Rating: 
Summary: Realistic view of boyhood with tough solutions.
Review: As I read this book I knew many women would have a tough time with this straight discussion about boys and men. I also knew that many men would immediately see themselves and their sons and know right away that this author was making incredible sense. More importantly, the solutions of strong male role models, mentors, healthy discipline and a commitment to teaching boys moral and social value on their terms is "right on".
Rating: 
Summary: His theories are narrow and off base.
Review: The chapter on Mothers and Sons is mostly about what mothers frequently do to hurt their sons physically or emotionally. The section titled, "What mothers should do during their sons first decade" discussed the importance of continual presence and bonding during the first year of life (the mother needing to be the primary caretaker, or problems may arise in adolescence), then jumped to "working mothers" and "single moms bringing home boyfriends". What a completely useless chapter. I learned nothing about positive actions, and felt the author was condeming me because I am a working mom. I plan to file the book away permanently.
Rating:
Summary: Is biology the only determinant of destiny?
Review: This book really cops out by claiming every aggressive behaviour in boys is due to testosterone. Taken literally, this book says that our boys and men were healthier when they were little "Warriors", and bemoans the fact that our males lack this war-time outlet now. It is implied that without war-toys, etc., our boy children will be maladjusted. I think our young men today are pleasanter to be with than those of days past, and perhaps the author simply yearns for a return to HIS father's lifestyle.
Rating:
Summary: Unsupported claims and misinterpretations of data
Review: I agree whole-heartedly with the other readers who gave this book a very negative rating. As a clinical psychologist and mother of two boys, I was very interested in reading this book but found that early on already, Gurian makes claims that are not supported by any empirical evidence, and even misinterprets findings from the psychological literature. The former would be excusable if he clearly stated that this was only his own view, not a well-established fact. However, there is no excuse for the latter, and it makes me wonder about the effort Gurian put into his background research (if any!). As if to add insult to injury, the book is also poorly written and disorganized. I had a very hard time reading even half of it before I threw it away, disgusted. Parents, don't waste your money on this one. A much better book on the same topic is "The courage to raise good men."
Rating:
Summary: Complete and utter garbage
Review: There are only a few books that I have seen as disorganized, unfounded, and dangerous as this particular "text." I fear that someone may read this pop psychology rubbish and try to apply it to their own lives. Guiran's claims are apparently unreasearched as he cites very few references. He also contradicts himselfs often. I read as much as I could until I was utterly disgusted and then threw it away like the trash that it is.
Rating:
Summary: Take Care! Anti-female bias here!
Review: Since Americans have begun questioning the value of the John Wayne male stereotype (Thank goodness!), it's essential that we look at how we raise boys -- who they are, who we want them to be and how to help them get there. I'm happy to say that there are several (other) books out now that ask good questions and offer positive insights and advice on raising strong and healthy boys. Gurian's book, however, while it raises some important boys' issues, offers "facts" that don't quite jibe. Plus, his ideas have an anti-female, and anti-feminist tone. This is ironic since it was women and men in the feminist movement who, while questioning female stereotypes, first pointed out the destructiveness of the macho "ideal." Let's give up and get over that other stereotype and realize that by being pro-female you don't have to be anti-male (or pro-male and anti-female). The reality is, we want to help boys and girls grow into healthy, strong, happy adults. ! There's lots of work to be done to help both genders blossom. Check out _Real Boys_ or _Unraveling the Gender Knot_ for great discussions about boys that don't have to put down the work being done on women's and girls' issues.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting and thought-provoking; some kernels of wisdom.
Review: I found the Wonder of Boys to be a mixed bag. I finished feeling I learned a lot about my husband and my 17-month old son but some of the author's theories seemed "over the top". In several places throughout the book, I had to suspend judgment to see what I might learn. I found there were kernels of wisdom mixed within a strong-willed and peculiar view of boys and their place in the world.
Rating:
Summary: Few people will accept all the unjustified opinions
Review: This book contains mostly unsubstantiated biases of the author. It contains a philospohy rather than results of careful analysis. The philisophy is bizarre. This book will only appeal to a minority of gulible people who accept the authors opinions without substantiation.
Rating: 
Summary: how boys process information and circle of influence
Review: Finally, some insight on why boys and girls react differently to the same experience. The author's insight on how "boys" brains process information differently from "girls" brains, has helped me to better communicate with my five-year-old son, and more importantly, understand his thought process. Also, the impact of a boy's "circle of influence" has guided me on the importance of our immediate family, extended family, and close friends. While I bought the book to learn about my son, it has helped me to better understand my husband. After all, little boys just grow up to be big boys -- they still process information the same way. Many thanks!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Pragmatic Balance of Competing Views
Review: Gurian does a great job of giving practical advice that is devoid of political motives. In fact, he does an excellent job of demonstrating how much of what passes for "parenting advice" is really political ideology. He blasts both liberal and conservative extremes and shows a viable, reasoned alternative. He's really only interested in helping parents raise their boys to become well-adjusted men, not in pushing a social agenda. If you're a "card carrying member of the ACLU" or a "member of the Christian Coalition", then don't buy this book. If you're willing to be open-minded, please do.
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