The broad idea of toxic masculinity is simple: believing that our male sex means we must behave and think in a way that hurts ourselves and those around us.
Exploring the facets of toxic masculinity, however, is a complex journey. How much of a factor is genetics? How does toxic masculinity manifest in different aspects of our lives? How should we view women? There are constantly evolving debates on which habits and thought patterns are harmful, helpful or at least justifiable.
These fiction and nonfiction titles provide relevant insights from male authors who have struggled with or researched toxic masculinity. Their experiences might assist you in forming opinions on topics where there isn’t a single correct answer. Take a look and decide which book should be your starting point.
1. ‘The Prophet of Zongo Street’ by Mohammed Naseehu Ali
Full disclosure: Mohammed was my professor at NYU. I wanted to start the list with this book because it’s not nearly as well-known as the other titles. Inspired by V.S. Naipaul’s “Miguel Street,” — another fiction book I suggest you read — “The Prophet of Zongo Street” is a short story collection that takes place in Ghana and America.
The story that most directly tackles toxic masculinity is “The Manhood Test.” After Mr. Rafique’s wife, Zulaikha, accuses him of “unmanliness,” community members demand he prove his manhood by having sex with her in front of a sort of test proctor. I won’t spoil the ending, so for now I’ll say that the rest of the tale muses on how social pressure relates to toxic masculinity and slut shaming.
2. ‘Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood’ by Frederick Joseph
Both from a general male perspective and a Black male perspective specifically, Joseph illustrates the societal damage from patriarchy and toxic masculinity. Many reviewers have compared his analysis to bell hooks. Despite being a nonfiction treatise-style book, the narrative incorporates poetry, songs and more.
3. ‘The End of Eddy’ by Edouard Louis
A classic example of toxic masculinity is shaming men and boys when they exhibit any traits people may perceive as stereotypically female. Eddy Bellegueule, who grows up in a French factory town, experiences this cruelty. In response, he aims to be “tough.” More than loosely based on the author’s personal life, this novel shows how toxic masculinity often means the death of honest identity.
4.‘The Man They Wanted Me to Be: Toxic Masculinity and a Crisis of Our Own Making’ by Jared Yates Sexton
Several reviewers have described this memoir as a better version of “Hillbilly Elegy,” and I’m inclined to agree. If your politics are liberal or left of liberal, you’ll definitely agree that the book has aged better than “Hillbilly Elegy.”
In addition to narrating his life dealing with toxic masculinity, the author mixes in interesting research and other elements readers might enjoy. Like Frederick Joseph, critics have mentioned Jared Yates Sexton with bell hooks.
5. ‘The Chocolate War’ by Robert Cormier
Published during the 70s, this novel portrays schoolboy cruelty in a way that is timeless. Cormier highlights the point that toxic masculinity is often about conformity and authoritarianism. Warning that many readers find this book overly dark and cynical. Chocolate lovers in particular should exercise caution.
6. and Beyond: Your Recommendations?
Whether it’s on The Good Men Project or my own platform, I love boosting books with high ratings and low sales. Can you think of any underappreciated titles that deserve a spot on this type of book list?
Bio: Joseph Rauch is the founder of The Rauch Review, a publication about the intersection of literature and politics. We will be publishing many book lists about a wide range of topics, from depression to the Arab world. Check out our full book reviews as well.
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