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Boys’ Secrets and Men’s Loves: A Memoir
Boys’ Secrets and Men’s Loves: A Memoir by David A.J. Richards is a personal life account revolving around the secret self and individual awareness of both straight and gay men. In this memoir, Richards takes a thoughtful approach to discover the psychology behind the patriarchy and traumas that shape men. He explains why they have become hidden and how they can be brought to light.
Richards combats the oppressiveness of traditional patriarchy and how it silences young men from questioning and straying from the mainstream status quo. He challenges how and why men act the way they do and points to societal pressure and the dismissal of the vulnerability of men. In discovering his sense of self, Richards expresses disdain and disgust for the length of how things have been and offers insight into how things can change. Addressed are various components of trauma revolving around the body, mind, sexuality, political opinions, and experiences of love and empathy. This book sheds light on guilt, shame, voice, injustice, abuse, democracy, resistance, and the complex American idea of masculinity.
I thought that the arguments were well thought out and portrayed. It was eye-opening and fascinating to see the plights that men encounter daily and throughout their lifetimes, particularly in their formative years of young adulthood. The commentary was easy to read, and I enjoyed how this was from a first-person point of view. The thoughts of one man over a variety of hot-button topics and issues that are not often addressed were crafted insightfully and tenderly to bring about real change.
Boys’ Secrets and Men’s Loves: A Memoir is recommended for anyone looking to expand their mindset on the ideas of traditional masculinity. This compelling personal story gives readers a unique look at these topics from the view of personal experience and the view of an educator of law.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B07SXKHBHW
Two Daughters, One Hero
Two Daughters, One Hero, by Maribel Santana-Texidor, is an interview with Papi, the adopted father of Marisol and Maribel as well as a memoir of his life. Both daughters admired their father, he is their rock, the one they look up to in all things. In their words, he is the most important person in their lives. They wanted to honor him and share his story so others would know the kind of man he is and share his insights that gave them so much comfort, with others. This beautifully written memoir tells of Papi’s childhood, hard work, getting married and many life lessons and wisdom Papi shared with his family.
I enjoyed reading the interview between Papi and his daughters because this allowed me to feel more connected to Papi and his experiences. He is honest and direct in his answers often leading his daughters to ask him to explain more and give more details. This touching book is not solely an interview, it is also a memoir, where Maribel tells readers stories about Papi’s life. The stories Maribel adds are inserted in ways to give readers a better understanding of who Papi is and why he has made such an impact on their lives, and the people that know him. Maribel doesn’t sugarcoat Papi’s life experiences, she is honest and open with the reader and because of that, you admire the person Papi is.
I also admire the fact that both daughters see their dad as a hero with so much wisdom to pass down. The passing of knowledge from one generation to the next is a time-honored tradition, this book is the living history for their family that can be passed down for generations to come. Reading this memoir warmed my heart because you feel the love both girls have for their family.
One thing that greatly added to the story is all the photos that were included. It gave readers a visual making the stories more real to the readers. Reading about Mami and Papi’s relationship is one to be admired as you can tell they genuinely loved each other. They embodied the vow of “in sickness and health.” He never left her side while she battled with Alzheimer’s. I enjoyed reading about this family and watching their family grow over the years. Their life was filled with love, hardship, loss, and such a strong bond.
Two Daughters, One Hero is a passionate telling of one man’s life. His words intertwined with stories from his daughter’s perspectives create a life story worth reading, and a testament to the strength of family. This beautifully written memoir will touch the hearts of those that read it leaving them with memories and wisdom that can only come from people that have experienced a full life.
Pages: 100 | ISBN : 1736901923
LITERARY TITAN 