Real Men Don't Apologize!

May 1, 2006
Comedian Belushi keeps the cheap belly laughs to a minimum in his first book, a "guy's guy" take on what it means to be a man. After a short multiple choice quiz on manliness, Belushi tones down the jokes and speaks honestly about what it was like to lose his brother John and pursue a career of his own while constantly being reminded of his brother's talents. A conversation with a close friend after his second divorce made Belushi take stock of his life, and he shares the insights he gained. Packed with anecdotes, self-deprecating jokes about movies like Red Heat and K-9 and dotted with campy quizzes, he offers rather straightforward advice devoid of whining, hugging and sharing. In the first third of the book he encourages readers to get to know themselves without being condescending or trite. He then moves on to dating ("Ugly = Bad/Pretty = Good"), romance ("Making love is what you do with your wife while you're thinking about CNN's Heidi Collins") and relationships ("If you think she's cheating on you, then she is-and she'll never admit it"). He frequently refers to his and his friends' failings, advising readers not to make the same mistakes, and while this isn't the pinnacle of relationship-and-lifestyle books, Belushi offers more worthwhile advice than you'd think.

May 15, 2006
A good comic actor in his own right, Jim Belushi has long been known only as John Belushi -s brother. Now he -s branching out from the stage and screen (he currently stars in ABC -s "According to Jim") to the printed word, and his brash, blustering personality transfers well to book form. If he continues in this vein, he -ll no longer be mentioned in the same breath as his brother, but alongside humorists like Dave Barry. In each of the book -s three sections - -How To Be a Man, - -Dating, - and -The Book of Love - -Belushi reveals not just the braggadocio that the book -s title implies but also lots of insight delivered with heart. This is not to say that readers (particularly female readers) won -t find some cringe-worthy moments, but overall, the book is honest, funny, and enjoyable. Highly recommended for public libraries, and academic libraries should consider for purchase as well." -Audrey Snowden, Cleveland P.L."

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.