About the Author

Michael Gurian is a psychotherapist and bestselling author whose books include The Wonder of Boys and The Good Son. His work reflects the diverse cultures (European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and American) in which he lived, worked, and studied. He has taught psychology, religion, mythology, and literature at three American universities and at Ankara University in Turkey. He lives with his wife and two children in Spokane, Washington.

Reviews

"THE WONDER OF BOYS is a provocative book that electrifies the debate over how this nation raises sons." 
— USA Today
"Full of good insights and advice."
— Los Angeles Times

"THE WONDER OF BOYS will help future generations open the lines of communication between men and women by giving us what we need to raise strong, responsible and sensitive men. 
— John Gray, author of MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS.
"Writing in a calm, compassionate voice, Gurian delivers a compelling call to action."
— Publishers Weekly

"What Mary Pipher has done to raise our national consciousness in her book REVIVING OPHELIA, Michael Gurian has done in THE WONDER OF BOYS." 
— Betty B. Youngs, author of HOW TO DEVELOP SELF ESTEEM IN YOUR CHILD

Family therapist Gurian (Mothers, Sons, and Lovers, LJ 12/93) offers a sweeping look at what makes boys and men act the way they do. He begins by thoroughly defining gender differences. Citing the strong push to hunt and reproduce, he argues that men need to compete and do combat and that society must accommodate these needs more productively. A boy needs a tribe, says Gurian, and not one but three families (birth or adoptive parents, extended families, and culture/community) are required to help him become a healthy man. Also, Gurian stresses discipline, spiritual principles, and "husbandry," which he defines as "generating and maintaining stable relationships with self, family, community, culture, and earth." All told, there is much to ponder and much to challenge readers here. On the other hand, Jungian analyst Rutter (Woman Changing Woman, LJ 7/93) begins with a large chip on her shoulder, whining from the start that girls are subjected to unbelievable pressures that diminish their self-esteem. Though she seeks to "celebrate" womanhood, the result is the opposite‘the tone turns ever inward, focusing almost solely on issues of self-worth. Rutter praises rites of passage, coming-of-age ceremonies, and informal rituals (e.g., sharing a candlelit bath with your daughter, buying a first bra together) as the keys to enhancing self-esteem. She also recommends books and films that she feels reproduce positive images for women, including Thelma and Louise. Ultimately, however, what Rutter seems to be doing is turning mothers and daughters into members of a self-absorbed "me" generation. Not recommended.‘Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, Pa.

"THE WONDER OF BOYS is a provocative book that electrifies the debate over how this nation raises sons."
- USA Today
"Full of good insights and advice."
- Los Angeles Times

"THE WONDER OF BOYS will help future generations open the lines of communication between men and women by giving us what we need to raise strong, responsible and sensitive men.
- John Gray, author of MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS.
"Writing in a calm, compassionate voice, Gurian delivers a compelling call to action."
- Publishers Weekly

"What Mary Pipher has done to raise our national consciousness in her book REVIVING OPHELIA, Michael Gurian has done in THE WONDER OF BOYS."
- Betty B. Youngs, author of HOW TO DEVELOP SELF ESTEEM IN YOUR CHILD