Inspiring, Christ-Centered, and, well...Manly - Mansfield's Book of Manly Men

I have to admit, I ordered this book expecting something else. I took one look at the cover (which is awesome, by the way), and figured I'd be getting a cheeky, funny book on "manliness." Boy, was I wrong. And I am really glad I was wrong.

This book is definitely about manliness--that's one thing I was right about. But it's also about how to be the best you can be--in terms of God's standards. As Mansfield says, "I want to identify what a genuine man does--the virtues, the habits, the disciplines, the duties, the actions of true manhood--and then call men to do it."

So how does he accomplish this? He starts by setting out 4 traits of manly men (or Mansfield's Manly Maxims, as they are called), he discusses real-life stories of men to emulate (or learn from), and he wraps it up with a host of resources (books, movies, and quotes).

A few things set this book a part for me. First, it is hugely inspiring. Mansfield does not let readers get away with immobility. He is all about the "action," and living out what we have learned. I admired that. Second, it is incredibly conversational (and I think that lends to how it inspires the reader). When reading, it feels very comfortable, like you are speaking to a friend (albeit on a very deep level). Finally, it all centres on Christ, and I think that is part of why this book works. You can't argue with holy reasoning, and I think God can certainly use this book as a tool to convict his people.

On a minor note, I also really like the graphics and "feel" of this book. It has lots of media sprinkled throughout, and that made it very exciting to me.

In all, I very much enjoyed this book. I highly recommend if you are needing a push or looking for an inspiring read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”