The Purpose of Boys: Helping Our Sons Find Meaning, Significance, and Direction in Their Lives

by Michael Gurian

Book Overview

The final and conclusive book in the groundbreaking series on boys and their development In this climax to his series of landmark books about boys, Michael Gurian offers a powerful new program to help... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470243376
• ISBN13: 9780470243374
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Read and Reference

This truly is one awesome book. If you bought a very expensive car you would not dream of driving it before reading its manual. Well if you have a priceless soul in a male body and mind, this is the book that should come in the box. Id highly recommend this for single moms who love their sons but are rather clueless about young male hardware and software. People working in institutions such as schools and group homes and anyone who gives a damn about the young males in their lives.

A MUST

As an educator and mother of a now 35 year old son, my one wish is..."If only I had the book earlier." Michael's style and relating of premises to the hear and now, realistically portrays what is important to the raising and educating our boys...a purpose for all of us. Segments of today's society can find a true purpose as they explore the words between the covers. I hope that others will gain the insights I have in their roles as parents, grandparents and extended family members.

A must buy if you have a son

I saw this book advertised in my husbands adult scouting magazine. That same evening, my son who is now 10, was upset about something from school that day and stated, "I just don't know what my purpose is". Hello! I ordered it that night and am so happy I did. Anyone with a son needs to read this book. Mr. Gurian is a very inciteful, qualified writer. His ideas are right on. As close as I am to my son, I'm still his mom and a female and will never fully understand all that goes on in the male psychy. My husband is looking forward to reading it next. Great book and a huge benefit.

The Purpose of Boys: Helping Our Sons Find Meaning, Significance and Direction in Their Lives

THE PURPOSE OF BOYS is an enlightening, insightful and moving book. I found the book particularly moving because my now deceased husband, Dean Reid, is referenced in the introduction because of his POW experiences during World War II. The book describes how Dean developed a sense of purpose as a result of his experiences in the war. Dean was a man of few words but much action. His love was displayed through the actions of caring for, protecting and providing for his family. He led his life based on these beliefs -- his sense of purpose. This book is crucial because there are now not many experiences to help boys and young men develop a sense of purpose. THE PURPOSE OF BOYS helps parents, educators and mentors understand the role of purpose and meaning in boys' lives and how to "help boys build motivation, character...meaning and ....responsibily" and purpose. Without these, boys and men are adrift in life without a life raft to protect them from the storms. The results can be devastating to the future of boys and young men. Therefore, I highly recommend this book to all who care for the future of our boys and young men.

A Good Goad for Grandparents

A pat on the back...a nudge in the ribs....a kick in the pants...a 2 x 4 along the side of the head all motivated me as I read Michael Gurian's latest (and I think greatest) book about and in behalf of boys. Thank you Michael! His reminders about the importance of the extended family, community and other guarantors brought back fond memories of my own youth and the way all these critically committed influencers contributed to helping me become a man, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather and now grateful gad-about in the lives of many children in my community. THE PURPOSE OF BOYS, I think, provides the essential launching pad from which one can find hope and direction in helping our challenged young males find their way. I will be using the material to do a better job in both my educational activities and volunteer relationships...not the least of which will be the seven young men in my own family! For the past 20 years I have been pleading with my elder-peers to take seriously our role as mentors and grandfriends to the children within our arenas of activity. Much of my plea has been without evidence and context, beyond my own observation. I have worked my way through all of Michael's writing and appreciated the thoughts, experiences and teaching of his many colleagues through careful attention to footnotes and bibliographies! The last few years have seen a lot of improvement in my arguments and invitations. I will use the clear and compelling teaching of THE PURPOSE OF BOYS as I renew my efforts to make a difference, both in the lives of the several "families" boys need as well as a personal provider to the needs of boys. Early in my career I sat at the feet of Lakota leaders whose descriptive term for older tribal members translated to "Wisdom Keepers". It was the traditional task of these elders to be the nurturers of the young. Late in my career I now stand before urban elders whose most common refrain is that of disassociation with children, including their own grandchildren, and it's corollary terminal loneliness. How wonderful to have this carefully considered and marvelously communicated call to action for all of us to share!