There was a commercial on TV when I was younger featuring Charles Barkley and the tagline, “I am not a role model.” It was a rather groundbreaking and controversial message for the time – and imagine, it was an ad for sneakers – but what really came to light was a general abducation of responsibility for public figures. No longer did they have to try to be worthy of emulation or practice positive behavior. They weren’t role models anymore – at least, not all of them – but moreso, they weren’t heroes.

Now, with my own two boys, I’m even more sensitive towards this need. Boys need examples of men to look up to. Men of courage and integrity, who do what’s right, regardless of the cost. And there are only so many Tim Tebows in the world (one, actually).

Bennett recognizes this shortfall as well and has put together this extensive volume chock full of character profiles, literary passages, poetry, Scripture, and essays all providing examples and evidence of good, manly behavior in all aspects of life. The Book of Man offers ample material to share with the next generation and exemplify how to maintain proper perspectives and priorities as we navigate life at work and at play, in our families and our country and pretty much everywhere in between. I’m going to enjoy sharing these entries with my boys for years to come.

-from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw