching on all these issues, and the authors being a psychologist and a counselor, is that I found the book to be dry. These was an occasional story here and there, but most of the text was slow moving and I had a hard time staying focused and interested.
The one new idea that I really liked is providing the adolescent boy a "rite of passage" which allows him to go on a journey toward manhood and connect with older men as mentors. Tim Wright has developed a curriculum that churches can use to offer this program called Following Jesus: A Heroic Quest for Boys (www.heroicquestforboys.com). I would love for my boys to participate in something like this when they are at the right age.
Would I recommend this book? It depends. For someone who doesn't read much and wants an overview of all these topics and how they relate to boys -go for it. There is good info in these chapters. However, if you like to read and would rather read multiple books that are more enjoyable (rather than one that is a bit slower), I would keep searching.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Press in exchange for an honest review.
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