A True Must Read
Brant Hansen's unique and refreshing call to men everywhere to think outside ALL the stereotypes to become the men our relationships, families, and communities need.

The Men We Need is a life-changing book for me. Brant Hansen writes in a humble way which makes his points completely truthful but not painful. I am female but I found myself challenged in my own life and walk.
Key points that resonate with me is that my child doesn’t need me to set her up to get into a great career, she needs me to help her build character and integrity. That NOW is the time for us to pour into our kids, it is never too late.
I absolutely agree with Brant Hansen in saying we need men like this. Men who will stand up for the vulnerable and support other people instead of trying to push their own gain.
What is great though is that he breaks down into key decisions you can make to become a man society needs desperately.
If men were to genuinely embrace these ideals, our world would change for the better, and if you are a single man, you’d have no problem finding dates. If you are a woman, you will know what kind of man you want to build a relationship with.
I will read this book again more than once and share it with the men in my life. I would seriously place this as my all time favorite book.
Posted on goodreads

You Know Enough to Do This

Brant Hansen has written books about misfits, human nature, anger, and The Men We Need is just as radically important. Why Radically? Because, as Brant says, it is counter culture. Brant’s writing is simple, easy to understand, and approachable. Intentionally starting a conversation about the definition of masculinity, and who men are supposed to be. None of what Brant writes is new. It is common knowledge. It is written clearly in the Bible. The problem is that it is rarely put into action, it is deliberately misunderstood, and our world is actively against men. Men who are willing to protect others, men who are actively caring for the garden, men who are loyal to God. This book is not about guilt or accusations, but learning from experience. With plenty of funny antidotes, awkward relatable stories, and Lord of the Rings quotes to laugh about. Though this book is for men, women need to read this book too. To know what a man does, to support loyal men, and to raise future men. This is a book that needs to be talked about, and shared. We could all use a few more keepers of the garden.

The Men We Need is one of the best books I have read in a long time. So much has been written - and rightly so - exposing and calling out toxic "Christian" manhood/masculinity and how scripture has been twisted to support and condone continued abuse of power and misogyny by men in power. Brant looks at scripture in context and rightly interprets what it really means to be a man after God's own heart - as his Creator designed him to be. This book is refreshing, character-building, and life-giving. It shows men (and women) what their purpose truly is and how they can fulfill that purpose exactly where they are right now, regardless of age, ability, or intellect. I have read and enjoyed all of Brant's books, and I think this is the best, most important thing he has ever written.

Though written specifically with men in mind, I got so much out of this book that I can also personally apply to my life as a 44 year old woman. I highly recommend that all women of all ages read this book. It will help single women to know what to look for in a man's character, and also help all women be a support for the men in your lives - whether they be your husband, boyfriend, father, brother, or friend. I'm also ordering copies for every man I know.

Emphatic five stars.

“The Men We Need” is the first book by radio personality Brant Hansen that I have had the opportunity to read and review. After reading this book, this is a grave oversight on my part. Brant Hansen’s witty and winsome writing is a breath of fresh in a culture divisive on so many subjects, particularly that of Biblical manhood.
What makes Hansen’s book unique among the genre of books on manhood is its relatability for both genders. This is a book that my daughter needs as much as my young men. Hansen presents his thesis, that men should be “Keepers of the Garden,” and makes a compelling, straightforward argument throughout the book balanced with deprecating humor and scripture. You also cannot go wrong with the numerous “Lord of the Rings” references.
Hansen covers a number of male issues from responsibility to passivity, pornography, video games, work ambition, commitments, emotions, and how to treat women. While he is writing from the perspective of a married man, there are lessons to be gained for those who are single. One should not let his focus on marriage detract from the overall principles he is trying to present.
This book is particularly good for those men who do not “fit” stereotypical manhood. They are no ignored or forgotten in this book. Hansen does not assume that sports metaphors fit every man. Hansen gives voice to every man, including flute and accordion-playing, puppet loving, athletic-deficient, lovers of Jesus.
This book is a worthy read and discuss book by every man and woman. It was a joy to review. I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

I went to finish the reading for this week and ended up finishing the book..... I feel like a lot of this was good life advice for men and women (shelter your kids, don't trade in real for fake) but I also really appreciate how Brant has cast such a strong vision for an engaged, active man who protects his family, proclaims the Word, and really joins in the rescue mission set by the Lord.

The specific and practical steps really struck me as something the boys and men in my life would benefit from. I'll be ordering copies for various male friends and relatives for the upcoming holidays and asking my husband to read this as soon as I get my physical copy!

Finally, this book helped me really appreciate my husband and gave me ideas of how to honor and support him. He has his struggles, but I so appreciate how he sacrifices for our family and protects us. He doesn't have a traditional job and keeps our son during the day, and when we talked about this book, he shared some of the things he does to protect our son. I honestly thought he didn't notice all the little things moms tend to worry about (is that juice too close to the edge? is this pillow too much in his face? Is he going to slip if he climbs on that with socks on?) but my husband both notices these things and does a better job at knowing when to intervene (yes, move the pillow away from the nose of the sleeping toddler) and when to let our son experiment and grow (he needs to learn where to put that cup without our correcting him every time-- it's okay to clean up a mess). My husband also protects me; he checks on my moods, he recommends activities for my mental health, and he works to meet those needs that he can and point me back to God for the things only God can do. For instance, the other night, I was watching a movie while I worked on my computer and what was billed as a comedy was getting increasingly dark, with vulgar language and tense tones. Without being judgy or bossy, my husband mentioned the tone he was overhearing from my show was making him edgy and it didn't really seem like the kind of show I usually enjoy. Was I enjoying it? He reminded me that it's okay to turn things off and he paid attention for me when I was not engaged yet still able to be affected.
Anyways, this is super long, but I'm so grateful for this book both in helping me recognize and encourage the wonderful man who is my husband as well as giving me practical ideas for better raising my son and praying for all the men in my life.

The Quick Cut: A nonfiction book about what the Bible has to tell us about the role men are meant to play in life.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Baker Books for providing the ARC for an honest review.

Everyone has their own idea of what men should be like and the role they are meant to play in life. However, if you're a Christian, the answer isn't as straight forward as what we think ourselves. Does God have something to say about what a man looks like? In the latest book by Brant Hansen, this topic is explored and discussed.

While the book is about men and the role they play, anyone can read it. As a woman reading it, I certainly got insight as to the biblical perspective of what a man should do and be like. I think it's easy to assume that the Bible would give an archaic concept of gender roles, but that's not entirely the case. Seeing Brant break down what's in the Bible and put it in the scope of society today was certainly illuminating to me.

I'll admit I'm fine I'm finishing these book still grappling with some of the messages in it. However, when it comes to books of the religious or philosophical variety, I think that's a good sign. Books that discuss topics like this are meant to challenge you and make you question your perspective. This book certainly does that and I think it will make me think about these topics for quite a long time.

I can definitely see this book creating quite a bit of controversy. However, if you can put that aside, I think anyone could get something out of Brants perspective here.

A unique take on the Bible and the role of men.

My rating: 4 out of 5