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Are Men Necessary?: When Sexes Collide Audiobook
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(3.00) - 1,179 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Are men afraid of smart, successful women? Why did feminism fizzle? Why are so many of today's women freezing their faces and emotions in an orgy of plasticity? Is "having it all" just a cruel hoax?
In this witty and wide-ranging book, Maureen Dowd looks at the state of the sexual union, raising bold questions and examining everything from economics and politics to pop culture and the "why?" of the Y chromosome. These new writings will delight her devoted readers - and anyone trying to sort out the chaos that occurs when sexes collide.
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"This is a good book for a book club. Lots of interesting opinions about the road to equality for women and the battle of the sexes. Dowd is hilarious. Some arguements end up circling each other but the book still it makes you want to keep your maiden name:)"
— Lindsay (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“No one vets the culture with a keener eye than Dowd.”
— Chicago Tribune -
“She is a keen observer, a harsh evaluator, and a collector of fine ironies.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer -
“[Dowd] backs up her observations…For any fan of Dowd, the book offers a rare peek into the world of the notably media-shy columnist.”
— Columbus Dispatch -
“A sharp observer of human nature.”
— St. Petersburg Times -
“A blistering critique of modern gender relations…Dowd has kicked off a conversation we are desperate to have.”
— Salon -
“Dowd’s writing races along as she presents academic studies…Her long journalism career and her Washington connections allow Dowd to give the reader an inside glimpse of influential figures. Readable, provocative, and entertaining.”
— Library Journal -
“[Dowd] steps up to the plate to hit some fly balls well out of the field as she discusses sexual realities and absurdities…Dowd is hilarious, cutting, and provocative—in other words, perfectly willing to express her vision of the truth without an ounce of reservation. And isn’t that why readers gravitate to her?…Her observations on how men and women relate lead to pithy commentary on the contradictory path feminism has taken (“the new urban legend is about a young man who loses a girl by asking her to split the check”), the superior suitability of women as political leaders (“women are affected by lunar tides only once a month; men have raging hormones every day”), and other topics more timid conversationalists would stay away from. Thank goodness she doesn’t.”
— Booklist
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A 2005 New York Times Book Review Notable Book
Are Men Necessary? Listener Reviews
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" It wasn't what I was expecting, but overall a good read. "
— Annie, 2/19/2014 -
" *yawn* unless you like to listen to an egomaniac go on about politics and what's wrong in the White House. If you're looking for "Men Demystified", check out Dr. Phil's reading selections. "
— Sherry, 2/14/2014 -
" Please do not let the title scare you away. This book is about the double standards that women face in different arenas such as politics and journalism. I would love to everyone to read it, but as with most feminist literature it would appeal to women more. At times I feel Dowd takes liberty with what she assumes the reader already knows, I would not recommend this for someone who is politically-clueless. "
— Shannon, 1/22/2014 -
" Delightful style and challenging thinker with her unique perspective. "
— Esqcheryl, 1/12/2014 -
" A superficial look at how feminism has changed since the 1970s that changes topics like someone flipping through TV channels with a remote. "
— Jenn, 1/11/2014 -
" Maureen is witty and entertaining. The first half is by far the funniest portion and there appears to be hints of bitterness as the book progresses. However, well worth reading "
— Heather, 1/10/2014 -
" This was painfully disorganized, whiny and pessimistic; constantly and possibly intentionally stirring up deep-seated female insecurities that a man will never fall in love with, or be loyal to, a smart, ambitious woman. Too painful to finish this book! "
— carmille, 1/6/2014 -
" As a rational and well rounded feminist, I know I should object to the oversimplifications of Maureen Dowd. However, this is great train reading both for antagonistic fellow commuters' stares and the catchy writing. Also, retro Hillary Clinton discussion. "
— Sawy-o, 12/23/2013 -
" The title promised a lot but I don't feel it delivered very well. There were interesting tidbits from the authors work in politics but I wasn't too into it. "
— Madonna, 12/23/2013 -
" Skip 5-7 and it's fairly balanced. "
— Tammy, 12/10/2013 -
" In all honesty, I didn't finish the audiobook. It was really overdue, plus there was so much relationship-related stuff and I can't deal with it in the middle of an academic semester. It just messes my head up too much. Maybe I'll return to it after I graduate. :-) "
— Melissa, 11/10/2013 -
" An interesting look at gender relations in politics. And to answer the question: of course they are. "
— Beverly, 11/7/2013 -
" Interesting ... I don't necessarily agree with everything Dowd says, but at least she had the guts to discuss these things. "
— Tiffany, 10/27/2013 -
" My favorite quote so far is about magazines. Women's magazines discuss when men want so that women can conform to those desires. Men's magazines discuss what men want, and how women should conform to those ideals. "
— Megan, 9/15/2013 -
" It's funny. She has some sharp observations. But her metaphors are Dennis Miller-ian in their pointless whimsy and make my teeth itch. "
— Nicole, 9/2/2013 -
" Damn, she can write. She really makes her cases strongly, so if you like men, try to remember why, or else you won't anymore by the time you're done reading. "
— Korin, 6/15/2013 -
" I thought I shared Dowd's politics, but basically, I don't think she has any. Certainly she appears to have no substantive argument to support her claims. The book is choppy, makes no sense, and I would put her in the same category as Anne Coulter--a pundit without a portfolio. "
— Sherry, 6/13/2013 -
" Ah, Maureen Dowd, you man-hater. I listened to this book on my commute, and I loved every minute of it. "
— Jasmine, 5/18/2013 -
" this is such a good book!! "
— Kelly, 2/16/2013 -
" I love Dowd's writing..she is so clever. "
— Courtney, 4/16/2012 -
" Very witty and interesting. It ranged all over and I don't think there is a central argument or conclusion - but very engaging and entertaining nevertheless. "
— Katherine, 9/27/2011 -
" Thought it was interesting but not necessarily super engaging and she definitely struck a very strong stance, one that was slightly too bold for my admittedly conservative tastes. "
— yoli, 8/9/2011 -
" Don't listen to the audiobook. She has the worst voice. "
— Katie, 4/6/2011 -
" Maureen Dowd is a fabulous writer and this book displays her skills. It's a fun and interesting read. "
— James, 3/10/2011 -
" This was painfully disorganized, whiny and pessimistic; constantly and possibly intentionally stirring up deep-seated female insecurities that a man will never fall in love with, or be loyal to, a smart, ambitious woman. Too painful to finish this book! "
— Carmille, 11/27/2010 -
" Don't listen to the audiobook. She has the worst voice. "
— Katie, 10/15/2010 -
" Boy, this one was depressing. It is mostly the author describing how she sees feminism has failed. "
— Peggy, 8/27/2010 -
" Someimes I love Maureen Dowd and sometimes I think she is an enemy of women. "
— Judy, 8/7/2010 -
" this is such a good book!! "
— Kelly, 4/5/2010 -
" its an awesome book, and contrary to the title its not "feminist propaganda", it a well thought out and concise work. "
— Emmanuel, 3/30/2010
About Maureen Dowd
Maureen Dowd is a columnist for the New York Times and a New York Times bestselling author. In 1999, she was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her series of columns on the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the Clinton administration.