Self-Made Man: One Woman's Year Disguised as a Man

Norah Vincent's "Self-Made Man" is compelling...

I believe that Vincent's Self-Made Man is a compelling work of research that must have taken a lot out of her to write and research. I believe that Vincent's word choice was extremely well thought out, and the ideas in her book were sociological genius. I know that cross dressing for research has been done before, but it gave new insight for a woman who rarely understands men. I believe it gave a small window into the brain of a man, and a wake up call to any woman: sometimes women are just as bad as men say we are :P

Very different kind of read.

Enjoyed parts but felt it was too descriptive for me. In all fairness, that was probably the appeal to most and necessary for this type of book.

Entertaining contribution to discourse on gender

Reads like a novel. I particularly enjoyed reflecitons on hierarchy and power within a monestery. I draw no conclusions and value the contribution as a means by which to continue dialog between friends and in discussion groups. Not at all a feminist document. I have much more compassion and respect for the mysteries of the 'nature' of gender.

Interesting and unbiased.

Ms. Vincent explores territory never explored. Many of her experiences are obvious to me as a man, but she taught me more of those experiences that I consider normal. It was interesting to see how a woman views those same customs. She is well rounded in Sociology, Philosophy and various areas, especially English! She uses many big words that were not in my vocabulary, so keep your dictionary near by. One can learn a lot about gender roles from Vincent. She risked some danger by deceiving people and she maintained (as much as possible) an ethical standard. I would have liked to see some pictures of herself and her alter ego (not of her subjects), as is there are none of anybody. She infiltrates a bowling league, the dating scene, a monastary, a mens "self help/I have problems with females group" (quotations are mine) and a scam job that is run on testosterone. Vincent is honest and fair. It would be equally interesting to read from a straight woman's experience. Strongly recommended.

Quick Read and Worth It

I really enjoyed this book. When I first picked it up, I expected it to be very anti-male, but in fact was really impressed with Ms. Vincent's compassion for the "male plight" such as it is. She took a very objective approach and, frankly, was incredibly brave to actually try to "be" a man in various situations. I was also impressed with her ethical concerns about fooling people, etc. She was remarkably open about her own feelings during the process. I would genuinely like to meet her and hear more about it.

a narrow perspective

some interesting parts, but it's from a narrow perspective. i'd like to see this study done by a woman who prefers gentlemen.

Unexpected and Eye Opening

This book is well-written with an interesting concept. But the best parts are all the surprises learned along the way, not just about men but about how we as women think of them. The authors preconceived notions (and mine as well, to be honest) were blasted away time and time again. There was a sad feeling that lingered in your stomach long after you read the chapter on strip clubs. There was a sense of greater appreciation for the 'small town average Joe' after the chapter about joining a men's bowling league. And the chapter on dating explains women and what we expect out of a partner viewed from the outside on, and helps you to evaluate yourself in a relationship (or especially if you are single and looking). Norah seems like a genuine good person who is not too proud to admit that the men she encountered happily surprised her, and perhaps we as women could stand to learn a thing or two about them. A brilliant study on gender roles, and EXPECTED gender roles. Plus, she looks cute as hell in drag!

Makes u appreciate the males

This book mde me look at men and say 'wow, i love u!' I never realized eveyrthing that goes on their minds and how different they are from women. I never really gave it a second thought on how differently they think. A very good read and its interesting :) you wont b bored!

Meh

The beginning of this book starts off great and entertaining presenting many ideas, however, after half way, the ideas start becoming subjective instead of objective. It also becomes more of a summary and story than anything like most people here claim. As Norah stated it is not a serious analytical look at male vs female. Many of her ideas are affected by her 'sex' and sexuality. I cannot tell you what to read and not to read, but if you like to read a summary style book then this might be for you.

a narrow perspective

some interesting parts, but it's from a narrow perspective. i'd like to see this study done by a woman who prefers gentlemen.

Insightful and enjoyable!

I thought this was a remarkable book. The trials and pitfalls of being 'male' were related in a quirky, personal way that is guaranteed to hold your interest. I look forward to reading more of the author's work.

Boring-don't waste your valuable time on this!

I thought this was one of the worst books I've ever read. I was forced to read it for our book club and I was miserable the entire time. I read an average of two books a week and I couldn't finish this one for anything. Don't even bother wasting your time. The author was deceiving and vindictive and I would think that those she deceived would be exceptionally angry with her. Just an outright horrible book the whole way around.

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TRADING PLACES

Think 'Black Like Me' the story by a white man who colored his skin and passed as a black to find out what life was really like for African Americans almost 50 years ago. Or, even think Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie. Now, listen to Norah Vincent, an up-front columnist for The Los Angeles Times, who passed as a man and discovered what the guys were up to when the gals weren't around. This was not an easy task nor one that Vincent took lightly - she did exercises to bulk up her shoulders, got a semi crewcut, pasted on a realistic facial stubble, and even took lessons from a Juilliard voice coach to pick up on 'male sounds.' In this guise Norah who became Ned joined a bowling team, ogled the girlies at strip clubs, participated in a men's consciousness raising retreat (drums and all) and, yes, dated women. It began, she tells us, when a friend talked her into dressing as a man and going for an after dark walk in New York's East Village. She well knew that a woman strolling down those same streets would have elicited catcalls and maybe more from the sidewalk oglers. But, as a man no one gave her a second glance. So, perspicacious journalist that she is she began to wonder what she might learn if she actually spent some time in the mysterious world of men. Listen to what she discovered as she looks back on her time in the bastions of the boys. (No extra charge for the Juilliard schooled voice narrative). - Gail Cooke

Self-Made Man: One Woman's Journey into Manhood and Back Again

Don't think of this as a gimmick: Self-Made Man is a serious analysis of gender and gender roles in America. The author dressed as a man to 'pass' in America, and analyzed her experiences and interactions with men and women from the perspective of her male alter ego. The book is hugely entertaining, laugh-out loud funny in spots, but also contains insightful analysis of gender and gender roles. If you don't learn a thing or two from this book, you just aren't trying.

Hard to believe this was written by a journalist

Norah Vincent brings a very human element to what appears on its face to be a stunt. Her courage in opening herself up to the folks she met as Ned helped her make fast friends with the true subjects of her book. She brilliantly uses Ned as an effective tool for gaining honest, heartfelt reactions from both her cast of acquaintances and her readers. This book is moving in a way I never would have expected and truly worth reading.

Self-Made Man: One Woman's Journey into Manhood and Back Again

Don't be thrown off by the hype: although this book sounds gimmicky -- reporter dresses as a man to learn what it's like in a man's world -- Norah Vincent is a respected journalist and a top-notch writer. Self-Made Man hooks you from the first page as Vincent 'passes' in such varied settings as a monastery, a guys-only bowling league and a high-pressure sales job. You'll will laugh out loud in spots but you will also find Vincent's insights to be thought-provoking. A fun read that'll teach you a thing or two.

Disappointed

I took this book out at the library in hopes of liking it enough to buy it. I read it while walking on a treadmill, vegging out after work. I thought it would be a good read, but after reading about half of the book, the story kind of drops and was very boring. I was expecting more humor, dialoge, and a position from the author when really it was written like a story.

Self-Made Man: One Woman's Journey into Manhood and Back Again

Norah Vincent is a respected journalist who decided to experience life as a man by going under cover disguised as one. 'Self-Made Man' is her memoir of what it's like to be a man in today's America. Vincent writes with humor and sensitivity about the people she encountered. Her story is compelling: where else will a woman find out what a strip club, or a monastery, or a men's bowling league is really like? But Vincent takes it to the next level by applying her incisive intellect and producing thought-provoking insights about gender and gender roles. A terrific read and one that may make you think.

Self-Made Man: One Woman's Journey into Manhood and Back Again

A spellbinding protrayal of a woman's time spent living in the guise of a man. Thoughtful, insightful, and entertaining, at times laugh-out-loud funny, yet full of nuanced insights about gender and gender roles in American society.

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