The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives

I love what Lewis has done here! This is such an important book for men AND women.While the focus is on the masks men wear, the truth is WE ALL WEAR MASKS. This book is about authenticity, vulnerability, self-awareness, and living your life and connecting with others in a way that is REAL... and not hiding behind who you think you're supposed to be.As a mom of two teenage boys, I know the pressures they face and I've seen them go through different stages of adolescence, trying to figure out who they are. As a woman, I know the pressures on my end too and why women wear masks to be accepted and hide insecurities. And as someone who's been in relationships and has witnessed many of these masks, it's REFRESHING to see so many men, Lewis included, who are willing and courageous enough to explore who they truly are and not let their ego rule their interactions.I especially appreciate that Lewis has shared a small section at the end of each chapter specifically for women -- with suggestions on how they can support the men in their lives with removing their masks. This is GOLD for relationships!Another great aspect of the book is the various men that Lewis references. I happen to be a fan of Lewis' podcast and hear him interview people all the time. He has taken the beliefs and experiences from men (and women) of all walks of life and shares how different masks have impacted them as well.And for the critics...this is NOT a book about men not being "masculine". Quite the contrary. De-masked men are comfortable enough in their own skin that they don't need a mask to hide behind. There is science behind masculinity, and then there are false pretenses created by society about masculinity. Knowing the difference is what makes all the difference.This book is a must-read! Whether you want to experience more fruitful, authentic relationships, or be a better parent, or perhaps GIVE it to your parents or someone who would benefit from its message, you can't go wrong!

I SOO wanted to love this book! I have been waiting months to read it. Nevertheless, I was sadly disappointed in the lack of depth of content that is provided. Most of the "reserarch" is really just recounts of previous interviews with guests on his podcast or other previous meetups. I would have loved to see a bit more of a scientific or psychological approach to the descriptions (and more importantly, the de-masking approach) for each of the masks he describes. I think there are a few interesting tidbits but overall it falls short for me.

I was one of the lucky few to get an advanced copy in addition to the ones I had pre-ordered. I have to force myself to put it down. This book is so valuable for both men AND women.As a coach who facilitates clients into more effective communication, I know that this is a tool I'm going to give to my male clients. It is so clear with built-in action steps in how to tear away those masks. It's a vulnerable read that gives great examples of how these masks can greatly effect everything in your life, even when you don't think so.As a woman, Lewis gives me helpful tools in how to communicate with men who wear particular masks. It's already proven effective in my own relationships with men (romantic and familial). I recognize some of these masks as ones that I wear when I believe I have to compromise my femininity in order to be successful in the professional world.As a human being, I see this information being instrumental in changing how people relate to each other. It's when we come from a place of compassion and understanding that we can be patient instead of reactive. That starts with compassion and understanding of ourselves first.This is not a book. This is a movement that you want to be a part of...

This book is terrible. All about men being more feminine. If you want to be a feminine beta male then this book may be for you.

Tough men are... emotionally unhealthy men. This book made me cry with every new chapter ("mask") I read. It's amazing how WRONG the concept of masculinity is shared throughout society. I could relate to the mistakes mentioned in every chapter and I'm a man of only 25 years... read it before the wounds become too big to deal with.

This book has come on the scene at the exact time when our world needs it most. More and more we hear about heart wrenching and tragic stories and wonder why they keep happening. Mask Of Masculinity has the answers that our society is desperately seeking to create a more harmonious world. Each chapter is filled with the goods on why it is that men of all ages act the way they do and things we can do to help remove the masks we are living behind. Every page is just as valuable as the last and will keep you riveted from start to finish with anecdotes, facts, suggestions, ideas, and ways for us to improve in so many areas. Emotional intelligence, vulnerability, empathy, courage, bravery, and love are all areas we need help in and Lewis has captured it perfectly in these 223 pages. Amazing book, cannot recommend it enough, this will be the manual my son grows up with to understand what it means to be a real man!

I think the information contained in this book is good for men to read, but the bulk of the content is anecdotal and thus suffers from having a narrow scope. The breakdown of the individual masks is a well-crafted idea, but once you dissect one, you know what to expect from dissecting the others. The main points of this book would have made a very poignant and interesting essay - one that ALL men should read. But stretching the information into a novel felt forced and unnecessarily tedious.

Bought for my sons, read it first and then passed it on to my partner. Amazing book, amazing story and an inspirational story that needs sharing in schools everywhere. This is a MUST read for every man and every woman who has a man in their lives.

I found this book surprisingly good and thought provoking. Good without being "preachy" . Well worth reading and thinking about

I think every man needs to read this book to understand themselves better.

Nice book, good written, practical advise after every topic. I recommend it

Loved it. a very insightful book for those of you who wants to know more about men's way of thinking.