Review of Man Mission

[Cara Wilding]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Real men are not cowards, crybabies, pushovers, sissies, cream puffs, wimps, or pansies. Real men are rugged and tough, fearless and unbreakable, smile in the face of danger, gather strength from distress, and grow brave through reflection. Real men have lives full of purpose, meaning, passion, dedication, and willpower. Real men chase that purpose relentlessly and without flagging until their dreams are achieved. Real men catch and kill their own food, drink beer, and eat meat. Real men are not soft; they suck it up, and they don't talk about their feelings.

Eytan Uliel's book Man Mission centers around four male friends who annually take on audacious exploits to experience the essence of masculinity. The book starts with the Man Mission Charter and the illustrious ten rules of the club. The primary rule of this club is that it is exclusively for men, evoking a vibe that's a mix of Fight Club and the "He-Man Woman Haters Club" from the Little Rascals. Other rules center on demanding outdoor adventures that necessitate going beyond one's limits, traveling under one's own physical power, suffering to some degree, and minimizing whining, indulgences, and personal hygiene (with the bonus of embracing nudity and exotic cuisine).

While each chapter focuses on a different year of the Man Mission, they all begin with a set of quotations from both scripture and influential male figures that give us a glimpse into the origins and evolution of the idea of what being a real man is. Each chapter's opening paragraphs draw attention to the potentially side-splitting, cringe-worthy, or macho element of the journey, such as close encounters with mortality, being rescued by drug dealers, or (gasp) by a woman! After every adventure, a record is compiled detailing the essential trip statistics, such as the areas ventured into, the distance covered, and any injuries endured (often to the ego). The story cleverly weaves in the background and evolution of the character's private spheres, which include professional strides, marriages, home purchases, children, and the experience and delights of parenthood.

This book absolutely captivated me! It expanded and broadened my perspective on men, making them seem more relatable than an enigmatic species beyond comprehension. I thoroughly enjoyed the clever nods to Blade Runner, Mr. Miyagi, and The Twilight Zone. These references served as nostalgic touchstones from my own era, creating a satisfying sense of connection through a shared secret language.

The book deftly explores the obligations and expectations placed on us by society simply because of our gender, which can have a long-lasting effect on our lives. These constructs provide guidance on what we should do rather than considering what might truly be the best course of action for us. They demonstrate how living up to the expectations of your family, spouses, and even children can feel like a soul-sucking endeavor. These four men started these trips as impulsive, young, foolish, and free, discussing their hopes, dreams, and ambitions. Soon, they found themselves jaded, tired, bored, and even angry, talking about baby poop, strollers, and their obscurity as middle-aged men.

These men were masters of disguise, concealing both physical and emotional pain and bravely soldiering on. They were filled with fear, anxiety, and misery, unable to express their concerns for fear of being perceived as complaining. They were driven to impress their parents, prioritize their families, and demonstrate their worth to one another, even if it meant sacrificing their personal freedom. Deep within, they grappled with their inner demons, burdened by their vulnerabilities, trapped in a cycle of self-loathing, and unable to break free. The "Pink Bracelet" left me feeling rather sad. It was a prize awarded to the member who complained the most vocally within the group. It was quite the ironic twist to receive a symbol of shame, disgrace, and humiliation from none other than friends. Little did they know, they wholeheartedly embraced the tough guy personas that confined them to a narrow, orderly existence. After reading this book, I will never look at men the same way again. I was more than glad to see all of these men grow and overcome many of these challenges.

This book was thought-provoking and meticulously edited. The author provided just the right amount of background to give depth to each character, avoiding any sense of monotony. It expanded my intellectual horizons and questioned deeply ingrained convictions about both sexes. There was nothing I disliked about this work. I happily award it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for all these reasons! This book is a must-read for those intrigued by the intricacies of human nature and the surprising similarities that bind us all together.

******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Cara! This was one of the first books I read and reviewed for OBC. I felt so strongly that men need to read this book so they can accept that it's ok to be open and vulnerable and they don't need to be 'macho men' every second of the day. The fact that women feel that they can learn more about men from this book makes me feel like I should change my review to state that everybody should read this one! I loved watching their growth from the 'he-men' of he first trip to the 'life-weary' guys who completed the last one.

[Runan]

Your review deeply analyzes the entire book, and I enjoyed reading it. Comparing the ‘Man Mission Club’ with ‘Fight Club’ helped me understand the feel of the story. It is sad how society expects men to suck up their feelings and put on a brave face. The ‘pink-badge’ makes me sad as well. I hope that through their journey, they realize that it’s okay to break out of the shackles of toxic masculinity. 'Rescued by drug dealers or (gasp) women!'— I sense some underlying misogyny in this book. Should I prepare my mind for it before venturing into the book?

[Cara Wilding]

Cara! This was one of the first books I read and reviewed for OBC. I felt so strongly that men need to read this book so they can accept that it's ok to be open and vulnerable and they don't need to be 'macho men' every second of the day. The fact that women feel that they can learn more about men from this book makes me feel like I should change my review to state that everybody should read this one! I loved watching their growth from the 'he-men' of he first trip to the 'life-weary' guys who completed the last one.

Stephen, I've had my eye on this book for so long due to the many great reviews it was getting, including yours! It's an incredible aspect of the book that it has something to offer both genders. It's funny because we can't help but read and perceive the book through the lens of our own experiences, which makes the book speak to us in different ways (your review is perfect just the way it is). How beautiful is that? I rarely experience seeing vulnerability in men, especially in modern culture. It definitely has the effect of making women unable to understand or appreciate the difficulties, fears, or concerns of men because they hardly ever discuss any of these topics. Like you, I also enjoyed watching each of them grow despite many of the more unfortunate (but real) events. I saw in a separate post that you were living outside of the US, is this the predominant behavior within the culture you are living in? Thanks for your constant support! Until next time...

[Cara Wilding]

Your review deeply analyzes the entire book, and I enjoyed reading it. Comparing the ‘Man Mission Club’ with ‘Fight Club’ helped me understand the feel of the story. It is sad how society expects men to suck up their feelings and put on a brave face. The ‘pink-badge’ makes me sad as well. I hope that through their journey, they realize that it’s okay to break out of the shackles of toxic masculinity. 'Rescued by drug dealers or (gasp) women!'— I sense some underlying misogyny in this book. Should I prepare my mind for it before venturing into the book?

Runan, thanks for stopping by again and reading my review! There was a definite duality in the progression of this book: it was young, naive, and childlike, and then it transitioned to more serious themes, hence 'Fight Club' and 'Little Rascals' I would agree with you that society's expectations are sad...considering 'we' are society! Each character makes his way through these challenges in his own way, which adds another element of interest to this book. The reference to being rescued by a woman offers a great example of existing beliefs about both genders but also allows the opportunity for them to be challenged—no misogyny to worry about—and venture away! Thanks for always leaving me a quick comment; I appreciate that. Until next time...

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Stephen, I've had my eye on this book for so long due to the many great reviews it was getting, including yours! It's an incredible aspect of the book that it has something to offer both genders. It's funny because we can't help but read and perceive the book through the lens of our own experiences, which makes the book speak to us in different ways (your review is perfect just the way it is). How beautiful is that? I rarely experience seeing vulnerability in men, especially in modern culture. It definitely has the effect of making women unable to understand or appreciate the difficulties, fears, or concerns of men because they hardly ever discuss any of these topics. Like you, I also enjoyed watching each of them grow despite many of the more unfortunate (but real) events. I saw in a separate post that you were living outside of the US, is this the predominant behavior within the culture you are living in? Thanks for your constant support! Until next time...

I loved that this book allowed the macho men to reveal their emotions. Where I live in Thailand we don't have the macho-man culture that we do in Australia. It's one of the reasons I left Australia, I couldn't stand the whole manly-man and homophobic nation that it was (and still is to some extent). In Thailand, we're the only country in the word that recognises 3 genders, and everyone talks clearly about their emotions, regardless of their genre. The west could learn a lot from the east

[Terry Kimble]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Real men are not cowards, crybabies, pushovers, sissies, cream puffs, wimps, or pansies. Real men are rugged and tough, fearless and unbreakable, smile in the face of danger, gather strength from distress, and grow brave through reflection. Real men have lives full of purpose, meaning, passion, dedication, and willpower. Real men chase that purpose relentlessly and without flagging until their dreams are achieved. Real men catch and kill their own food, drink beer, and eat meat. Real men are not soft; they suck it up, and they don't talk about their feelings.

Eytan Uliel's book Man Mission centers around four male friends who annually take on audacious exploits to experience the essence of masculinity. The book starts with the Man Mission Charter and the illustrious ten rules of the club. The primary rule of this club is that it is exclusively for men, evoking a vibe that's a mix of Fight Club and the "He-Man Woman Haters Club" from the Little Rascals. Other rules center on demanding outdoor adventures that necessitate going beyond one's limits, traveling under one's own physical power, suffering to some degree, and minimizing whining, indulgences, and personal hygiene (with the bonus of embracing nudity and exotic cuisine).

While each chapter focuses on a different year of the Man Mission, they all begin with a set of quotations from both scripture and influential male figures that give us a glimpse into the origins and evolution of the idea of what being a real man is. Each chapter's opening paragraphs draw attention to the potentially side-splitting, cringe-worthy, or macho element of the journey, such as close encounters with mortality, being rescued by drug dealers, or (gasp) by a woman! After every adventure, a record is compiled detailing the essential trip statistics, such as the areas ventured into, the distance covered, and any injuries endured (often to the ego). The story cleverly weaves in the background and evolution of the character's private spheres, which include professional strides, marriages, home purchases, children, and the experience and delights of parenthood.

This book absolutely captivated me! It expanded and broadened my perspective on men, making them seem more relatable than an enigmatic species beyond comprehension. I thoroughly enjoyed the clever nods to Blade Runner, Mr. Miyagi, and The Twilight Zone. These references served as nostalgic touchstones from my own era, creating a satisfying sense of connection through a shared secret language.

The book deftly explores the obligations and expectations placed on us by society simply because of our gender, which can have a long-lasting effect on our lives. These constructs provide guidance on what we should do rather than considering what might truly be the best course of action for us. They demonstrate how living up to the expectations of your family, spouses, and even children can feel like a soul-sucking endeavor. These four men started these trips as impulsive, young, foolish, and free, discussing their hopes, dreams, and ambitions. Soon, they found themselves jaded, tired, bored, and even angry, talking about baby poop, strollers, and their obscurity as middle-aged men.

These men were masters of disguise, concealing both physical and emotional pain and bravely soldiering on. They were filled with fear, anxiety, and misery, unable to express their concerns for fear of being perceived as complaining. They were driven to impress their parents, prioritize their families, and demonstrate their worth to one another, even if it meant sacrificing their personal freedom. Deep within, they grappled with their inner demons, burdened by their vulnerabilities, trapped in a cycle of self-loathing, and unable to break free. The "Pink Bracelet" left me feeling rather sad. It was a prize awarded to the member who complained the most vocally within the group. It was quite the ironic twist to receive a symbol of shame, disgrace, and humiliation from none other than friends. Little did they know, they wholeheartedly embraced the tough guy personas that confined them to a narrow, orderly existence. After reading this book, I will never look at men the same way again. I was more than glad to see all of these men grow and overcome many of these challenges.

This book was thought-provoking and meticulously edited. The author provided just the right amount of background to give depth to each character, avoiding any sense of monotony. It expanded my intellectual horizons and questioned deeply ingrained convictions about both sexes. There was nothing I disliked about this work. I happily award it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for all these reasons! This book is a must-read for those intrigued by the intricacies of human nature and the surprising similarities that bind us all together.

******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

Wow, Cara, after reading your first paragraph, I thought, 'Oh yay! It's a comedy!' Oops. My bad.
If not for reading your thorough review, I would not have had any interest in a book entitled "Man Mission." How you describe these men, starting out young and foolish (as most people do) but growing through this club. It sounds like men bonding and eventually coming into "their own." I love books that show character growth and development. I will check this one out. Thanks! Fantastic review!

[Cara Wilding]

Wow, Cara, after reading your first paragraph, I thought, 'Oh yay! It's a comedy!' Oops. My bad.
If not for reading your thorough review, I would not have had any interest in a book entitled "Man Mission." How you describe these men, starting out young and foolish (as most people do) but growing through this club. It sounds like men bonding and eventually coming into "their own." I love books that show character growth and development. I will check this one out. Thanks! Fantastic review!

Terry, quite a bit of this book is pure comedy - how could being rescued by drug dealers not be? I actually selected this book after reading some great reviews on it, and I was delighted! I take trips with my girlfriends all the time, and it seems to be common for women to have these types of group friendships. It struck me as unusual to see men doing this, and I wanted to see how their experiences differed from mine. I ended up getting much more than I bargained for! The internal world of men still feels like a mystery to me, so it was a gift to be privy to this insight! This book is the epitome of character growth and development over time - if you enjoy this element, I think you'll appreciate this book! Thanks for taking the effort to find and read this one (this review seems to have gotten lost in a handful of my reviews that were posted simultaneously), and as always, I engaging and sharing thoughts with you on books! Until next time, friend...

[Runan]

Your review deeply analyzes the entire book, and I enjoyed reading it. Comparing the ‘Man Mission Club’ with ‘Fight Club’ helped me understand the feel of the story. It is sad how society expects men to suck up their feelings and put on a brave face. The ‘pink-badge’ makes me sad as well. I hope that through their journey, they realize that it’s okay to break out of the shackles of toxic masculinity. 'Rescued by drug dealers or (gasp) women!'— I sense some underlying misogyny in this book. Should I prepare my mind for it before venturing into the book?

Runan, thanks for stopping by again and reading my review! There was a definite duality in the progression of this book: it was young, naive, and childlike, and then it transitioned to more serious themes, hence 'Fight Club' and 'Little Rascals' I would agree with you that society's expectations are sad...considering 'we' are society! Each character makes his way through these challenges in his own way, which adds another element of interest to this book. The reference to being rescued by a woman offers a great example of existing beliefs about both genders but also allows the opportunity for them to be challenged—no misogyny to worry about—and venture away! Thanks for always leaving me a quick comment; I appreciate that. Until next time...

Thanks for clearing up my doubts, Cara. I will add it to my list.

[Bettny Andrade]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Real men are not cowards, crybabies, pushovers, sissies, cream puffs, wimps, or pansies. Real men are rugged and tough, fearless and unbreakable, smile in the face of danger, gather strength from distress, and grow brave through reflection. Real men have lives full of purpose, meaning, passion, dedication, and willpower. Real men chase that purpose relentlessly and without flagging until their dreams are achieved. Real men catch and kill their own food, drink beer, and eat meat. Real men are not soft; they suck it up, and they don't talk about their feelings.

Eytan Uliel's book Man Mission centers around four male friends who annually take on audacious exploits to experience the essence of masculinity. The book starts with the Man Mission Charter and the illustrious ten rules of the club. The primary rule of this club is that it is exclusively for men, evoking a vibe that's a mix of Fight Club and the "He-Man Woman Haters Club" from the Little Rascals. Other rules center on demanding outdoor adventures that necessitate going beyond one's limits, traveling under one's own physical power, suffering to some degree, and minimizing whining, indulgences, and personal hygiene (with the bonus of embracing nudity and exotic cuisine).

While each chapter focuses on a different year of the Man Mission, they all begin with a set of quotations from both scripture and influential male figures that give us a glimpse into the origins and evolution of the idea of what being a real man is. Each chapter's opening paragraphs draw attention to the potentially side-splitting, cringe-worthy, or macho element of the journey, such as close encounters with mortality, being rescued by drug dealers, or (gasp) by a woman! After every adventure, a record is compiled detailing the essential trip statistics, such as the areas ventured into, the distance covered, and any injuries endured (often to the ego). The story cleverly weaves in the background and evolution of the character's private spheres, which include professional strides, marriages, home purchases, children, and the experience and delights of parenthood.

This book absolutely captivated me! It expanded and broadened my perspective on men, making them seem more relatable than an enigmatic species beyond comprehension. I thoroughly enjoyed the clever nods to Blade Runner, Mr. Miyagi, and The Twilight Zone. These references served as nostalgic touchstones from my own era, creating a satisfying sense of connection through a shared secret language.

The book deftly explores the obligations and expectations placed on us by society simply because of our gender, which can have a long-lasting effect on our lives. These constructs provide guidance on what we should do rather than considering what might truly be the best course of action for us. They demonstrate how living up to the expectations of your family, spouses, and even children can feel like a soul-sucking endeavor. These four men started these trips as impulsive, young, foolish, and free, discussing their hopes, dreams, and ambitions. Soon, they found themselves jaded, tired, bored, and even angry, talking about baby poop, strollers, and their obscurity as middle-aged men.

These men were masters of disguise, concealing both physical and emotional pain and bravely soldiering on. They were filled with fear, anxiety, and misery, unable to express their concerns for fear of being perceived as complaining. They were driven to impress their parents, prioritize their families, and demonstrate their worth to one another, even if it meant sacrificing their personal freedom. Deep within, they grappled with their inner demons, burdened by their vulnerabilities, trapped in a cycle of self-loathing, and unable to break free. The "Pink Bracelet" left me feeling rather sad. It was a prize awarded to the member who complained the most vocally within the group. It was quite the ironic twist to receive a symbol of shame, disgrace, and humiliation from none other than friends. Little did they know, they wholeheartedly embraced the tough guy personas that confined them to a narrow, orderly existence. After reading this book, I will never look at men the same way again. I was more than glad to see all of these men grow and overcome many of these challenges.

This book was thought-provoking and meticulously edited. The author provided just the right amount of background to give depth to each character, avoiding any sense of monotony. It expanded my intellectual horizons and questioned deeply ingrained convictions about both sexes. There was nothing I disliked about this work. I happily award it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for all these reasons! This book is a must-read for those intrigued by the intricacies of human nature and the surprising similarities that bind us all together.

******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

I like that you describe the protagonists as masters of disguises. Eytan narrated his long-time adventures with his friends. I loved the perseverance, loyalty and great friendship of this group of men.

[Cara Wilding]

I like that you describe the protagonists as masters of disguises. Eytan narrated his long-time adventures with his friends. I loved the perseverance, loyalty and great friendship of this group of men.

Bettny, after reading this book, I think 'most' men are masters of disguise! I also loved the same things within these pages - I wonder sometimes if the authors are surprised at who appreciates their work the most. I feel like this was written with more of a male audience in mind, but I think women have been most appreciative of this novel based on the reviews I've seen! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my review and leave me a quick comment! Until next time...