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"Walk Like a Man" This book is riveting from the first page. Although set in the 1950s, it covers topics that are perhaps even more relevant today, particularly that of abuse by a family member. Eric Davin's story is not for the faint-hearted, and not everyone for whom the reader will be pulling survives growing up as he and his siblings did. Davin paints an honest portrait, showing his growing-up failings as well as his trimphs. Along the way, we learn much about topics as diverse as the meaning of friendship to the history of the Alamo. Parts of the book are hoots, such as his and a friend's substitution of a Playboy club flag on the school pole. And parts are heart-breaking. This is not a book any reader will soon forget.

This is an insightful autobiographical account of coming of age in a working class home. The descriptions are graphic and engaging. There is no false sentiment, but much thoughtful analysis of many colorful experiences that shaped the author into an intelligent and compassionate man - the story of a true "working class hero." The stories are varied and meaningful and the author is skillful craftsman of precise and evocative prose. I recommend this fine book to anyone who wants to better understand what it means to grow up masculine in America. Highest rating!

"Walk Like A Man, A History of Machismo" Full of colorful language and elaborate digressions, Eric Leif Davin's memoir exposes a range of domestic and social violence, at least as pervasive now a days as it was then, which we might prefer to ignore. Few indeed are the individuals who survive full immersion in households and subcultures of abuse to rise from the ashes, review their experience, and in so doing offer some perspective on what it takes to live alternatives.