Husband says I’m not allowed to read The Art of Manliness, because I’m not a man. (Although I do sometimes to find articles for our student ministry’s parent newsletter.) He downloaded the app for his iPhone and emphatically proclaimed that I’m not allowed to look at it.

But then I saw that there is now an Art of Manliness book. So I ordered a few. I wanted to have a couple in our student ministry cafe, available for purchase, and I wanted to have a couple to give to our graduating senior guys in a couple months.

They came yesterday and I couldn’t help (don’t tell Husband) but flip through one.

And now I’m convinced every man in America needs to read this book. Nay – own this book because you’ll want to highlight and earmark and keep it handy for later. It’s a Man Manual for life, and if every guy did half of these things, the world would be a much better place.

The chapters are based on different roles: The Gentleman. The Friend. The Hero. The Lover. They’re also pretty much in order too. A young, single guy could read the first few chapters and work on those for years. Then, when he’s seeing a lady he’s serious about, he cracks the next chapter. When he gets married, the next chapter. There are good things in each chapter, of course, but generally speaking it’s laid out chronologically.

And it’s illustrated. Come on.

• Page 19 – How to pick out a hat for your facial structure
• Page 85 – How to give a Best Man speech
• Page 111 – How to land a plane in an emergency
• Page 131 – How to break up with a woman like a gentleman
• Page 151 – How to change a diaper
• Page 188 – Five ways to start a fire without matches
• Page 208 – Five traits of leadership
• Page 255 – Why you should quit being a slob

Guys, bookmark the blog here. And get the book here. Ladies, the next time you need a gift for a brother, boyfriend, cousin, nephew, friend – consider this book.

I’m in no way affiliated with the McKay’s or The Art of Manliness. They didn’t send me a free copy, and they probably will never see this post. It’s because I believe a better world is possible that I tell you: Check this out.