Something scary is happening to boys today. From kindergarten to college, they are less resilient and less ambitious than they were a mere twenty years ago. Fully one-third of men ages twenty-two to thirty-four are still living at home with their parents, about a 100 percent increase in the past twenty years. Boys nationwide are increasingly dropping out of school; fewer are going to college. Parents, teachers, and mental-health professionals have voiced concern, but no one has come up with good reasons for their decline or, more importantly, with workable solutions to reverse this troubling trend—until now.
Family physician and research psychologist Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on his vast clinical experience to propose a theory of why boys and young men are failing in school and at home. He argues that a combination of social, cultural, and biological factors, ranging from environmental estrogens to the over-prescription of ADHD drugs, is creating an environment that is literally toxic to boys. Here, he presents his practical solutions, from new ways of controlling boys’ use of video games to innovative education reforms.
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"This book was fascinating. I couldn't put it down. The information on same-gender schools was very interesting and led me to do more research on my own, and makes me wish that they had same-gender schools (or at least classrooms) here in Utah. If I have boys, I might actually buy a copy of this book for reference (a very high compliment coming from me)."
— Christie (5 out of 5 stars)
“A must-read for any parent of boys.”
— Dr. Mehmet Oz, professor and vice chairman, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University“This call to reconsider how the boy becomes the man is worth heeding.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer“Narrator Malcolm Hillgartner manages to sound like a doctor. His strong, masculine voice gives out lots of advice about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), video games, neural development, and environmental estrogens. He successfully plays the role of family physician and trained psychologist speaking to concerned parents. During clinical interviews, Hillgartner changes his voice ever so slightly to differentiate between players, but without ever approaching theatrics. After listening to this production, anyone of any background will feel more informed about what’s happening to modern children growing up in an age of violence, drugs, and body piercings.”
— AudioFile“Powerfully and persuasively presented.”
— Journal of the American Medical Association“Boys Adrift is…a cry to all of us to notice what’s happening to our sons…Sax doesn’t just sound the alarm bell; he offers solutions…[He is] a modern Paul Revere.”
— Psychotherapy Networker“Boys Adrift is a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the male crisis in contemporary American society. True to form, Dr. Sax balances research with narrative to produce a readable text that explores social, environmental, and cultural factors contributing to this crisis and offers us sensible suggestions that will help right the course for our boys and men. A must read for all of us!”
— Doug MacIsaac, Department of Teacher Education, Stetson University“Boys Adrift presents a straightforward argument that incorporates solid research and, thankfully, does not blame feminism…Sax also makes sure to remind us that he doesn’t think girls have it easier. But at a time when it is almost unusual to find a young man with drive and direction, Sax’s work is an important part of a growing public discussion.”
— The Stranger (Seattle)" Hubby & I both liked this. Great thoughts and ideas on how we are raising boys. Agreed with almost all this author presented. "
— Adrian, 2/1/2014" Well worth the read; everyone involved in a boy's life should read this, especially SCHOOLTEACHERS. "
— deLille, 1/15/2014" For a single mom with a 9 year old boy that has ADD/ADHD and helping him survive school, friends, family...this book brought up great arguments and points of views. The author does a wonderful job with sharing studies and statics in an easy to read book. "
— Manni, 1/5/2014" Interesting that Dr. Sax references more than once "The Last Boy in the Woods," another pivotal book guiding my child-rearing philosophy. These are both books that guide how I raise my son! "
— D'Ann, 1/5/2014" This book informed me, frightened me, and gave me hope. There is some very important information for anyone who works with or raises boys. Particularly if you hope to raise them into men. "
— Tamara, 1/2/2014" Started reading this, didn't finish. I borrowed from the library & had to return it--I probably will just buy a copy. :) "
— Kelli, 12/31/2013" One of those books that anyone who is raising or teaching boys should read. Sure, some of the opinions are heavily biased, but it was full of vital information for understanding how to raise our boys into happy, productive, healthy men. I'll be picking up Dr. Sax's 'Gender Matters' soon. "
— Kristyan, 12/23/2013" Excellent insight. A must read for any parent of little boys. "
— Reidjules, 10/14/2013" Loved it. Everybody should read this book. Whether you have boys, girls, or no kids at all. Can't wait to read his others. "
— Candi, 9/15/2013" Every parent of a young boy should read this. Our culture/society is not set up to support young boys in meaningful ways to foster their development. I believe we see the results all around us. "
— Danny, 4/23/2013" EVERY parent of a boy should read this book. Very enlightening. "
— Molli, 3/13/2013" I had to read this book for a class I took this summer. It has some very interesting and unusual ideas. Parents of boys and teachers should read this. "
— Diane, 10/20/2012" If you have boys in your life, pick this book up! It's a fascinating read, extremely enlightening. Reconfirmed our decision to wait a year to put M in school and to not have video games in our home among many other things. Well researched and interesting to read. "
— Erin, 7/31/2012" If you have boys, this is a must read. This book of full of documented facts. "
— Tanya, 6/26/2012" Must Read if you have kids or want to have kids. Compelling "
— Tim, 4/11/2012" Great read...started reading this book since my son was entering kindergarten soon....enlightening. "
— Laura, 4/9/2012" Really intriguing book. I bought it to help with teaching high school students, but found it so helpful as a parent as well, Much of this I have heard before, but he puts it together in a more comprehensive way that I really "got." Worth the read if there are boys or young men in your life. "
— Diane, 2/17/2012" MCL. Recommended by Andrew Pudewa in his CIRCE talk on teaching boys. "
— Mystie, 12/24/2011" Sax seems to present this in an even, non-extremist way. Thus, it is far easier to respect his ideas and consider them credible. However, to avoid being called sexist, one must also apply this to girls of today. Our problem might not be video games, but I'm pretty sure that we do have one. "
— Chrisanne, 5/31/2011" This is a thoughtful, interesting book. I think anyone with a son should read it -- even if your son doesn't fit the profile he's talking about, it helps to understand the environment they live in. "
— Anna, 5/17/2011" Outstanding in understanding current educational/cultural influences which are counter productive to male development. "
— Morgan, 5/9/2011" Very interesting investigation into some trends that those of us who are raising boys will have to deal with. "
— Rob, 5/3/2011" Thought there was loads of good information. "
— Sherry, 4/22/2011" I thought this book was very informative. I agreed with the author on most of his points. It was hard to read though thinking of my two young boys and how to avoid some of these problems in their futures. A bit unsettling but it has really made me think. "
— Martha, 4/13/2011" I'll need to read this again when I have a son. Definitely good information for anyone with sons or men in their lives. "
— Malea, 3/29/2011" Well worth the read; everyone involved in a boy's life should read this, especially SCHOOLTEACHERS. "
— deLille, 2/19/2011" Great book! Everyone with boys should read this. "
— Liz, 2/3/2011" I think anyone with boys should read this book. Very insightful. "
— Tina, 2/2/2011" If you have a SON, please READ THIS BOOK! A lot of GREAT food for thought. After you read it, let's go to lunch and discuss! It's good on audio-I listened to the first half. "
— Elena, 2/1/2011Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D., is a practicing family physician, a PhD psychologist, and a speaker for community groups, schools, and professional organizations. His scholarly work has been published in a wide variety of journals including American Psychologist, Annals of Family Medicine, Behavioral Neuroscience, Environmental Health Perspectives, and the Journal of the American Medical Association. He has been a featured guest on CNN, PBS, The TODAY Show, Fox News, NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” and many other national programs. He lives with his wife and daughter in suburban Philadelphia.
Malcolm Hillgartner is an accomplished actor, writer, and musician. Named an AudioFile Best Voice of 2013 and the recipient of several Earphones Awards, he has narrated over 250 audiobooks.