A Book Review

by Ed, an adult reviewer

Puberty is the greatest time of change in a boy's life and can raise many questions: Why are the other guys growing more quickly than I am? Why do I get angry so easily? Are all the parts of my body the size they should be? Why do girls look different to me and why do I care?

However, boys often do not feel comfortable directing these questions to their parents or other adults. Instead, they often live with much confusion about what is going in their bodies and minds during puberty.

Author Michael Gurian, in his book "From boys to MEN," provides clear and simple answers to many of the questions that come up during puberty. He addresses questions on subjects like physical and mental changes, as well as the development of sexual and social relationships.

Gurian wants young men to realize that is it OK to have a lot questions during this time of change. It is part of the process of their minds developing. Another theme of the book is the fact that every boy is the same and yet also unique. These changes to the body and mind happen to nearly every boy, but they take place at different rates. So don't worry if you are behind or ahead of other boys, it will happen in time!

A major point that Gurian makes is that he strongly feels that even though young men are physically ready to have sexual intercourse during puberty, it is best if they wait until they have matured into adults and are ready to take on the emotional responsibilities of a sexual relationship with another person. He provides advice about how a young man can express his sexuality without having sexual intercourse during puberty.

This book would be great for a boy who is just starting puberty. In fact, I wish I had a book like this when I was 10 because I never really felt comfortable asking anyone the questions I had about my body. Gurian came across as an adult that really cares about helping young boys feel good about themselves. I really appreciated the fact that he even provides his mailing address and e-mail address on the last page for any preteen whose question was not answered in the book. That is pretty cool!