The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face

by Jonathan McKee

Honestly?. . . 

"Why wait for something when I can enjoy it now?"

“These images don’t really affect me. . .do they?”

"How could smoking a little weed really be that bad when it's becoming legalized everywhere?”

“I’d like to tell you I don’t care what others think, but honestly, I want to be liked."

 
Maybe you're thinking, "I've had one. . .maybe even a few of these thoughts, and I don't know how to even begin to deal with them."
 
The good news? You're not alone. And there is a way to fight these battles head-on, overcoming the past, pressing forward, and becoming the person God designed you to be.
 
So what's a guy to do? . . .
 
Join youth culture expert and author of the popular Guy's Guide to God, Girls, and the Phone in Your Pocket, Jonathan McKee, as he gets real about the four common battles every young man will encounter in his life:
 
1: Sexual Temptation
2. Screens
3: Controlled Substances
4: Self-Esteem


With humor and honesty, McKee offers up practical, spiritual advice filled with real-world application helping you face today’s distractions.
 

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2019

About the author

Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new IF I HAD A PARENTING DO OVER; 52 WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE OBSESSED KID; and the Amazon "Best Seller," THE GUY'S GUIDE TO GOD, GIRLS AND THE PHONE IN YOUR POCKET. With over 20 years youth ministry experience, Jonathan speaks to parents and leaders worldwide. You can follow Jonathan on his blog at JonathanMcKeeWrites.com, getting a regular dose of youth culture and parenting help. Jonathan, his wife, Lori, and their three kids live in California.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book as a family with our two teen sons (age 14 and 16), out of a need to continue the discussing some of the difficult topics they are going to face in future years. I would highly recommend this book, written from a biblical perspective, for any teen boy and parent with the caveat that the parent should probably go through it with the child (to answer questions, to gain understanding of your child's potential exposure to these things, and to share personal experiences). This might be done with a small group of teen boys as well. Highly recommend, even though it's very awkward to talk about SEX at the dinner table (or anywhere else, but it's necessary!).

[Michelle L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio and had a hard time following and getting into the book. I listened to it for my sons to get some perspective. I appreciate the info, and…I have read others I have connected with better.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that addresses some of the issues and distractions that teenage boys encounter and it offers encouragement and advice to help them face them. Author Jonathan Price understands that these boys and young men worry about their self image and their goals for their future; they are distracted by video games and their phones; they struggle with raging hormones and the urge to act upon these emotions; and they are constantly subjected to the lure of illegal substances. McKee understands because he has been there so he uses his own experiences and God's Word to counsel them and he offers them Questions to Ponder in each chapter to guide them in their own thinking.

McKee is both an author and speaker and he obviously has a deep understanding of today's youth culture. I don't have sons or grandsons but I have great-nephews and teenage boys in my circle of friends so this book is very enlightening to me. I loved that the author chose to end Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face by citing an episode of the television show Smallville. Young Clark Kent had been temporarily blinded and he now had super hearing. He was now hearing noises from everywhere and he needed to learn how to shut them out and focus on just one sound. As he grew more and more frustrated Clark was told by his father that he should just concentrate on his voice, just concentrate on the voice of his father. This illustration emphasizes our need to concentrate on one voice. The voice of our Heavenly Father.

'The more you listen to His voice---reading the Bible. praying, and spending time with Him--the more those distractions will fade away.' (p. 182)

Yes, I am an older woman but I have gained so much by reading this book and I recommend it to parents, grandparents or anyone else who wants to help young men on their road to adulthood.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seasoned youth worker and Bible teacher Jonathan McKee opens his latest book, "The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face," with a great story about his dog Lionel who ate three months' worth of fat drippings from the grill's drip tray. That dog was well, "sick as a dog" he sayys. Then, comparing that to the many "fun" things the world dangles in teens faces today, McKee asks, "Is four minutes of feasting on fat worth thirty-six hours of regret?"

Through the rest of the book he unpacks that concept, looking at four key issues that young guys face today: self-esteem, screens, sexual temptation and substance abuse. Each chapter includes some questions to get guys thinking about and digesting what they're reading, and then McKee offers some final thoughts. Jonathan doesn't skirt any issues. He deals with issues like pornography and substance abuse with honesty. He uses scientific studies and testimonials to show how God truly has our best in mind and the best design. When we do things as God has outlined in His Word, we experience life as God intended--happier, healthier, and blessed.

This highly relevant, open, and honest book is one young men can read on their own, or it's something parents can use as a conversation starter. It's even something small groups could use to begin some important discussions. McKee offers biblical wisdom to deal with four of the most significant struggles young men face today.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinons expressed are my own.

[Anyike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life has a lot of distractions, too many times we get distracted and get deviated from our Original goal or path…

This is a truly well written book that encourages Young Men while being relatable to a good amount.

The chapter about Distractions was so relatable all Men, it doesn’t take much to listen to what is being said and plug in what applies to you there. As long as the individual is not listening with a hard/defiant heart then it would be almost impossible to not relate.

Unfortunately a lot of Men don’t ask for directions or read instructions… it’s amazing how doing that can change a lot…
It’s one thing to read the instructions and another to understand them or put them into practice.
The Bible is an amazing source to know God and learn how to hear him… the Bible truly is a great treasure.

We don’t need to make a mistake firsthand to learn the lesson from that experience… most of why we want do overs is because we didn’t have the knowledge but that’s not the case now… there are more warning signs than ever and yet we boldly ignore them…
Pride is the reason why we ignore such, we tell ourselves “Not me”, “Could never be me” but unfortunately it does become us.
“People don’t invent new ways to mess up, most of them become entangled in similar ways, they all think they are the exception, they are not. They fall into the same traps just different names and locations.” - Jonathan Mckee. What a beautiful set of words that are highly relatable.

The 4 S that males should avoid and side track them:
1. Self Image
2. Screens
3. Sexual Situations
4. Substance Abuse


• Self Image - Who Am I?, and Whose Will I Become?
1. God loves you and knows you, the most important in the whole universe said that about us.
2. If you want to make yourself painfully unhappy, just try to make everyone like you.

• Screens - Are Video Games and My Phone becoming a Distraction?
1. Too much screen time can affect an individual.
2. Little screen time with the wrong thing can also affect an individual.

• Sexual Intimacy - Why Not Now?
1. Studies show that people with less sexual partners enjoy sex more.
2. Sex matters to God.
3. It’s funny that regarding sex, the Bible and the top Scientists in the world all agree that the best way to prevent any issue is to abstain till they Marry…
4. Do not be ashamed to run away… the bible even encourages us to flee! Flee from sexual sin…


• Substance Abuse - Are Drugs and Alcohol Really a Big Deal?
1. Marijuana is a big deal on the brain… especially when your brain is developing.
2. Substance Abuse really can wreck you… even as little as 2 beers..
3. Unfortunately we tend to think we are the exception…

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't realize it was meant for a spiritual person when I opted into the give away. Found out that it was geared toward Christians very quickly. Some of the advice I thought actually had some merit, the social media stuff, but most of it had been diluted by the attempt to bring God into it. Without God and Jesus in each section, I think some really good points could have been made in tougher situations in this book. My biggest problem is the Sex section. Not a surprise. Thought the facts presented my be factually accurate, there is a real risk of harm by pushing abstinence only.

Not only this, but the hit piece done on condoms will inevitably force kids to forgo there use when they get into the heat of the moment because they will have read that they are imperfect. Just because they don't work all the time, doesn't mean they never work.

It is important that if a teen chooses to have sex that he does so with a condom. Push abstinence if you must, but please also push safe sex!

Most of this advice is geared around scaring kids into making better choices. Though fear does work some times, the drug section of this book laid it out right in several of the stories. When kids don't fear it anymore, they will try it. The kids stopped fearing drugs and it ruined their lives. Scaring kids is a losing strategy in the long term--we are still dealing with this today from the 80s anti-drug campaign--but educating them is a better route. I hoped for more from this book based on the title.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face: a manual to overcoming life’s common distractions by author Jonathan McKee is a teen and young adult self help book for you men beginning the fight with life’s four common distractions.

It is written with humor, experience, and in such a way it is like chatting with a buddy. The writer’s style is wonderful. It puts readers at ease immediately. I found it to be easy to understand.

In his book, the author examines four key issues that young men face today: self-esteem, screens, sexual temptation and substance abuse. Each chapter includes questions to reflect on what has been read, and then author McKee adds some final thoughts. McKee deals with issues like pornography and substance abuse openly and honesty.

He doesn’t shy away from God, but his book isn’t preachy. It is just like a friend giving you good advice. The author stresses that when we do what God has outlined in His Word, we experience life as God intended. We are happier, healthier, and become blessed.

Any young man will benefit from this book. It is great for many things - a small group study, parents wanting to discuss these topics with their sons, or for a young man needing guidance. I highly recommend this book. It is relevant and needed in today’s often misguided world. I received a copy from Barbour Publishing but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written for and geared towards teenage boys, which I am obviously not. However, I do review books occasionally that don't apply to me. What the author covers in this book could still be beneficial to guys out of the age group it is for.



The book is well put together, and the author presents his facts and case very well. I found it even more interesting when he used real life examples of young men and adult guys.



When I requested the book, I was puzzled by the one battle - screens. That involves cell phones, computers, video games....pretty much anything that is electronic and has a screen.



I found the book an interesting read. The author knows what he is talking about, and gives a lot of invaluable advice for young guys in the 4 areas mentioned.



One section that stuck out to me was in the controlled substances section where he discussed marijuana. There are a lot of people, even Christians, who want it legalized. Those people deny it is a gateway drug, and that there is any danger. However, McKee shows the dangers of it, and that it is indeed a gateway drug.



This is not the first book of this kind on the market, but I do believe it is one of the better ones. It is something a teenage boy should read, and hopefully learn from.



I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guys Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face is a brilliant book. It is brimming with personal anecdotes and spiritual as well as scientific backing to make sure that the young men that read it have no way of weaselling out of its truth. This book covers the issues that you would expect but grounds them in identity the roots from which the other issues grow. This book is particular is remarkably cohesive, in how it connects chapters and sections even when they are miles apart. When I reached the end of this book I was waiting for more, but even though a conclusion that wraps up the content covered isn't included it is all the better for the conclusion that it does have. This conclusion brings the issues back to the power of the cross and the working of the spirit, that we need to break free of these issues. This book doesn't have a lot of content inappropriate for pre-teens, and the sexual content included isn't graphic in its detail.
Questions are included to help both the young man but also assists in facilitating father-son, mentor-mentee and other such relationships.
I was provided a digital copy of the book through NetGalley, but all thoughts included are my own.

[Beverly Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face by Jonathan McKee

A short, interesting, and right-on target book that helps guide teenage boys (and their fathers) through the four battles every young man must face:

1. Sexual Temptation

2. Screens

3. Controlled Substances

4. Self-Esteem

This book is an excellent resource for fathers to sit down and discuss those difficult experiences, temptations, and choices all teenagers and young men will face. It gives the opportunity for a father and son to navigate the difficult waters of what a teenager will experience and how to respond to each battle. This book can put the most nervous parent at ease. It's funny and so insightful. The author gets his points across by using short "stories" that hold your attention, then makes you think about the consequences. Jonathan McKee is a youth expert and author of many books. My grandson just turned 13 and I am gifting him and his father a copy. I really feel they should have read this book together a year or so ago.

I can't wait to read "The Teens Guide to Social Media."

I was given a copy of this book to read by Barbour Publishing. I was not, however, required to post a review.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guy's Guide looks at four battles. They are: self image, screens, sexual intimacy, and substances (mostly weed and alcohol). Each battle section includes 4 or 5 short chapters that you can read aloud together. I used this book for a high school church discussion group, and truthfully, it was much better than I expected. Written in 2019, the stories and examples were relevant. The points were straightforward. The message was clear. My guys also enjoyed it and it helped spark thought provoking discussion.

That said, it is written explicitly for conservative Christian young men. The arguments are black and white, right and wrong. Most, if not all of the conversation, chooses fear-based motivation. I struggle with this, but I'm not so arrogant as to claim certain knowledge of what's best for young people and development. Binaries can be quite helpful, particularly for youth in constructing order to life. So I tried to allow them to lead the conversation rather than force my own preconceptions. Maybe they'll look back and scowl at the black and white thinking. Or maybe they'll appreciate it. Who knows.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jonathan McKee writes his book in short chapters that are laced with scripture and true stories. What I really liked is that McKee doesn’t fluff or gloss over the subjects. He speaks plainly, using words and phrases some may find offensive but are exactly what is needed. With hard, honest questions at the end of each chapter along with final thoughts by the author, the young man reading it will be forced to be honest with himself.

This book, if read by parents, would be a great way to start conversations for open discussions with their son(s). It would also make a great group study for young men.

I highly recommend getting a copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book before giving to my grandson not realizing that I would actually enjoy it. It is witty and uses scenarios like mountain biking and video gaming to grab your attention for the deeper discussion. After each chapter there are Questions to Ponder and Final thoughts that are informative and have you going deeper. Excellent read for young men and the difficult choices they have to make. Every young man needs to read this one. Great gift idea for the young men you know.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most enjoyable books I have proofed for my son! This is exactly what my teenage son needs to keep growing his relationship with Christ and survive this culture. Mr. McKee has a humor that sucks you in and makes you feel like you are listening to a friend. Such easy reading and yet so deep and profound that I learned quite a few lessons myself! I wish I could hand this book to every teenage boy I know. The applications make sense – not feel unattainable. I highly recommend this!
I got a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Jonathan McKee writes The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face which is a great book that cuts to the chase. It is an honest, authentic book that makes a young adult man look at themselves and ask hard questions through scripture and application. This book has short chapters, great stories and truth throughout the entire book. This book would be a great for Father's do with their sons. I highly recommend getting a copy, especially as Father's Day is just around the corner.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guy’s Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face is a great read. This book is informative, reads well, and is engaging. It brings the reader back to God and His truths. The author knows his audience well (teenagers) yet engages other ages as well. Great layout, format, and easy to read and understand.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to review. However, all opinions expressed are solely mine.

[Eric Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

While fairly generic and basic in structure, this is a perfect handbook for any young Christian guys.
Definitely geared towards much younger guys, or at least is written in a way for younger guys to be able to understand but it has some good stuff on how to live a more virtuous lifestyle. It's not a book I'd ever read again, but would be confident in recommending to younger Christian guys.

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Read, Sensible Advice

This book is written in everyday language in small snippets with relevant self guided questions. Question format is asking reader input based upon what was just read. A must read for youth leaders and mentors.

[Leahlady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as a family devo. Some good advice & talking points about character and self-monitoring, but we didn't finish the book. The sex/pornography section was too descriptive/intense for the younger audience.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how the author spelled out the battles young men face and then gave examples of each. The questions were very thoughtful and everything was backed up by scripture.

[Michelle Martini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon reviews were high for this one, so I previewed it. It’s a good one for the season we’re in.

[Jeffrey McDowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much needed resource.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face: a manual to overcoming life's common distractions by Jonathan McKee is a well written guide for young man. Jonathan McKee strikes right at the things that give men of every age trouble but especially when teenagers and young man. The four major issues are called Sexual Temptation Screens Controlled Substances Self-Esteem by Jonathan McKee. He uses stories that are relatable and will lead to a deeper discussion. It is a book that I would use to help the young men in the family. It would be a wise gift for any young man or even a man who may be more into the computer then life.

I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Deon]

Won this as a Goodreads giveaway!