Swagger

10 Urgent Rules for Raising Boys in an Era of Failing Schools, Mass Joblessness, and Thug Culture

By: Lisa Bloom

Narrated by: Lisa Bloom

“At this very moment, through no fault of their own, our boys are caught in the vortex of four powerful, insidious, often invisible forces which conspire to rob them of their future.”

We medicate, discipline, suspend, and expel our boys from school at quadruple the rate of girls. We let double the number of boys drop out of high school than girls, and of those boys who do graduate, they are far more likely than their sisters to be illiterate, to fail to go to college, or to drop out of college if they do go.

Swagger is a wakeup call for parents about the real world our boys inhabit right now, but it offers solutions as well. From how to teach your boy humility (the swagger anti-venom), to “making your home a reading mecca,” to creating an expectation of college graduation, and finally, to teaching your boy to be critical of the media onslaught in his life, this book is packed with research-proven, parent-tested, teacher-approved practical solutions, delivered in the author’s trademark no-nonsense, often humorous, take-charge voice.

©2012 Lisa Bloom (P)2012 Gildan Media, LLC

Critic reviews

" Swagger is essential guidance for any parent of boys. It's brutally honest, meticulously researched, and boldly impassioned. It reveals a truth that is hiding in plain sight all around us, calling for our wisdom and commitment and love. I couldn't put it down." (Marianne Williamson, New York Times best-selling author of A Return to Love)

Very Important Listen

Would you consider the audio edition of Swagger to be better than the print version?

I didnt read the print.

Would you recommend Swagger to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes

Have you listened to any of Lisa Bloom’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, She is very clearly understood and powerful.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, some of the evidence in studies taken.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful book for anyone raising children in todays world. Not just boys. As parents we have to do whatever is in our power, to help our kids stear clear of violence and prepare for adulthood.

Lisa Bloom knocks another one out of the park!

A must read (hear!) for any parents, hopeful parents, or anybody that simply wants to have a positive impact on the growth and development of our future men. When did reading become "girlie"? And how on earth are we letting the music industry fill our childrens' ears with such negative messages. The thought of removing TV from my house never occured to me, but Lisa elaborates on how TV can have a detrimental effect to childrens' cognitive development. Absolutely loved Lisa's critical lens and her concrete suggestions on how we can make a difference!.

Bringing manhood back to America

What did you love best about Swagger?

Straight to the point and easy to understand, Swagger was really eye opening because while many of us know the hopelessness that our boys face, no one has really broken it down in such a basic way as this.

What did you like best about this story?

The story was honest and actually made me evaluate what my teenage son is exposed to and how much control I have over what influences him. It made for easy dialogue with my son.

Which scene was your favorite?

The part of this book that got my attention and made me pause (and rewind) was the section on hip hop and rap music and its lyrics. Wow! I've heard these songs, but have not really paid attention to the lyrics and the meaning behind the songs. From now on, I will definitely seek out the lyrics to songs I hear my kids and their friends singing.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself shaking my head in agreement, disgust, frustration, and finally hope. This book has prompted me to have new conversations with my teenage son. And interestingly enough, he opened up about his opinions on these topics more than I thought he would.

Any additional comments?

While listening to this book in our family room, I caught my son tuning in. His interest was peaked and we had great conversations about what the book was saying. While we have always talk about "stuff" this book opened up meaningful dialogue. It is a good tool to use to get insight into the mind of a young man so that action can be taken before he falls victim to the hopelessness awaiting our boys. It gives him a chance at survival.

Excellent must-read 4 parents - of boys AND girls!

Would you consider the audio edition of Swagger to be better than the print version?

Yes, there are too many statistics included to make it an easy print read.

What other book might you compare Swagger to and why?

Think, also by Lisa Bloom. This is the "girl version" of Swagger, but I would recommend it to anyone, not just parents of girls.

What does Lisa Bloom bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Having Lisa narrate the book adds a lot that a separate narrator wouldn't. You feel like you're just sitting there listening to her chat and can hear the sarcasm or seriousness in her tone of voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was appalled at the statistics about the criminalization of black boys and men in our country and also about the relationship of reading to future jail time.

Im sure its great for Americans

Any additional comments?

This book is filled with lots of statistics and info about the American legal and education system. While some is relevant most simply doesn't apply to me.
The bit on music was interesting, honestly i never really listened to the lyrics of rap music too closely but i will from now on, most of its horrible and not ok for kids.
I'm really glad I'm not bring up my son in the US!

Insightful

If you could sum up Swagger in three words, what would they be?

Insightful, Educational, Informative,

What about Lisa Bloom’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed the audio book and she was very good. She read the book and I really enjoyed her style. On point, and at times humorous with a touch of sarcasm.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Swagger?

A great deal of insight from the book I’ll use as a JROTC instructor. I will have many males and females who are in the exact position that Lisa writes about. I am that Male role model she is calling on to mentor a child. I am looking forward to the challenge. I will use so many points in the book to help the young men become men!!!! Great job Lisa!

Any additional comments?

Keep up the great work Lisa. I look forward to your next book.

Mike Goin
(RET) CPT.
CPS

Thought provoking

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it contains lots of great information. The presentation is great - the facts are illustrated with lots of great examples which makes the book interesting to listen to.

Waste of time.

If you want your sons raised through the lens of a liberal feminist that just makes excuses about how broken the "system" is then this book is for you. If you want to teach your boys that they can succeed despite their surroundings then you should find a different book.