Raven SmithRaven Smith’s Men

Raven Smith’s writing is a breath of fresh air and he’s very good at putting tiny complex emotions into words, the sort of stuff you half understand when you feel it but reading it on paper feels like a mini revelation.While I ordered the book initially to laugh at the expense of straight men (Achieved), it’s also so much more than that and just reading a gay man’s experience of masculinity in both day to day life and a bit more existentially was v v refreshing.This is basically a massive opinion piece from a Vogue journalist so expect pop culture references, not text book references. If you buy this without doing your homework and are disappointed then you can’t really complain lol.Trivial Pursuits is by far the best book I’ve ever read and so I didn’t expect this to live up to that (to be honest it didn’t quite, but I don’t even care) - but I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Could only dream of being able to write like this

I found the book quite funny in parts and as a gay man was often able to relate to stories in the book. I’m glad I read a book in which I could see aspects of my own life. I do, however, think it is essentially a series of questions being posed by the author, with no real sense of whether he’s managed to make a decision about what he thinks. I found that a little vapid. To an extent the questions he poses can’t be answered, can never really be closed off and the book works to provoke some kind of thought in the reader but I think at least a few conclusions would have been better. I think he needs a better proof reader, too. Overuse of the word “adjacent” as a suffix and of the word mastication. I would advise to read, it doesn’t take very long.

Raven is a lovely writer, and seems like a nice man. This reads like one of those long conversations you have with a new friend. He welcomes you in, opens up and helps you lose a few hours to some relatable and reassuring anecdotes. A nice book.

Interesting book that sets out Raven's relationship with men, from bullying and male-dominated workspaces to his relationship with his Dad and to those he loves; I'm only part way through so far. Raven deserves a refund from the publisher for the editing/proofreading though: to my eye there are quite a few typographical errors.

I always love reading Raven’s articles and posts, his social media presence is a joy.The book is a continuation of this, but in the sense that it feels like a long ramble that doesn’t really land anywhere. I felt like I was reading something that was just trying to meet word count.Strangely, there really isn’t a great deal about men! I kept waiting for much deeper stories, intimate observations and something specific. What we get is an amusing but sweeping bio. Take it or leave it.

Great book very funny

I follow RS on IG and have love reading his articles. Hilarious as always.

Very much enjoyed reading. It is a tight and funny look at the complex relationship Raven has with men but also puts a spotlight on what a lot of readers will think about them too, but does it in a way that seems fresh…also lots of talk about rimming.