A post by Maynard
This book, The Dangerous Book for Boys, caught my eye. It also has a website, DangerousBookForBoys.com.
Not having read the book (I’ve passed well beyond the target demographic), I’m not in a position to comment specifically. But the idea is thought-provoking. I’m flashing back to the days of my mis-spent youth. My mother tried to give me piano lessons, but they didn’t take. My father, having run with the gangs on the mean streets of Brooklyn, seemed to expect me to run with the gangs on the mean streets of Brentwood. Between the lack of piano playing and the lack of gang affiliation, I figured my life was ruined. Fortunately, I discovered it was possible to surreptitiously order the various components of small explosive devices through the mails, and thus I achieved some private degree of boyish self-expression. Upon reflection, I quietly decided that the world was full of kooks and killjoys, and the best moments in life were the stolen moments; the moments of small transgressions.
(You can see how my youthful dysfunction made me vulnerable to recruitment into the vast right-wing conspiracy. But that’s another story.)
I wonder whether this book, delivered in consultation with a sympathetic male parental unit (known in quaint terms as a “father”), might have helped launch me on a life’s journey that would have been slightly less convoluted. It seems that something is missing in the raising of modern urban boys. The idea of this book perhaps connects to that essential and mysterious something.
Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?
Here’s a review from the Weekly Standard.
On the subject of girls: “Approach the object and greet her with a cheerful smile, whilst surreptitiously testing the weight of the object. If you find you can lift it, go ahead. If you can’t, try sitting on it and engaging her in conversation.” That may be the only truly dangerous advice in the book–on a couple of different levels. (Referring to a girl as “it”–that’s helpful advice during the formative years.? Oh. It’s just a joke. Okay… .)
From the parts of the book alluded to in the Weekly Standard review, sounds like this could be an important book for children in general. Much of what was mentioned would be good for the chicks to know as well. Oh, I know. The poor boys need a book of their own. Fine. But what is potentially most valuable in this book (after only having read the review, mind you) is promotion of the idea of kids actually getting up off of their butts and going out and DOING something–excercising both the body and brain muscles. Using one’s imagination and actually creating one’s own entertainment and learning something in the process. That is a refreshing message, and would result in the edification of both boys and girls alike.
I purchased this book for my nephew. It reminded me of the old Boy’s Life magazines. I think the book with its wide range of topic i.e. first aid, famous battles, how to build bows and arrows (after which you might need the first aid) is a great way for boys and men to connect and as you said use both their bodies and their brain. I gave it to my 15 year old nephew at a family reunion. At the reunion my cousin’s boys (8, 7 and 5) started looking at it and I know they were begging their parents for a copy. 🙂
KIMJ7157,
Having actually purchased and skimmed the book, I think you are misinformed about the paragraph you quoted. It begins with “If you see a girl in need of help – unable to lift something, for example – do not taunt her.”
The item referred to as ‘object’ and ‘it’ is something to be lifted or carried, not the girl herself.
While the book is focused on things that are likely to appeal to boys, it is by no means exclusive. Girls may very well enjoy it. Having two sons and a daughter of my own, I can say that the material in the book is much more likely to appeal to the boys than my daughter.
As for the target demographic, I’ve found the book educational and enjoyable so far; with all kinds of cool things I’d like to know. I may like it enough to keep this copy for myself and purchase additional ones for my children.
HRAHEN,
Thanks very much for the clarification! Feel much better. My only context was the book review, and I should have known better. But funny how it could be taken the wrong way, though “…try sitting on it and engaging her in conversation” should have probably rung a bell for me.:)
Color me a bit red, and thanks again.
Kim, You are a class act. You RAWK. So refreshing to see a person that can humbly and humorously stand corrected. This is the US that The Tammy loves! Bless you all the time!
Thanks, Keenan. REALLY appreciate it.
Tammy’s peeps are the best. 🙂
Dang, no chapter on trapping?