The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives Hardcover – October 31, 2017

I love what Lewis has done here! This is such an important book for men AND women.While the focus is on the masks men wear, the truth is WE ALL WEAR MASKS. This book is about authenticity, vulnerability, self-awareness, and living your life and connecting with others in a way that is REAL... and not hiding behind who you think you're supposed to be.As a mom of two teenage boys, I know the pressures they face and I've seen them go through different stages of adolescence, trying to figure out who they are. As a woman, I know the pressures on my end too and why women wear masks to be accepted and hide insecurities. And as someone who's been in relationships and has witnessed many of these masks, it's REFRESHING to see so many men, Lewis included, who are willing and courageous enough to explore who they truly are and not let their ego rule their interactions.I especially appreciate that Lewis has shared a small section at the end of each chapter specifically for women -- with suggestions on how they can support the men in their lives with removing their masks. This is GOLD for relationships!Another great aspect of the book is the various men that Lewis references. I happen to be a fan of Lewis' podcast and hear him interview people all the time. He has taken the beliefs and experiences from men (and women) of all walks of life and shares how different masks have impacted them as well.And for the critics...this is NOT a book about men not being "masculine". Quite the contrary. De-masked men are comfortable enough in their own skin that they don't need a mask to hide behind. There is science behind masculinity, and then there are false pretenses created by society about masculinity. Knowing the difference is what makes all the difference.This book is a must-read! Whether you want to experience more fruitful, authentic relationships, or be a better parent, or perhaps GIVE it to your parents or someone who would benefit from its message, you can't go wrong!

Read this book! Very well written and worth reading if you want to have better relations with the world at large and specifically your closest relationships. Lewis is right on about the masks we present to the outside. Ladies , wouldn’t hurt to read it either, may help understand that man.

Almost excellent. My problem is that the takeaway portion of each chapter is basically the same, verbatim. I don't know if we're only supposed to read the applicable chapters or all of them, but a little less cut & paste would go a long way here.Other than that, good stories, good insight on toxic masculinity. Some chapters seem stronger than others. I'm not sure if this is because I identify with a few of them more than others but there seems to be more attention applied in some places than others.Finally, the anecdotes Lewis uses to set up his discussions works, but they're all people at the top of the game. And that's part of how the book came to be, but they're outliers. I'd like a few instances where he discusses masculinity with people closer to middle-class and how you can't even have the veneer of having lived up to the stereotypes of masculinity.This may be why the first chapter on the stoic mask felt more powerful to me. I don't identify very well with someone worth 100 million dollars. But I can identify my life far closer to the stoic men he interviews.At any rate, read the book. It's worth it.

** The Mask of Masculinity is a GEM and must read for ALL.I couldn’t put it down !!!* This book is insightful. wise, honest, educational ,empowering, authentic to its core and ALL HEART ..just like Lewis . Lewis is a guy who is doing his work and taking responsibility for healing and embracing his greatness …ALL OF WHO HE IS. I have grown to trust him thru the years because I can see the work he is doing and how much he keeps growing .. The guy is the REAL DEAL.. NO BS* Lewis talks about 9 different masks men wear in fear of being vulnerable by showing their real feelings and insecurities. This stems from the beliefs that Society and our Culture imposes on us as to what a REAL MAN IS . Lewis says he wants to redefine the definition of what it means to be a "REAL MAN " and support every man and women to " unlock their full potential ,achieve their dreams and live happy fulfilled life " So much of what Lewis was sharing resonated with me on so many levels.Reading this book is just as valuable for ALL OF US WOMEN to read ..these men are our spouses, boyfriends, fathers, brothers, sons, friends mentor, teachers, boss's etc. We have a bias as to the different masks men wear and this would help us decode them so we have a better understanding … and lets not forget that WE WOMEN have our own array of MASKS that we wear too. Being open to Learning always opens up new possibilities for all! As we ALL slowly take off our own masks and show up as the most authentic truest version of who we are ..this will lead to deeper connections and healthier, happier and loving relationships