The Dude's Guide to Manhood by Darrin Patrick

     
      When you think of books to guide you, you may have thoughts about road maps to a destination. When you think of books that describe what you're supposed to look like, the first thought that comes to mind may be in the realm of dress and fashion. But when someone challenges us with what's a man supposed to look like, or how do we arrive at true manhood, we might be a little baffled as to where we can find guidance on this subject. And, although certainly not definitive on the topic or intended to be, Pastor Darrin Patrick's book 'The Dude's Guide to Manhood' offers some insight into the areas that define manhood and what a man should strive to be like in his life.
      Darrin Patrick is the founder and Pastor of 'The Journey' in St Louis, Missouri. He has served as the Chaplain of the St. Louis Cardinals and has written a couple of previous books. His church has been described by some as a place where dudes feel like they can be dudes. His newest book on manhood ties several personal stories from his own life and church into the fabric of his writing. So, he lists not only the principles he believes are important but the illustrations that put the material on a practical level.
      The chapters include discussions on things such as, becoming a disciplined man, becoming a working mam, becoming a family man and others. Collectively it covers the major areas that encompass all of our lives. I must admit, I was a little bit disappointed with this work at first. Darrin is a solid Bible teacher, and the Acts 29 Network, of which he is the Vice President, is a very strong Bible based network, but I didn't find this book as strong on the Bible as I would have liked. He does address the person he feels is the example of a perfect man and role model, Jesus Christ, at the very end. But I felt he could have supported his main subjects a little better.
       Still, this was a good book, which I received free as part of the book review program for bloggers at www.booksneeze.com and the views expressed are my own. I hope that whether you are a man or a woman that you will grow in your understanding of what a man is supposed to be like. And I hope that 'The Dude's Guide to Manhood' aids you in the process.