Guys Write for Guys Read

I almost got to hear Jon Scieszka talk about this book in person in 2005 but the fire marshal closed the large auditorium at the San Antonio convention center and a huge number of librarians were left staring at the closed doors. The overflow attendance at his talk highlighted the level of concern there is about boys and reading (or their lack thereof) today. Guys read is a jump-in-anywhere you-can't-go-wrong-read for guys. An A-list of authors and illustrators contributed to this book. As Scieszka explains in the forward, the book is NOT required reading. "It is reading to find what you like. And I know you are gong to find something in here, because these things are funny, action-packed, sad, goofy, gross, touching, stupid, true and all very short." The short length of each offering fits any attention span, read one, read five. I am still reading my copy. Jack Gantos and Gordon Kormon have made me laugh out loud. Matt Groening's "Any Questions, Class?" will strike a chord with every student on Earth. Many of the articles center on what reading meant to the writers when they were kids, others celebrate "guyness." The briefest bit of biography is offered at the end of each piece including where the writer grew up, where they live now and a random fact. A short bibliography of their other works also follows. (Hey, if you like this short bit, try one of their books.) My sister told me my fifth grade nephew loves this book. I think most guys would too.

Dear Fellow Student/Guy/Avid Reader, I saw this book in a Scholastic Book Order my social studies teacher handed out one day, and it looked pretty interesting. I have read hundreds, if not thousands, of books over the past thirteen years, and this is one of them that really meant something special. There are lots of great short stories and funny comics and illustrations that talk about everything: Dates, dads, siblings, dares, weight (yes weight), theft, cartoons, wrestling, sports, Boy Scouts and countless others. Boredom while reading this book is sure to be a rarity. What I also like about this great read is that at the end of each story or drawing is a brief synopsis of the author/illustrator's biography and a selected bibliography which highlights some of the inspiration for the author's works. I've read all the stories about three times and I'm eager to read them a fourth. Get this book, and you won't be disappointed. If you're like me, and you enjoy reading, pick up this book and laugh and cry at the countless tales of joy and woe. But hey, even if you hate reading and solemnly swear that you'll never touch a book for as long as you live, maybe Guys Write for Guys Read might just might change your mind. Sincerely, A 13 year old

As a woman, I've heard and confirmed a lot of rumors about guys. Most of them really do think with everything but their brains. They can have entire conversations revolving around three questions: "What's in the fridge?" "What's on TV?" and "She's hot, isn't she?" After years of dating guys and being friends with guys and eventually marrying a guy, I was ready to throw my hands in the air and shout from the rooftops, "It's true! Guys really are from Mars!" Except that it's not true. Guys aren't from another planet any more than girls are. Guys are complex, funny, thoughtful, and sometimes downright hysterical. And no matter what kind of guy you are, there's a story in GUYS WRITE FOR GUYS READ that you will like and a guy writer who probably, in one way or another, felt a lot of the things you feel right now. Jon Scieszka's anthology brings together the best male writers and artists around to write (or draw, or paint) about everything from dangerous books (Neil Gaiman) to the inability to resist danger in the form of the neighbor's homemade electric chair (Jack Gantos), to a very secret Lettermens' club initiation that involved raw oysters, olives, and shoes (Chris Crutcher). Every piece in this book, whether humorous or heartbreaking, conveys the spirit of what it means to be a son, a father, a friend, a hiker on the trail of self-discovery, and most importantly, a guy. Even if you're a guy who normally hates to read, check out this book (you can read it one essay at a time if you're busy with sports, girls, or raiding the fridge), and take a look at Jon Scieszka's website, GuysRead.com. I'd comment more on the book, but the guy in my life has stolen it and won't return it. --- Reviewed by Carlie Webber

After hearing a report on NPR I had to get this book. I read a story or two with my son each night before he goes to sleep. We die laughing at some of the stories. We look/laugh at the fabulous pictures. We've talked and talked about some of the serious stories. We even read where each author is from, where they live now and every unusual fact recorded. We look up the locations on the globe. And we critique the cartoons on occasion. My only concern about this book is that, eventually, we will finish it. Even though I'm a woman, I have discovered that I like to read what these Guys Write.