It's a Guy Thing: The Essential Guide: Helping Guys Become Men, Husbands, and Fathers

There's several things you can say about this book that would be right on the mark. 1. It's a decidedly Christian Book written by and targeted to those familiar with the Promise Keepers/Iron Man movement. 2. As such it is unapologetic in the values it promotes and is designed to promote a value system as well as helpful hints related to parenting for a Father. 3. It is written in response to the idea that a patriarchal or Christian value based family is not desirable and as such it is counter-cultural. All that said the primary value of the book is not as an apologetics type defense of these values, which frankly, it doesn't really attempt to accomplish, but rather the practical ideas that are given as to how to be a better Man, Husband and primarily a Father. The chapters are short and the book moves quickly in a stream of conscience type way that throws a constant barrage of practical pointers and ideas. If some of the ideas seem contradictory it is because it is a book of practice, not theory and different approaches in different situations are warranted. This is not a clinical book. It is written to an intended audience on the assumption that the reader wants the values wrapped around the suggestions. If you're not a part of that intended audience, you may find the book comes across a little condescendingly but then, it's intended to be direct and practical and to hit hard, fast and with intentional focus on elements that are assumed rather than defended. I frankly found the book to be practically helpful although I wished there were a little more foundation given. 4 Stars. Recommended. Bart Breen

Reviewed by Richard Blake for Reader Views (5/07) Dr. John King's new book, "It's a Guy Thing: Helping Guys Become Men, Husbands and Fathers," discusses the role that fathers play in the home, their role as husbands, steps to true fatherhood, how to model a good marriage for your kids, and how to become the best man, husband and father you can be. The book takes the stance that in our society the absence of fathers in the home has become an epidemic. King believes that, in order to solve this problem, men must break the cycle and reevaluate their roles as men, husbands, and fathers. This epidemic is having a profound effect on a boy's maturation process. Studies reveal that the absence of a father in the home contribute to a wide range of social deficiencies, behavioral disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, youth suicides, high school dropouts, and juvenile delinquency. When there is no father figure in the home, young boys grow up without the necessary guidelines for becoming well adjusted husbands, fathers, and responsible members of society. John's insights touch the heart of a man and challenge him to be his best. An example: "Your kids will model what you teach them. They're sponges. Be aware that you're teaching them all the time! I can tell my kids to respect people, but what really teaches them respect is seeing me put those words into action by respecting people." King communicates what it means to be a man of God, that men have a high and holy calling to be Godly men. He addresses key issues and foundational truths for becoming a man of God. King speaks from lessons he learned through his own experiences as husband and father. John writes man to man in an easy-to-read style. The format of short chapters addressing a specific focus on important topics in each chapter makes this a book to be treasured to read again and again. The importance of this life changing book will make it a "redi-reference" for future review. I strongly recommend "It's a Guy Thing" as an equipping tool for pastors, counselors, dads, and husbands. The message is timely, relevant, and important with timeless answers for those "Frequently Asked Questions" men are asking in today's society. This is a guidebook, a manual, for men of all ages.

I certainly am not be a guy and of course I'm not a dad or husband but I have to say I truly enjoyed and learned from this outstanding book by Dr. John King. Packed inside of this gem of a work is heartfelt, life learned advise for any man who truly wants to be the husband and father every wife and child deserves to have. Dr. King takes the reader through some inside checks, touching their outlook as a dad, how their past can effect their dad-self and he begins to give some great insight into turning things around, what is important, why, and how to implement changes that will make a difference. He also gives some short but meaningful story examples that many will relate to. I loved just about everything this book had to offer. The cover is great, the outlay is fun, the advise useful and simply to understand and actually quite simple to put into practice in your life. All in all this is a great book that I am truly proud to give my recommendation to. Men - you need to pick this one up; in my humble opinion if you read this with an open heart, ready to make a few adjustments, the advise in this book will give you a wealth of good seeds that will produce a bountiful harvest in your life and the life of your wife and children. Excellent job Dr. King!