Take It Like a Man

Synopsis

BOY GEORGE'S BESTSELLING AUTOBIOGRAPHY - HONEST, FUNNY, MOVING AND ENTERTAINING.

'Witty and outrageous' - Mail on Sunday

When he was a boy growing up in sixties London, the 'pink sheep' of his working-class Irish Catholic family, George Alan O'Dowd wanted to be like Shirley Bassey. He got a lot more than he bargained for.

When new wave arrived, Boy George became a star. As the glamorous, androgenous lead singer of Culture Club, he became a media darling and pop icon, winning Grammys and BRIT Awards.

And then came drugs, addiction and a spectacular fall from grace.

In Take it Like a Man, George tells the story of the crazy highs and desperate lows - from his relationship with Culture Club's Jon Moss and friendship with Fat Tony, hilarious encounters with stars like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and George Michael, and the family struggles, the despair of withdrawal and the journey back to health and sobriety.

Told in his own intimate, hilarious style, this a racy, pacy page-turner from a music legend.

'If there's another book that can top it for bitchiness, sex, glamour, fame and heartache, then Jackie Collins must be the author' - Q

Summary

Chapter 1: The Masculinity Imperative

* Explores the cultural expectations and pressures associated with masculinity.
* Example: Men are expected to be strong, stoic, and dominant, while showing emotions or vulnerability is seen as weak.

Chapter 2: The War on Boys

* Argues that boys are being failed by the educational system and other institutions.
* Example: Schools often focus on punishing boys for misbehavior rather than addressing their underlying needs.

Chapter 3: The Man Box

* Introduces the concept of the "man box," a narrow set of rules and expectations that limit men's emotional expression and life choices.
* Example: Men who don't conform to traditional masculine ideals may face ridicule or social isolation.

Chapter 4: The Price of Manliness

* Examines the negative consequences of traditional masculinity, including mental health issues and relationship problems.
* Example: Men who suppress their emotions are more likely to experience depression and substance abuse disorders.

Chapter 5: Redefining Masculinity

* Proposes a more inclusive and healthy definition of masculinity.
* Example: True masculinity involves being emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and respectful of others.

Chapter 6: The Power of Empathy

* Emphasizes the importance of empathy and emotional connection for men.
* Example: By understanding and responding to the emotions of others, men can build stronger relationships and improve their own well-being.

Chapter 7: The Strength of Vulnerability

* Challenges the stigma associated with vulnerability and argues that it is a sign of strength.
* Example: Men who are willing to share their feelings and ask for help are more likely to experience emotional well-being and resilience.

Chapter 8: The New Manhood

* Envisions a future where men are free to be themselves without conforming to toxic stereotypes.
* Example: A man who is comfortable with his emotions, supports others, and values relationships over dominance.

Chapter 9: The Challenge and the Hope

* Acknowledges the challenges in redefining masculinity but also expresses optimism for the future.
* Example: Men can work together to create a more just and equitable society where all genders are valued.