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How Boys Learn
In today’s world, young men grapple with concepts like “toxic masculinity” that often lead to self-doubt and aimlessness. Such ideologies can push them toward negative influences online or unproductive behaviors. How Boys Learn by Jeff Kirchick presents a different perspective, delving into the nuanced journeys boys navigate. These stories offer insight into friendships, relationships, sexuality, and the quest to become better individuals.
Kirchick’s collection captures diverse experiences: from a conflicted teenage wrestler in rural Pennsylvania to a postwar society designed to curb “bad ideas,” and a doctor’s encounters with family and an unusual patient. Love is the overarching theme, whether it’s the characters’ connections with others or their pursuit of self-love.
Originally penned in 2010 under the guidance of esteemed author Edmund White at Princeton University, these tales have been refined for a wider audience. Kirchick’s aim is to impart lessons on struggle, humanity, and discovering love in unexpected corners. How Boys Learn invites readers to explore the complexities of growing up and finding love amid life’s challenges.
Kirchick’s collection captures diverse experiences: from a conflicted teenage wrestler in rural Pennsylvania to a postwar society designed to curb “bad ideas,” and a doctor’s encounters with family and an unusual patient. Love is the overarching theme, whether it’s the characters’ connections with others or their pursuit of self-love.
Originally penned in 2010 under the guidance of esteemed author Edmund White at Princeton University, these tales have been refined for a wider audience. Kirchick’s aim is to impart lessons on struggle, humanity, and discovering love in unexpected corners. How Boys Learn invites readers to explore the complexities of growing up and finding love amid life’s challenges.
180 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2024
10 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Kirchick
2 books1 followerJeff Kirchick is a sales leader in the world of tech and an emerging author. His first book, "Authentic Selling: How to Use the Principles of Sales in Everyday Life" was a winner of the Independent Press Award. His fiction debut, "How Boys Learn," comes out in February of 2024 with endorsement from Edmund White. The stories were originally written as his senior thesis at Princeton University.
Jeff lives in Boston with his wife Julianne and their daughter, Josephine.
Jeff lives in Boston with his wife Julianne and their daughter, Josephine.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 9, 2024
How Boy’s Learn is an anthology of short stories about how toxic masculinity affects boys, young men, and men and how they have dealt with it.
As a mother to a boy, the way the world works, what is seen as the way boys should be, the way they should act, is scary. This book highlights that in many ways, but it’s not a do this not that kind of book. It uses real life stories to share the impact of toxic masculinity can have.
The seven stories all touch on different subjects, but they are all poignant and emotional in their own way. It’s the kind of book that I could try and describe to you and tell you all the ways I enjoyed it, but until you read it yourself, you can’t understand the impact of it. How Boy’s Learn has something for everyone to learn from.
As a mother to a boy, the way the world works, what is seen as the way boys should be, the way they should act, is scary. This book highlights that in many ways, but it’s not a do this not that kind of book. It uses real life stories to share the impact of toxic masculinity can have.
The seven stories all touch on different subjects, but they are all poignant and emotional in their own way. It’s the kind of book that I could try and describe to you and tell you all the ways I enjoyed it, but until you read it yourself, you can’t understand the impact of it. How Boy’s Learn has something for everyone to learn from.
February 9, 2024
I've read a few books recently that have been quite strongly feminist and have looked at how the patriarchy is damaging towards women. (Which seems obvious really.) So it was really really interesting to read a book that looks at how boys are affected by the patriarchy, more specifically toxic masculinity.
As a mum of 2 lovely boys I've always been aware that I can influence what they believe, and how they treat others. Of course I'm not the only influence in their lives. Society plays a huge part.
So of course, I had to sign up for this book tour as soon as it came up. I'm not sure the book was quite what I was expecting, but that isn't to say I didn't like it. I'm not sure enjoy is the right word as it made me feel very uncomfortable at times, but it was a good read.
How Boys Learn is a series of short stories based on the various experiences boys have growing up in today's world. From questioning their sexuality, to how they view women and living up to societies expectations of them.
I think my favourite story was The Bright Lights which is a duel timeline story about a college wrestler and his struggle to 'maintain weight' ultimately leading to an eating disorder.
All of the stories made me think in some way about the messages our boys are being given, and what we, as a society can do to change things.
As a mum of 2 lovely boys I've always been aware that I can influence what they believe, and how they treat others. Of course I'm not the only influence in their lives. Society plays a huge part.
So of course, I had to sign up for this book tour as soon as it came up. I'm not sure the book was quite what I was expecting, but that isn't to say I didn't like it. I'm not sure enjoy is the right word as it made me feel very uncomfortable at times, but it was a good read.
How Boys Learn is a series of short stories based on the various experiences boys have growing up in today's world. From questioning their sexuality, to how they view women and living up to societies expectations of them.
I think my favourite story was The Bright Lights which is a duel timeline story about a college wrestler and his struggle to 'maintain weight' ultimately leading to an eating disorder.
All of the stories made me think in some way about the messages our boys are being given, and what we, as a society can do to change things.
February 17, 2024
This was obviously not my standard read. However as a mother to 3 boys something told me to sign up and I am greatful I did.
This book is an anthology of short stories. They’re all different. They’re all emotional. They all tugged at something different in me.
These short stories in How Boys Learn touch on toxic masculinity and how it affects life for boys/men and to be completely honest it really opened my eyes. It wasn’t a guide. It simply was an eye opener.
I am not sure if that is what Jeff tried to accomplish, but if it was he nailed it because it makes me worried for my growing boys and also inspired me to pay closer attention. Check in often. Make sure they’re okay. The world is changing, it’s getting both better and worse.
If I am being honest my eyes were not only opened as a mother but as a woman in general. It kind of made me understand men better? I’m not sure how to further explain to make that make sense. I’m honestly not sure how to even properly describe this book. I could try, but this is one of those you just have to read to understand. It’s FOR SURE going to tug at emotions but I believe each reader will feel it in their own way.
Jeff truly wrote something incredible here. These stories in this book will be ones I carry with me forever probably. They are burned into my brain.
This book is an anthology of short stories. They’re all different. They’re all emotional. They all tugged at something different in me.
These short stories in How Boys Learn touch on toxic masculinity and how it affects life for boys/men and to be completely honest it really opened my eyes. It wasn’t a guide. It simply was an eye opener.
I am not sure if that is what Jeff tried to accomplish, but if it was he nailed it because it makes me worried for my growing boys and also inspired me to pay closer attention. Check in often. Make sure they’re okay. The world is changing, it’s getting both better and worse.
If I am being honest my eyes were not only opened as a mother but as a woman in general. It kind of made me understand men better? I’m not sure how to further explain to make that make sense. I’m honestly not sure how to even properly describe this book. I could try, but this is one of those you just have to read to understand. It’s FOR SURE going to tug at emotions but I believe each reader will feel it in their own way.
Jeff truly wrote something incredible here. These stories in this book will be ones I carry with me forever probably. They are burned into my brain.
February 16, 2024
How Boys Learn' is an intriguing anthology of seven short stories. Having five boys I was interested to see what this book would bring. A book about teenage boys/men and some things they go through-growing up, relationship, depression, need to be accepted, eating disorders and mental health, as well as everyday challenges they have to cope with. I found it thought provoking and interesting to a point that it left me thinking after I finished it
February 11, 2024
How Boys Learn is an intriguing concept. It's a collection of fictional short stories that read like creative nonfiction. I had to remind myself several times that they were fictional, especially during some of the ones with the worst triggers - which I will list below. All of them seemed to be present for a reason, not just for shock value as you sometimes find, but the author seemed to need to show us a great deal of disturbing things in his quest to show us how boys learn.
Gender identity is such a big discussion these days. Not that it wasn't an issue before, it just wasn't something people talked about. Now we have the opportunity to explore our feelings and proclaim that we don't feel truthful when people call us by one name or another. I always enjoy learning about different experiences, and fiction is often my preferred method, making a book like "How Boys Learn," a fantastic book. I don't think I've ever come across something quite like it before. Such an in depth look into the mind of a wide-range of different boys.
My favorite of the stories was "This is the Story That I Wrote for This Week." Possibly it's because it explores the life of a writer, and it reminds me of stories I've written myself as an exploration of my own mind. Probably it will remind many writers of something they've written. The first several stories each left me with the feeling that the next story couldn't possibly get worse - emotionally not writing style or anything, but somehow each next one did. That is the mark of a talented writer, I think. He can emotionally destroy you just a little bit more each time. You're convinced he can't possibly, and then, he turns the knife a little more. He deals with so many difficult topics child loss, depression, SI, mental illness, weight loss, incest, child abuse (SA, implied), sexual identity, bullying, racism, religious ideologies, body paralysis/amputation, and so much more.
Gender identity is such a big discussion these days. Not that it wasn't an issue before, it just wasn't something people talked about. Now we have the opportunity to explore our feelings and proclaim that we don't feel truthful when people call us by one name or another. I always enjoy learning about different experiences, and fiction is often my preferred method, making a book like "How Boys Learn," a fantastic book. I don't think I've ever come across something quite like it before. Such an in depth look into the mind of a wide-range of different boys.
My favorite of the stories was "This is the Story That I Wrote for This Week." Possibly it's because it explores the life of a writer, and it reminds me of stories I've written myself as an exploration of my own mind. Probably it will remind many writers of something they've written. The first several stories each left me with the feeling that the next story couldn't possibly get worse - emotionally not writing style or anything, but somehow each next one did. That is the mark of a talented writer, I think. He can emotionally destroy you just a little bit more each time. You're convinced he can't possibly, and then, he turns the knife a little more. He deals with so many difficult topics child loss, depression, SI, mental illness, weight loss, incest, child abuse (SA, implied), sexual identity, bullying, racism, religious ideologies, body paralysis/amputation, and so much more.
January 13, 2024
Jeff Kirchick's How Boys Learn is an intriguing anthology of seven short stories, each delving into the nuanced experiences of boys and men from diverse backgrounds. The collection thoughtfully explores the often-overlooked vulnerabilities and challenges faced by males in a society that holds steadfast to traditional notions of masculinity. Kirchick masterfully crafts tales that range from the poignant journey of a child wrestler enduring harsh fasting regimes to the emotional turbulence of coping with a friend's loss.
What sets this collection apart is Kirchick's adeptness in language and narrative style. He skillfully tailors his writing to suit each story, employing a range of techniques from diary entries and nonlinear narratives to the occasional use of second-person perspective. Despite the brevity of each tale, the characters are rendered with remarkable authenticity, reflecting their ages and backgrounds with precision and empathy.
The stories in How Boys Learn span a spectrum of settings and timeframes, from relatable, everyday scenarios to an imaginative foray into a futuristic dystopia. They transcend their brief format, leaving a profound impression on the reader. Kirchick avoids predictable conclusions, inviting readers to find meaning in the characters' journeys rather than the outcomes. Kirchick does not shy away from complex and often dark themes such as toxic masculinity, victimization, sexuality, temptation, and guilt. His exploration of these topics is handled with an underlying optimism, highlighting the necessity of confronting societal issues related to gender bias.
How Boys Learn is a compelling read that offers valuable insights not just for men, but for all readers, encouraging a deeper understanding of the male experience in contemporary society.
What sets this collection apart is Kirchick's adeptness in language and narrative style. He skillfully tailors his writing to suit each story, employing a range of techniques from diary entries and nonlinear narratives to the occasional use of second-person perspective. Despite the brevity of each tale, the characters are rendered with remarkable authenticity, reflecting their ages and backgrounds with precision and empathy.
The stories in How Boys Learn span a spectrum of settings and timeframes, from relatable, everyday scenarios to an imaginative foray into a futuristic dystopia. They transcend their brief format, leaving a profound impression on the reader. Kirchick avoids predictable conclusions, inviting readers to find meaning in the characters' journeys rather than the outcomes. Kirchick does not shy away from complex and often dark themes such as toxic masculinity, victimization, sexuality, temptation, and guilt. His exploration of these topics is handled with an underlying optimism, highlighting the necessity of confronting societal issues related to gender bias.
How Boys Learn is a compelling read that offers valuable insights not just for men, but for all readers, encouraging a deeper understanding of the male experience in contemporary society.
February 8, 2024
I’m going to be completely honest. This book was not what I expected. I tend not to read what books are about, I like to go into them with an open mind and no preconceived ideas. Except, sometimes, I make up my own ideas about what the book will be about. I 100% did that with this book. I thought it was going to be a guide book, a step by step on how to raise my now 10 year old son.
Well, it was NOT a step by step guide on how to raise young boys (I admit, I was REALLY looking forward to finding out all the answers ha-ha). No, this book...this book...!!! This book made me read the first story and then read it again...and then move on to the next story... while I was still deeply trying to process the first story. So, I went back and re-read the first story... while then thinking about the second story...I was a mess, but it made me want to wrap my son with all the love in the world and protect him from everything.
Each story in this book challenged me, it was confronting, raw and I will sit with this book for days and weeks. I can say I’ve never read anything like this before. Super thought-provoking.
This book was profoundly unsettling in the very best way. I cannot recommend this book enough, please, PLEASE do yourself a favour and read it. Thank you Jeff Kirchick, this is a brilliant piece of work.
Well, it was NOT a step by step guide on how to raise young boys (I admit, I was REALLY looking forward to finding out all the answers ha-ha). No, this book...this book...!!! This book made me read the first story and then read it again...and then move on to the next story... while I was still deeply trying to process the first story. So, I went back and re-read the first story... while then thinking about the second story...I was a mess, but it made me want to wrap my son with all the love in the world and protect him from everything.
Each story in this book challenged me, it was confronting, raw and I will sit with this book for days and weeks. I can say I’ve never read anything like this before. Super thought-provoking.
This book was profoundly unsettling in the very best way. I cannot recommend this book enough, please, PLEASE do yourself a favour and read it. Thank you Jeff Kirchick, this is a brilliant piece of work.
February 12, 2024
This book wasn't what I expected.
As a woman and 'girl mum', I have read countless books on the battles women face but not many on what men face.
This book is a collection of stories that aim to show how men navigated the complex world they live in as boys and how they learn.
Each story aims to show a different 'issue' and what became of it. For example, the first story tells us about a boy who, from a baby, cried constantly, and yet no physical issues could be found. When asked by a Dr, the boy confirmed he just wanted to cry. Jeff recounts what happens during the process of trying to 'cure' the boy and the ultimate ending of the situation.
It is an extremely though provoking book that aims to tackle various issues, with one on the Blurb being 'toxic masclinity' and love.
Not just for men, or 'boy mums', this book is for anyone who is interested in seeing the world that men have to navigate as boys and how they learn from this.
Highly recommend this book as thought-provoking and an extremely interesting read!
As a woman and 'girl mum', I have read countless books on the battles women face but not many on what men face.
This book is a collection of stories that aim to show how men navigated the complex world they live in as boys and how they learn.
Each story aims to show a different 'issue' and what became of it. For example, the first story tells us about a boy who, from a baby, cried constantly, and yet no physical issues could be found. When asked by a Dr, the boy confirmed he just wanted to cry. Jeff recounts what happens during the process of trying to 'cure' the boy and the ultimate ending of the situation.
It is an extremely though provoking book that aims to tackle various issues, with one on the Blurb being 'toxic masclinity' and love.
Not just for men, or 'boy mums', this book is for anyone who is interested in seeing the world that men have to navigate as boys and how they learn from this.
Highly recommend this book as thought-provoking and an extremely interesting read!
February 21, 2024
📖BOOK REVIEW📖
How Boys Learn by Jeff Kirchick
🌟🌟🌟🌟
@jeffkirchick
@lovebookstours
Review
This book of short stories highlights how toxic masculinity can have a long lasting effect on boys into adulthood if left undealt with. The way this book has been written is in short stories, with each story capturing 7 individual male experiences and how it has impacted on their journey through life. The book is aimed to enhance the readers knowledge from a male perspective and explores the importance of friendships, love, exploring sexuality and relationships and how they can develop themselves as individuals.
There are so stories that are more complex and in depth than others, but each have quite an emotional background.
I think it is good to see for once a book around masculinity in a powerful yet easy to understand way. There are so many books out now around feminism and being a strong female, and a lot of books that I have seen are about the stereotypical man needed to be successful but I feel like this book covers a lot of raw emotions which are not usually touched upon.
How Boys Learn by Jeff Kirchick
🌟🌟🌟🌟
@jeffkirchick
@lovebookstours
Review
This book of short stories highlights how toxic masculinity can have a long lasting effect on boys into adulthood if left undealt with. The way this book has been written is in short stories, with each story capturing 7 individual male experiences and how it has impacted on their journey through life. The book is aimed to enhance the readers knowledge from a male perspective and explores the importance of friendships, love, exploring sexuality and relationships and how they can develop themselves as individuals.
There are so stories that are more complex and in depth than others, but each have quite an emotional background.
I think it is good to see for once a book around masculinity in a powerful yet easy to understand way. There are so many books out now around feminism and being a strong female, and a lot of books that I have seen are about the stereotypical man needed to be successful but I feel like this book covers a lot of raw emotions which are not usually touched upon.
February 5, 2024
As the mother of a teenage son, I really wanted to read this and hopefully glean some insight into how to understand my boy and support him better. I don't feel that I got that, and it wasn't what I thought it would be, but it was written well.
Trigger warnings for eating disorders, death, sexual abuse, neglect, and mental health.
I really liked the first story. The diary format is one that I think can be really useful to a story. It allows a quick pace to be set, and I raced through it quickly. Then I got to the second one and found myself confused at times. The stories seemed to start exploring darker themes from then on in.
The cover is simplistic, the tales range through childhood to adulthood, and I wonder if the cover could have portrayed that better with a sort of evolution of man type picture.
The writing is good and does manage to retain your concentration throughout.
I'm sure this will do well.
Trigger warnings for eating disorders, death, sexual abuse, neglect, and mental health.
I really liked the first story. The diary format is one that I think can be really useful to a story. It allows a quick pace to be set, and I raced through it quickly. Then I got to the second one and found myself confused at times. The stories seemed to start exploring darker themes from then on in.
The cover is simplistic, the tales range through childhood to adulthood, and I wonder if the cover could have portrayed that better with a sort of evolution of man type picture.
The writing is good and does manage to retain your concentration throughout.
I'm sure this will do well.
February 7, 2024
I can honestly say I have never read anything like this before. This book covers several different scenarios told from a different male protagonist. Each story feels like it’s unfinished and leaves you to really think about what you’ve just read. At first this left me a little frustrated because stories always have a start, middle and end right? However this allowed for you to explore your own thoughts and emotions as to where the story went next. The last 2 chapters are told by the author and this was my favourite part as it provided an insight into the authors thinking.
I will continue to think about How Boys Learn for weeks if not months to come. It’s very well written.
Please note: This book covers hard topics such as infidelity, eating disorder, mental health, implied SA and neglect to name a few so please read with care.
I will continue to think about How Boys Learn for weeks if not months to come. It’s very well written.
Please note: This book covers hard topics such as infidelity, eating disorder, mental health, implied SA and neglect to name a few so please read with care.
February 11, 2024
I was drawn to this book essentially due to the title and simple image of a child on the front cover.
I was expecting this to be a little more like the "Raising Boys" book that I'm sure as a mum of boys, we've all at least dipped into over the years!
But this was so much more!
A collection of short stories each with a different male protagonist, covering how boys and young men tackle the world that we live in today and the effects that growing up and life has had on them.
Each story focussed on different events and issues that the boys encounter along the way - friendships and relationships - but also some much more sensitive issues too.
I have seen such issues tackled in many different ways over the last few years but I'm not sure that I've ever seen any of these from a male pov - so this was a unique and thought-provoking read.
I don't know how much this helped with me understanding my own boys (now 18 and 21) - but it was certainly an emotive and interesting read, which will stay with me for some time.
I was expecting this to be a little more like the "Raising Boys" book that I'm sure as a mum of boys, we've all at least dipped into over the years!
But this was so much more!
A collection of short stories each with a different male protagonist, covering how boys and young men tackle the world that we live in today and the effects that growing up and life has had on them.
Each story focussed on different events and issues that the boys encounter along the way - friendships and relationships - but also some much more sensitive issues too.
I have seen such issues tackled in many different ways over the last few years but I'm not sure that I've ever seen any of these from a male pov - so this was a unique and thought-provoking read.
I don't know how much this helped with me understanding my own boys (now 18 and 21) - but it was certainly an emotive and interesting read, which will stay with me for some time.
February 19, 2024
Jeff Kirchick's short story collection captures experiences of a diversity of boys, young and adult men, and how growing up and living in today's society influences and affects them.
A few stories at the beginning were harder for me to get into, but I also had to stop after each of them to digest the stories and to think about what each of these have covered. There's a big focus around toxic masculinity and how growing up they are trying to live up to society's expectations while also exploring themes of eating disorder, sexual abuse, mental health, grief, exploring sexual identity and sexuality, discrimination and feelings of guilt.
"Why I Don't Believe" and "Kicking Stones" were the two I liked the most, but like the others they left me feeling upset and sad. These are unsettling stories but some that we should read, think and talk about.
A few stories at the beginning were harder for me to get into, but I also had to stop after each of them to digest the stories and to think about what each of these have covered. There's a big focus around toxic masculinity and how growing up they are trying to live up to society's expectations while also exploring themes of eating disorder, sexual abuse, mental health, grief, exploring sexual identity and sexuality, discrimination and feelings of guilt.
"Why I Don't Believe" and "Kicking Stones" were the two I liked the most, but like the others they left me feeling upset and sad. These are unsettling stories but some that we should read, think and talk about.
February 11, 2024
This is Jeffs first fictional work after taking the risk to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. The stories follow males in different situations and shows how males handle challenges. He covers depression, fixation of another woman, the need to feel love and accepeted from a dad and much more among the stories. It's one of those books that make you stop and think what did I just read,but in a good way. I'd read a story and find myself still thinking about it for a few days. Thats the great thing about a story with no conclusion, it leads the reader to come up with their own and keeps them thinking about it. It takes a skilled writer to be able to change their writing style to create such individual stories and leave the reader thinking more about the stories after they are finished.
February 12, 2024
This is a different type of book than I normally read and it had me stopping and thinking about what was written. This collection of stories explores how men learn to navigate the world of love and emotions and the impact expectations from other men have on them.The stories range from reflections of a former high school wrestler struggling to make weight and how this impacted his life and relationships to a society that tries to curb and eliminate bad ideas to the relationships of boys dealing with a tragedy at an all boys school. Not every story resonated with me but the book in its entirety has me reflecting on how boys learn about love the impact society and their expectations can have on them.
Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.
Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.
February 21, 2024
How Boys Learn is a seven short stories about life as a boy/men. I am a girl mom so I was interested to see a different point of view. The stories were both intriguing and eye opening they varied from topics such as relationships, growing up and wanting to fit in. It did a great job covering mental health concerns and how they manage/deal with them such as depression and eating disorder which isn’t talked about much when it comes to boy/men. I enjoyed the diverse cast of boys/men which allows a different point of view and Kirchick wasn’t afraid to discuss toxic masculinity. I often have my nephew and this book was great eye opener and as he grows I will definitely be on the lookout for many of these topics.
February 4, 2024
Jeff Kirchick’s How Boys Learn was confusing at times and on occasion it was difficult to follow the thread of what the author was trying to achieve. All of the short stories were examples of how the boys discovered moments of clarity and awakening. How they were able to recognise that they were maturing and developing. All of the stories dealt with difficult themes and two stories in particular; The Bright Lights and Why I Don’t Believe left me with a lot to think about. If nothing else I can say that How Boy’s Learn is designed to be reflective and make the reader consider some of the complex situations boy’s find themselves in as they grow up.
February 25, 2024
This is a collection of stories, bite sized really, but they have been written and curated with care and they are all thought provoking.
As the mother of two sons and oldest sister to five brothers I was really eager to read this book in the hope that it would give me some sort of understanding of, as the title suggests, how boys learn. I found it to more individual and personalised than generalised. And that’s okay. Most of us are only capable of writing about the world as we see it and seeing things from someone else’s perspective is useful in and of itself. An interesting read but please check the content of the stories as some do contain potentially triggering subjects.
As the mother of two sons and oldest sister to five brothers I was really eager to read this book in the hope that it would give me some sort of understanding of, as the title suggests, how boys learn. I found it to more individual and personalised than generalised. And that’s okay. Most of us are only capable of writing about the world as we see it and seeing things from someone else’s perspective is useful in and of itself. An interesting read but please check the content of the stories as some do contain potentially triggering subjects.
February 8, 2024
This was a really well written and interesting collection of short stories about what boys go through as they grow up.
Each story was well written and had a compelling story line with well developed characters, which isn't always easy to full achieve in short stories, or at least in my experience anyway. Each of the stories evoked a different reaction in me, so of them were agonising, some made me laugh out loud, but all of them will stay with me. They all made me feel something so viscerally.
There are some that will stay with me probably forever such as Why I Don't Believe which almost broke me and This Is The Story That I wrote For This Week as it made me laugh so much.
I would highly recommend this book
Each story was well written and had a compelling story line with well developed characters, which isn't always easy to full achieve in short stories, or at least in my experience anyway. Each of the stories evoked a different reaction in me, so of them were agonising, some made me laugh out loud, but all of them will stay with me. They all made me feel something so viscerally.
There are some that will stay with me probably forever such as Why I Don't Believe which almost broke me and This Is The Story That I wrote For This Week as it made me laugh so much.
I would highly recommend this book
February 5, 2024
How Boys Learn is Jeff Kirchick’s first fictional published book. He speaks about the diverse experiences of boys and men. There are seven short stories in this anthology explaining different situations and how various men and boys handle them.
The themes are vulnerabilities of men, toxic masculinity, depression and the need for acceptance.
All the stories may not be your ideal read, but they will all leave you thinking at the end of them. It is masterfully put together in both diary entries and narratives.
The themes are vulnerabilities of men, toxic masculinity, depression and the need for acceptance.
All the stories may not be your ideal read, but they will all leave you thinking at the end of them. It is masterfully put together in both diary entries and narratives.
February 7, 2024
Wow. It’s hard to come up with words for this unique and powerful book. A collection of seven short stories spanning diverse experiences of boys growing up. Told in a raw and real way, frankly uncomfortable at times, this is a book that leaves a poignant imprint on the reader. It seems more often than not, society forgets the experiences that shape the boys that become men. The expectations and reality do not correlate with l both the hidden and explicit messages they hear. Jeff Kirchixk delivers a remarkably honest and deep message of what it means to be a young man in our world.
February 4, 2024
A collection of seven stories about teenage boys and some of the things they go through. As a female this was eye opening to me as I’ve not experienced this. The wrestling story really resonated with me as I watched what high school wrestlers went through and I saw a small percentage of what they did to make weight. I have a son and this book gave me a lot to think about which I think was the idea behind this book.
February 7, 2024
How Boys Learn is a collection of 7 short stories all from the pov of a male character. This is a great collection of thought provoking, diverse stories. My favourite has to be The Bright Lights which tells the story of a young man's struggles with his weight while boxing. It flits between him at that time and him looking back and it really hit me hard. I'm sure to be thinking of these stories for a long time to come.
February 8, 2024
How Boys Learn wasn't what I expected when I picked it up. I thought it would be a more nonfiction read explaining how boys learn. I have a 4 year old son and thought this may help to understand him as he grows.
Instead, it is a collection of unconnected short stories that left me deep in thought after each one. Each story shows a different situation and how the boy it centres on reacts and thinks about the situation.
It is a very thought-provoking and interesting read.
Instead, it is a collection of unconnected short stories that left me deep in thought after each one. Each story shows a different situation and how the boy it centres on reacts and thinks about the situation.
It is a very thought-provoking and interesting read.
February 14, 2024
This is not my usual type of read but I was drawn in by the title and the blurb and could not wait to pick it up.
It is a collection of short stories focussing on relationships, love and growth from the point of view of boys/men. This makes the stories thought provoking and enlightening reads.
I would advise you to check out the content warnings before starting the book. If you are ok with those I’d recommend a read!
It is a collection of short stories focussing on relationships, love and growth from the point of view of boys/men. This makes the stories thought provoking and enlightening reads.
I would advise you to check out the content warnings before starting the book. If you are ok with those I’d recommend a read!
February 15, 2024
How Boys Learn--By: Jeff Kirchick
How Boys Learn contained a variety of different stories--some more intriguing and/or shocking than others. Each story contained the male perspective on various scenarios/issues. This was an extremely short and fairly easy read! The writing style was easy to follow and actually changed some depending on the story that was being told.
How Boys Learn contained a variety of different stories--some more intriguing and/or shocking than others. Each story contained the male perspective on various scenarios/issues. This was an extremely short and fairly easy read! The writing style was easy to follow and actually changed some depending on the story that was being told.
January 3, 2024
These stories are by turns harrowing, disturbing, and hilarious. They will engross you, and, like all good literature, provoke you. It takes a writer of uncommon perception and unflinching honesty to compose a collection such as this one.
February 5, 2024
This collection of stories will make you cry, think, laugh (out loud), and cause you to reflect on your own life experiences. The author’s uncanny perception about the significant as well as the insignificant drivers of human behaviors is apparent in each of the pieces. Because of the wide range of subjects, it's difficult to pick a favorite. But if I must, I think “This Is The Story That I Wrote For This Week’, in which the author allows you to crawl into his head and hear his inner voice, is hysterically funny. And can’t we all use a good laugh nowadays? Two thumbs up!
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