Review by Charlyt -- Man Mission by Eytan Uliel

[Charlyn Tuzon]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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What separates a boy from being a man? Four friends travel to different countries to try out new things and to experience new cultures, but most importantly, to have an extreme adventure to show themselves worthy to be real men. But is it only brute strength or the willingness to test one’s limit that defines being a man? Away from their adrenaline-filled excursions, the responsibilities of having a family, a high-paying job, and social obligations seem more difficult to tread than hiking with a twisted knee.
 
Man Mission is an adventure novel written by Eytan Uliel. Sam, the pyrotechnician, Daniel, the organizer, Alec, the bachelor, and our main protagonist, who keeps earning the Pink Bracelet for whining, have dubbed their expeditions as the Man Mission. Consisting of fifteen chapters, the author narrates the fifteen trips, spanning fifteen years, which includes hiking in New Zealand, kayaking in Fiji, biking in South Korea, and many others. Within their travels, they have created a Man Mission Charter which includes going beyond one’s limits, no luxuries allowed, and, of course, men only. But aside from their yearly outing, they must also deal with the Relationship Playbook wherein they transition from being bachelors to having a family of their own.  

What gave the book so much personality and charm were the four main characters. They were so varied in their traits and yet they complemented each other wonderfully. Even as book characters, their friendship was felt through the pages that they made me laugh aloud at times and even emotional. The way the book was narrated, which was written in the first-person perspective, was very casual and comfortable as if the main character was talking to another friend. I was also impressed by how much adventure the author could think of because each year was diverse and had its own complications, although they were probably inspired by his own excursions. What I also liked, and found amusing, was that the end of every chapter had a summary of their vital statistics which included the distance they traveled, the time they have taken, and the injuries they have sustained.

I absolutely loved this book and I didn’t have anything that I didn’t like about it. I think that it is a complete book wherein it drew my attention from the start and it played with emotions through superb writing. I also didn’t find any errors in it and it seemed like it was professionally edited. The chapters were written in a way wherein the highlight was the Man Mission trip of the year, but now and again, it gave a flashback to tell the story of their personal lives at home. Some might find this confusing or annoying but I didn’t have any problem with it all because I thought it was well done.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It’s a wonderful story about adventure, reflection, friendship, and the struggle of what is expected of being a man in a man’s world. The book has some curse words in it so it is not for young adults, but I would recommend this to all adult readers whether they like adventure stories or not, and men and women alike. 

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Man Mission
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Like Charlyt's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Dentarthurdent]

The book seems very entertaining, and its plot uncommon. Your review is very well written and I'm glad to have read it.

[Prisallen]

A group of men taking getaways together each year, that have to be manly and adventuresome, sounds like an intriguing book to read. Great review!

[Charlyn Tuzon]

The book seems very entertaining, and its plot uncommon. Your review is very well written and I'm glad to have read it.

Thank you very much! It really is a great book and one of my favorite ones to have reviewed.

[Charlyn Tuzon]

A group of men taking getaways together each year, that have to be manly and adventuresome, sounds like an intriguing book to read. Great review!

It is all of that and is very heartfelt as well. It is such a great story. Thank you!

[DogoMulla]

According to your well-done review, this is a must-read. Friendship and adventure do not ever seem to mix with boredom. The transition into manhood is bound to be controversial and interesting.

[angiejack456]

This is a book I have considered reading. Glad to hear that it is well written and enjoyable to read. Guess I will have to add it to my list!

[Kibet Hillary]

Great to see that the characters were so different yet they complemented each other really well. I would like to read this book too. The story is unique and sounds fascinating too. Thanks for the review.

[Charlyn Tuzon]

According to your well-done review, this is a must-read. Friendship and adventure do not ever seem to mix with boredom. The transition into manhood is bound to be controversial and interesting.

It definitely is a must-read. It is fun and has a good humor, and at the same time realistic enough for people to relate to. Thanks for your comment!

[Charlyn Tuzon]

This is a book I have considered reading. Glad to hear that it is well written and enjoyable to read. Guess I will have to add it to my list!

Definitely give it a go, I'm sure you will enjoy it as well.

[Charlyn Tuzon]

Great to see that the characters were so different yet they complemented each other really well. I would like to read this book too. The story is unique and sounds fascinating too. Thanks for the review.

The main characters and their relationship with each other were my favorite element of the book. Give it a try as well.

[unamilagra]

I read this book a while back, and like you, I loved every bit of it! From the endearing tone of the narrator, to the descriptions of the exotic locations, to the insights into the pressures of modern-day men, I thought this book had it all. I love your review. You mentioned some things that I really wanted to say but couldn't quite put into words in my own review.

[Fu Zaila]

Excellent review Charlyt. I love how this book takes us through various lands and expeditions - those are my favorite themes!

[kdstrack]

A friendship that spans fifteen years and many adventures sounds intriguing. The varied settings would be fun to read about too. Great review. Thanks.

[Charlyn Tuzon]

I read this book a while back, and like you, I loved every bit of it! From the endearing tone of the narrator, to the descriptions of the exotic locations, to the insights into the pressures of modern-day men, I thought this book had it all. I love your review. You mentioned some things that I really wanted to say but couldn't quite put into words in my own review.

It was such a great book that I didn't have a hard time writing a good review for it. Thank you very much!