A number of people who have visited our bibliography have pointed out that, while they felt that it contained an excellent collection of resource material, they were a bit overwhelmed by the volume. They asked if we could produce a "beginner's list" for persons who were just starting their research into the field of men's emotional wellness.

This was a difficult task, as we feel that our bibliography covers the subject as it should. We have, however, created a "getting started" list, below, which we hope will assist our readers in their search.

At the end of each book or article description is a bold page link, within the bibliography, where similar materials can be found. (The books are listed in alphabetical order, by author.)

Borysenko, Joan. A Woman's Book of Life: The Biology, Psychology, and Spirituality of the Feminine Life Cycle. Riverhead Books, 1996

Brownmiller, Susan. Femininity. Linden Press/Simon & Shuster, 1984

No study of men's emotional wellness would be reasonable without an understanding of the experience of women, both personal and within the bounds of the patriarchy. (Which is why we have such an extensive bibliography page on this topic.)
Female Socialization

Elium, Don & Jeanne Elium. Raising A Son: Parents and The Making of A Healthy Man. Beyond Words Publishing, 1992

Perceptive text on methods of childrearing that can assist parents in raising a male child who will be in touch with his inner emotional life, while continuing to learn how to adequately cope with a limiting outer masculine world.
Parenting Skills

Friere, Paulo. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. A Continuum Book, 1973

Though written a quarter century ago, this is still the classic study of the definition, nature, and manifestation of oppression in human society. Essential information for understanding the nature of abusive systems such as patriarchy.
Oppression and Patriarchy

Hunter, Mic. Abused Boys: The Neglected Victims of Sexual Abuse. Fawcett Coumbine, 1990

Lew, Mike. Victims No Longer: Men Recovering from Incest and Other Sexual Child Abuse. Fawcett Columbine

The extent of the sexual abuse of males and the cultural blindness about that is covered with insight and clarity. Two important texts on the study of male survivors of sexual trauma.
Sexual Child Abuse and Recovery

Kipnis, Aaron and Elizabeth Herron. What Women and Men Really Want: Creating Deeper Understanding & Love in Our Relationships. Nataraj Publishing, 1995

The authors are co-directors of the Gender Relations Institute, which works with women and men to assist in the creation of gender reconciliation.
Communication and Relations Between Sexes

Osherson, Samuel. Finding Our Fathers: How A Man's Life Is Shaped By His Relationship With His Father. Fawcett Columbine, 1986

An important study of the often dysfunctional and painful relationship between fathers and sons, and how this interaction affects men's feelings about their own potential fatherhood.
Men's Roles As Fathers

Perry, Bruce D.[M.D.] "Incubated In Terror: Neurodevelopmental Factors in the Cycle of Violence".
Excepted from Children, Youth and Violence: Searching for Solutions, Joy D. Osofsky, Editor, The Guilford Press, 1995

Insightful study of the effects that traumatic child abuse has on infants and young children, both upon their neurological and emotional development. Dr. Perry is a physician at Baylor School of Medicine and one of the most prominent researchers in the field of child abuse.
Child Abuse and Trauma

Pharr, Suzanne. Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism. Chardon Press, 1997

An empowering perspective about the 'fear' of homophobia, and the effect it has upon heterosexual men and women, resulting in a rigorous demand that they remain in their extremely limiting gender boxes.
Oppression and Patriarchy

Rohr, Richard & Joseph Martos. The Wild Man's Journey: Reflections on Male Spirituality. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1992

An enlightening book about how men can achieve a healthier sense of self that is grounded in a 'male spirituality' which would allow men to feel and know more of their inner world.
Male Socialization

Rubin, Lilian B. Intimate Strangers: Men and Women Together. Harper Colophone Book, 1983

An articulate perspective about the nature of communication (or lack of it) between men and women, and the ways American culture conspires to make it appear that men are much more emotionally independent than is the fact. (How could men be emotionally independent when we socialize them to minimize their knowledge of their own feelings?)
Communication and Relations Between Sexes

Stoltenberg, John. The End of Manhood: A Book for Men of Conscience. A Plume Books, 1993

An extremely lucid and clear analysis of the "manhood" cultural construct and how it demands a kind of maleness which isn't in the interest of men, women, children, or the environment. John both defines the problem and offers empowering solutions. Strongly recommended.
Men's Emotional Wellness

Mariposa Men’s Wellness Institute was founded in 2001

to help men become emotionally healthy.