This feels like one of the most important books I’ll ever read. New views of masculinity aren’t talked about enough. Definitions of femininity have broadened but masculinity is still inflexible and narrow. As a man this can feel like the only choices of identity are to embrace a violent and traditional version of gender that works against equality, or to leave it behind and be isolated and without a shared model to follow. Plank so expertly looks into this and I wish everyone I know would give her book a read. The more people who read her work, the better we can be at redefining masculinity as something expansive, kind, and compassion-filled.

After reading, I feel encouraged to do my part of trying to be more mindful and empathetic and to push back against notions of masculinity that don’t align with who I want to be.

It was just short of 5 stars for me because some chapters could feel a little dragged on and winding, but overall the book and its message were awesome and I’m so here for it.