This book is a collection of 27 essays written by men on the topics of love, honesty, lying, desires, family, and needs. Most of the essays provide a fascinating read, some more riveting than others. Only a couple are tedious.
The essays evoke many emotions with the funny, heartwarming, sad, curious, and intriguing tales. Human nature comes through as these pages pour out the men’s thoughts, the kind few human beings would share with their loved ones and friends.
Topics cover the woman making more money than the man, the stay-at-home Dad, a marriage of equals, an almost 50-year-old man who remains a bachelor, a man who prefers older women, an open marriage, affairs, and less “Mood for Love” in a marriage.
It’s easy to dislike some of the men while respecting others, but their prose and candor provide impressive insight into otherwise ordinary situations in their lives. Hearing a story about a man who after 17 years of marriage and two kids isn’t as chivalrous as he was when he first met and married his wife doesn’t sound like much. However, “I Am a Man, Hear Me Bleat,” is a captivating tale in which one of his kids ends up in the emergency room under his care.
The book doesn’t completely answer, “What is he thinking?” While each essay addresses the question, there isn’t enough diversity in these men’s backgrounds. In fact, almost all of them are writers from New York or California. One author stands out because he’s in jail.
The book finishes with a bang with “Father of the Year” by Trey Ellis who is black, adding a little diversity (he’s a writer, though) talking about fatherhood and his crumbling marriage. If another edition comes out, more diversity in terms of location, experiences, and careers will turn a fine book into a superb one.
Note regarding the cover: On Amazon, the cover shows two feet on an ottoman. However, I believe this re-release is using the newer and better photo of a guy in boxers… at least, we think it’s a guy 🙂
Title: The Bastard on the Couch
Author: Edited by Daniel Jones
Publisher: William Morrow
ISBN: 0060565349
Date: April 2004
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Cover Price: USD: $24.95 Amazon: $15.72
