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Boys Adrift

The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men

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Boys Adrift

By: Leonard Sax
Narrated by: Allan Robertson
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American boys are failing to meet their potential—the author of the New York Times bestseller The Collapse of Parenting explains why, and what we can do about it, in this updated edition.

A growing proportion of American boys are failing. From kindergarten to college, boys are becoming less resilient and less ambitious, and the gender gap in college attendance and graduation rates has widened dramatically. In this fully updated edition, Dr. Leonard Sax draws on scientific literature and more than thirty years of clinical experience to explain why boys and young men are failing in school and disengaged at work.

Sax identifies six key factors: schools unfriendly to boys; video games; medications for ADHD; environmental toxins; the devaluation of masculinity; and, in brand-new material, the combined forces of pornography, AI, and the manosphere. Throughout, Sax presents practical solutions, sharing strategies that educators have found effective in reengaging boys at school, as well as crucial guidance for parents about everything from selecting a school to preparing a meal.

A powerful call to action, Boys Adrift is essential reading for parents and educators who want to build a brighter future for America’s sons.

Adolescent Psychology Child Psychology Children's Studies Developmental Psychology Gender Studies Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences Special need Single Parent Parenting Boys Video Game Addiction
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Critic reviews

"Boys Adrift is a must-read for any parent of boys. This is real science, and Dr. Sax thoroughly uncovers the important health issues that parents of boys need to be tuned into."—Dr. Mehmet Oz
"Excellent and informative references and information are provided . . . Powerfully and persuasively presented."—The Journal of the American Medical Association
"Fascinating...terrifying...Sax identifies an epidemic of lost boys. Luckily, he offers solutions."—Glob and Mail (Canada)
"Sax, in his pointed, conversational new book, Boys Adrift, reports seeing something new in his medical practice, and hearing something disturbing in the comments after his talks around the nation. Parents and girlfriends describe boys and young men plastered to the controls of their video games, hostile to school, disconnected from adult men and listless on "academic steroids" prescribed to them for attention deficit disorders. Sax zeroes in on these maladies . . .Boys Adrift is an important entry into the conversation. This call to reconsider how the boy becomes the man is worth heeding."—The Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Boys Adrift presents a straightforward argument that incorporates solid research and, thankfully, does not blame feminism. . . Sax also makes sure to remind us that he doesn't think girls have it easier. But at a time when it is almost unusual to find a young man with drive and direction, Sax's work is an important part of a growing public discussion. "—The Stranger
"Sax's discussion of a "failure to launch" will ring true for many parents and other concerned adults, and his final chapter on detoxing the modern environment for boys and girls should provoke both thought and action. Though Sax's book is written in a conversational tone, his documentation is thorough and impressive. This is an important book, especially for parents and educators, but for anyone who is concerned with the well-being of our society and its young people. "—The Daily Herald
"Startling...like a brick thrown through your window."—CBC
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As a male in my early 30s and new parent to a son I selected this book on a whim thinking that it might help me become a good father. Leonard Sax explains very clearly the reasons for so many young men losing their way and finding themselves stuck, without motivation or direction, finding bad role models and escaping into their own little worlds and that of the Internet and video games.

This book has also been eye opening in relation to my own upbringing and the path I have chosen.

The audio book is well read and an enjoyable listen.

Eye opening

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As someone just before this generation but with a toe in it to a certain extent this really explains a lot and as a parent of three boys has been a true eye opener. Lots to look out for from a schooling and life skills aspect.

We have work to do.

Eye opening. Makes a lot of sense.

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Every parent and teacher should read this book. We need to address these issues in our culture.

An enlightening read

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incredible book. Good for parents and anyone concerned about the direction of modern society. The author made it clear the small improvements parents can make to improve the wellbeing of their sons and he backed all his points up well.

Best book I've read in 6 months!

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Every parent should listen to it. Explains many parental problems like ADHD, video game addiction, lackmof motivation, feminity in boys and many more. Highly recommended.

Absolutely amazing.

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