...surprising, occasionally sappy but often lovely.

A Better Man is not funny, except in a half-the-population-is-monstrous way, but the wit and sensitivity at the core of his comedy are present.

It is obvious that this is a deeply personal book for Black.

Black combines humor and seriousness throughout—he uses humor when examining what it means to 'be a man,' but he also shows a side that is serious and vulnerable, drawing from his childhood experiences and giving advice on navigating complex gender issues as a young adult.

Though not as analytical as Peggy Ornstein’s incisive analyses of the sex lives of young people (although she shows up here), the narrative offers thoughtful ruminations on masculinity in the modern age. It’s also refreshing to read a memoir that doesn’t preach its messages from an author who honestly admits his imperfections.

... never maudlin but worldly and self-effacing. He convincingly writes to Elijah, 'your generation of men can become pioneers, reinventing masculinity.' Parents will be moved and enlightened by Black’s thoughtful advice..