Self-Made Man by Norah Vincent

Our last bookclub of the year 2017 was Cathy's selection, Self-Made Man: One Woman's Year Disguised as a Man by Norah Vincent. (Lisa and Liz, we missed you!)  In this non-fiction book, the author investigates what it is like to be a man by dressing up as "Ned."  Each chapter explores a different facet of Ned's life including male friendship, the workplace, dating, and more.

Some of us found the book very eye-opening: Women can really treat men poorly in dating situations, women often have fake hugs, some men can say disgustingly offensive things just to appear macho (we knew this, but jeez), monasteries are insanely hierarchical. Others felt that the scenarios explored in the book were stereo-typically male (like going to strip clubs) and did not capture what it really means to be a man.  Some shared the author's empathy for men who often feel overwhelmed by their role in society as always having to be physically and emotionally strong and financially responsible. Others were not having it, especially since #meToo just happened. (So now we have to feel sorry for men, too?) Each of these topics led to interesting discussions.

The book also inspired one of us to go out in public dressed as a man, to see if she could pull off the disguise.