Book Review The Demise of Guys: Why Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It by Philip Zombardo and Nikita Duncan

The Demise of Guys is a well written and well researched book. Informative and enlightening, it will be eye-opening for many and for many others it will simply reinforce what we already know, i.e., boys in this society are taking longer to mature and take responsibility than possibly ever before. The thesis of the book is that pornography and video gaming are major contributing factors to this decline to which this reviewer would heartily agree. The book is assembled in small, easy to digest chapters that leave room for contemplation and reflection. Well researched is an understatement as all the facts are backed up by numerous sources of data.

More than video gaming, this writer would suggest that easy to view internet porn is far more dangerous than even the authors suggest. Yes, it gives the incorrect view and expectations in relationships, but more than that, it is often the first step in much more serious crime which this work does not mention. Moreover, with all the accumulated data the authors have brought together, they still do not condemn pornography suggesting rather that those addicted to porn rather should lay off for a period of time and allow the brain to return to normal. Obviously, this is a huge problem with the work. The data supplied suggests something far different.

Another major fault would be in the chapter "What Can We Do" where the authors offer suggestions for males to overcome these addictions and make some positive changes in their lives. For all the authors' work this chapter leaves the reader feeling that there must be something more. The propositions are weak and faulty making no firm assertions that they will even work. What these young men need most are long term, positive Christian role models that will model what it is to be a man and lead productive useful lives for themselves, their families and most of all for the Lord. Oh yes, don't be alarmed at the use of some frank, street language which was not the least bit necessary to convey the authors meaning in any case. If that bothers you, you should skip this one.

On a scale of 1 to 5, The Demise of Guys rates a 4 for the outstanding amount of useful facts on porn and video gaming that are affecting our young men. But, sadly it's only a 2 overall due to the dismal recommendations to resolve the issues.