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Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good.
Review: I think this book is a must read but there are some parts I didn't like. Like the constant suggestion to seek psychiatric or psychological help in getting through certain issues. I'm sure this is helpful to some but to others it would be a waste of money. There's also a lot of emphasis on coming out. I don't think this is something that everybody must do. It really depends on the individual's situtaion. What I liked about the book was the constant affirmation that being gay is ok. You can be yourself. And as you get older that becomes the main focus of your life - being yourself and expressing yourself in whatever way you feel appropriate. Momma and daddy's not standing behind you ready to pounce on you. But overall, it's a good book. Just skim through the touchy-feely stuff.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good.
Review: I think this book is a must read but there are some parts I didn't like. Like the constant suggestion to seek psychiatric or psychological help in getting through certain issues. I'm sure this is helpful to some but to others it would be a waste of money. There's also a lot of emphasis on coming out. I don't think this is something that everybody must do. It really depends on the individual's situtaion. What I liked about the book was the constant affirmation that being gay is ok. You can be yourself. And as you get older that becomes the main focus of your life - being yourself and expressing yourself in whatever way you feel appropriate. Momma and daddy's not standing behind you ready to pounce on you. But overall, it's a good book. Just skim through the touchy-feely stuff.
Rating: 
Summary: A Bible For Any Gay Man Entering or Within Middle Age
Review: I was astonished at how helpful and powerful this book is. Having completed Rik Isensee's "Are You Ready?" which deals with the same subject, I had laid the groundwork for a more advanced examination of the gay man's reaction and strategies for handling middle age. This book is the perfect "next step." While "Are You Ready?" is a great book that can help start the process of positive thinking regarding middle age, "Golden Men" delves into the subject deeper and enlightens the reader into truly eye-opening new ways of understanding what is actually happening as a gay man enters his 40's and 50's and how to cope with the associated pressures and fears in a remarkably positive way. Divided into sections that examine body, mind and spirit, each chapter looks honestly at the effects of both gay and non-gay culture on the average man's thinking and perception, forces that are both natural and societal in origin, and many other factors that add to the complexity of the middle age transition. With that frank, as-it-really-is honesty, which is also presented with compassion and sensitivity, Koonden & Flowers offer alternative ways of thinking and positive exercises that are designed to bring the reader further away from the fear and depression many men in this age group may face. Some observations are downright profound and I would be surprised if anyone in serious need of a "guide" to handling midlife in a rational manner did not come away from reading this book feeling they had more control over their future. No book can completely dispell anyone's fears or concerns about aging, or change our own internal ageism, but this book is unquestionably a powerful tool in reshaping your outlook. Recently on a NYC subway, a man noticed I was reading this book and, with great interest, asked where he could get it. I felt as though there must be a ton of other men feeling that same middle-age panic and I wish I could steer as many as possible toward this book. It truly is providing an important, even essential, service to any gay male entering or living within middle age (and having a hard time of it). Personally, I am extremely grateful to the authors for writing such a valuable work and feel fortunate I at least have an Amazon.com to help spread the word!
Rating:
Summary: A Bible For Any Gay Man Entering or Within Middle Age
Review: I was astonished at how helpful and powerful this book is. Having completed Rik Isensee's "Are You Ready?" which deals with the same subject, I had laid the groundwork for a more advanced examination of the gay man's reaction and strategies for handling middle age. This book is the perfect "next step." While "Are You Ready?" is a great book that can help start the process of positive thinking regarding middle age, "Golden Men" delves into the subject deeper and enlightens the reader into truly eye-opening new ways of understanding what is actually happening as a gay man enters his 40's and 50's and how to cope with the associated pressures and fears in a remarkably positive way. Divided into sections that examine body, mind and spirit, each chapter looks honestly at the effects of both gay and non-gay culture on the average man's thinking and perception, forces that are both natural and societal in origin, and many other factors that add to the complexity of the middle age transition. With that frank, as-it-really-is honesty, which is also presented with compassion and sensitivity, Koonden & Flowers offer alternative ways of thinking and positive exercises that are designed to bring the reader further away from the fear and depression many men in this age group may face. Some observations are downright profound and I would be surprised if anyone in serious need of a "guide" to handling midlife in a rational manner did not come away from reading this book feeling they had more control over their future. No book can completely dispell anyone's fears or concerns about aging, or change our own internal ageism, but this book is unquestionably a powerful tool in reshaping your outlook. Recently on a NYC subway, a man noticed I was reading this book and, with great interest, asked where he could get it. I felt as though there must be a ton of other men feeling that same middle-age panic and I wish I could steer as many as possible toward this book. It truly is providing an important, even essential, service to any gay male entering or living within middle age (and having a hard time of it). Personally, I am extremely grateful to the authors for writing such a valuable work and feel fortunate I at least have an Amazon.com to help spread the word!
Rating:
Summary: Mainstrem meets Subculture.
Review: Perhaps the strongest part of this book is it's tie to academic gerontology. Many of the theories of ageing that Kooden uses in this book relate to hetero-geontology. This impressive thing is he takes academic theoritical mish-mash and uses it to a good effect; to help people. Not only is this book useful for mid-life men, but men in their 60s, 70s, and 80s etc -- but as well should be read by every gay male. Ageing, no matter how much we choose to deny it, effets everyone. Kooden's book looks at ageing in gay culture with an individualist perspective. The individual reading this book can be helped by it - no matter where his position in life. To learn more about Gerontology, Gay Men or Both, this insightful book helps one to think about and reflect on these issues, and helps them think about themselves
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular and Healing!
Review: Run, dont walk to get this book. Kooden does a remarkable job sharing his life and professional experience helping gay men recreate a sense of themselves as they age. The focus here is on personal power to overcome negative and limited stereotypes of aging gay men. We need to "name" these. We need to speak out on them. Sensitively written, compassionate, and at the same time challenges the reader to overcome homophobic influences and ageism. I recommend it to all of my gay clients over 35. It is a wonderful book. You WILL change your perceptions! This is how we start!
Rating:
Summary: Golden Men
Review: Well written, easy to read, great insite. Certainly, the author has the credentials to share his aging experience with a phsycological insight and real experience to back it up. Lots of good questions and lots of good answers. Spare yourself from having to "learn the lessons" by learning from another gay man's experience. Older is better if you know how to do it. Learn how. I enjoyed the experience of reading this book. EJC
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