Year of the Cock, a book review

I mentioned before that I had received this book from a giveaway at the librarything.com website. The truth is, I forgot I'd put my name in for this particular draw. When I received the parcel pick up notification, I thought it was something else I was waiting for. So, off I went to get my package only to see "Year of Cock" written on the box (an ever so slight alteration of the actual title). I was blushing furiously as I signed my name, saying to the girl at the counter, "I have no idea what this is." I truly thought it was some practical joke someone was playing on me, sending me an adult film.

When I got home, slyly covering the package so my 7 year old couldn't see it and start with the barrage of questions that would most definitely ensue with this new vocabulary, I ran right into my bedroom to see what it could be (possible adult content aside, I was curious). I found the book and packing slip showing that it had indeed been sent by a publishing company and felt some relief. I got the full picture the next day after I logged into the website and saw my winner's notification. Mystery solved.

I have dutifully read the book as promised on entering the draw. Here follows my review:

First, let me start by saying that this is not a book I would have bought had I seen it in the store. It has a definite male point of view, which in and of itself would not prevent me from buying a book at all but the premise isn't necessarily my thing. I'm a single woman and don't feel (at the moment) the need to delve into the male mind. But none of this prevented me from actually reading the book and I was surprised at how quickly and easily I finished it.

It was interesting to see how the author suffers through a meltdown. Though I do not have the appendage that, ultimately, became the obsession/manifestation of his breakdown, I could relate to the issues of self-doubt, self-esteem, etc. as many other people can, too.

He writes with humour and honesty about his own life, which I would imagine is hard to do, especially for a man, with regards to such a sensitive subject. There were times where I would have liked to put my hands through the pages to wring his neck and tell him, "Call your wife!" But, he learns his lessons in the end (hopefully).

I would recommend this book to any man that believes psychiatry or any other form of help is only for the weak. I think it would give courage to others to speak about their problems and not continue to suffer in silence. Overall, a decent job by the author on his first book, especially considering the highly personal nature of his writing.