Official Review: Am I a Man Yet? by Mark Butler

Natalie Charlene · Post by **Natalie Charlene** » 23 May 2017, 13:26

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Am I a Man Yet?" by Mark Butler.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

What does it mean to be a man? Is there some defining moment, or is it a collection of experiences? Mark Butler tackles this topic in his non-fiction book Am I a Man Yet?, sharing defining experiences as he grew from boy to man.

Am I a Man Yet? begins with Butler’s childhood experiences as he grew up in Texas, learning street smarts and life lessons from the people around him. He continues on to achieve his goal of becoming a Navy Corpsman, providing an authentic look at life in the military, and sharing influential experiences that helped him grow and shaped him into the man he is today.

While reading Am I a Man Yet?, two words came to my mind—bravery and honesty. Butler does not hold back one bit in his writing. He shares deeply personal stories, such as his first private encounter with a girl, and he gives a refreshingly honest depiction of what military life is really like. His descriptions are so vivid that you can picture yourself in his shoes, and as an added bonus, he includes several photographs that perfectly compliment his writing and give readers a deeper look into his life.

I rate Am I a Man Yet? 4 out of 4 stars. Along with telling captivating stories and life lessons that everyone can learn from, Butler has a unique voice and a distinguished writing style, making this book an absolute pleasure to read. He is open with his readers about his personal feelings, and he reveals shocking details of what goes on in the military, which many people may not know about. The only negative I see is that some people may not appreciate his lack of political correctness. However, he is telling his tale from his point of view and from what his life was like, and his wording works well with his story, taking some of the sting out of his less sensitive phrasings.

If you are looking for a generic, action-packed, war-hero book, then Am I a Man Yet? is not for you. This is not a typical military story; it is so much more. Am I a Man Yet? is a raw, honest, and sometimes brutal collection of experiences, lessons, achievement, and growth as Butler reveals his journey from childhood to manhood. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a realistic and intriguing life story.

******
Am I a Man Yet?
View: on Bookshelves

Like Natalie Charlene's review? Post a comment saying so!

Amagine · Post by **Amagine** » 28 May 2017, 17:33

This sounds like a great book for young men to read because the title holds a question that I'm sure many of them wonder all the time. The book sounds intriguing and realistic. I'm sure there is something in the book that any reader can relate to.

Great Review! ?

Post by **kandscreeley** » 28 May 2017, 17:48

I don't know if this is the book for me, but I have heard horror stories about what goes on in the military. It's sad really. Thanks for the review.

Jaime Lync · Post by **Jaime Lync** » 29 May 2017, 16:58

The honesty in this book sounds awesome. Great review.

Macharia J · Post by **Macharia J** » 30 May 2017, 10:20

Am I a man yet? is a valid question that every boy asks within himself. Great review, I would recommend it especially to fathers of boys.

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 01 Aug 2017, 10:47

Thanks for the great review. I passed up this one a couple of times and an regretting it now. I love these kinds of Memoirs which gives in honest look into the life, routine, and actions of those who serve.

jemgirl202 · Post by **jemgirl202** » 01 Aug 2017, 12:27

Great review! It sounds like interesting read.

LadyClaire · Post by **LadyClaire** » 30 Aug 2017, 03:23

...And you review is even more honest, Natalie. Thanks for reading and sharing!!!

Rajanis · Post by **Rajanis** » 30 Aug 2017, 04:24

Thanks for the review.
Mark's autobiography lists his experiences with his family, friends and details about his combat corpsman training and war deployment to Iraq that helped him grow and shaped him into the man he is today. An interesting autobiography.

-- 30 Aug 2017, 04:24 --

Thanks for the review.
Mark's autobiography lists his experiences with his family, friends and details about his combat corpsman training and war deployment to Iraq that helped him grow and shaped him into the man he is today. An interesting autobiography.

gali · Post by **gali** » 30 Aug 2017, 04:55

An autobiography about the author's experiences in the US Navy sounds like a worthy read. Having a "unique voice and a distinguished writing style" is certainly a bonus. Thank you for the review!

jwalker73 · Post by **jwalker73** » 30 Aug 2017, 05:34

Sounds like a great read. I enjoy realistic stories and autobiographies which tell of personal growth. I am also interested in learning about some of the behind-the-scenes military culture that people rarely talk about. Well written review. Thanks.

GCamer · Post by **GCamer** » 30 Aug 2017, 06:42

Sounds like a very authentic writing. Thanks for the honest review.

MarisaRose · Post by **MarisaRose** » 30 Aug 2017, 10:42

This isn't a topic I typically enjoy reading about, but the author's insight sounds moving. I also like that you found his voice honest and raw. I look forward to reading more of this honest autobiography.

cherryalakei · Post by **cherryalakei** » 30 Aug 2017, 10:44

I read the synopsis and this does sound like an in depth, enriching read. I appreciate your review, without giving any spoilers away, but letting us know just enough to make our own decision. Adding to my reading list

Atabon Della · Post by **Atabon Della** » 30 Aug 2017, 10:49

If I get you well, this book is a narrative that involves the life of a boy growing into a man. Basically, it is the story of his life. Howbeit, there are no other characters to talk about. Anyways, I think you men should invariably read this book. It will do them a whole lot of good. Thanks for the review.