Self-Made Man

One Woman's Year Disguised as a Man

By: Norah Vincent

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

A journalist’s provocative and spellbinding account of her eighteen months spent disguised as a man.

Norah Vincent became an instant media sensation with the publication of Self-Made Man, her take on just how hard it is to be a man, even in a man’s world. Following in the tradition of John Howard Griffin (Black Like Me), Vincent spent a year and a half disguised as her male alter ego, Ned, exploring what men are like when women aren’t around. As Ned, she joined a bowling team, took a high-octane sales job, went on dates with women (and men), visited strip clubs, and even managed to infiltrate a monastery and a men’s therapy group. At once thought-provoking and pure fun, Self-Made Man is a sympathetic and thrilling tour de force of immersion journalism.

Copyright © Norah Vincent 2006. Recorded by arrangement with Viking, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.

©2006 Norah Vincent (P)2024 Echo Point Books & Media, LLC

Her courage above all.

Loved this book. would recommend to anyone, but should be a book every woman should read.

Gender psychology

Books like this bridge the gender gap! Great way to see both perspectives. Awesome read!

Wow

Increíble book. The narrator did an amazing job as well. Knowing the outcome of the author makes this book even more impactful. Highly recommend

Absolutely incredible

I was absolutely blown away by the depth and perspective in this book. Definitely a must read for men and women. And an eye opener for giving compassion and grace to both genders

I am glad that men have a voice within the feminist movement; albeit, all that men ever want is peace.

I think Norah did a great bit of research to get to a position where she could certainly help be a voice for men. Her efforts are extraordinary within the scope of what she did. I think it is only fair to add that her experience is only a portion of a bigger picture because she was only able to tread within a safe parameter. There was a point in her book where she had to choose between the monastery, the military, or the penal system. I think if she had gone to the other two she would’ve certainly been shocked at what she would come to experience there. Additionally, she was only able to explore men in the US, traveling abroad would’ve been a great addition; but would’ve certainly come a greater cost. At the end of the day- men- men just wish to be heard and be at peace and I wish that women could just forego their own emotions and experience and just listen.

Excellent Book

I deeply enjoyed Norma Vincent’s book and the courage it took to live as a man. I have a non-bianary daughter considering becoming a trans man. I really struggle with understanding the motivations for this decision. I’m also recently divorced from a woman that is now Lesbian. To say that gender/sexual identity is a huge issue in my life is an understatement. Yet, I can only change my own understanding and thoughts to find more peace in hopes of becoming an even better man myself. I want to give loving and thoughtful advice to my child. This book not only gave me useful insight, it also helped me understand what it means to be a man. I feel that I now can have a more informed conversation with my child and a deeper discussion. I hope that my 20 year old child reads this book, before they start hormone therapy or has surgery. I’m a firm believer in informed choice and will love and support my child regardless of their decision. Although, I’m deeply sad at the strong possibility of losing my daughter.

Worth while

Good point of of view from the outside looking in. Would recommend to both men and women. It was so much better than I had expected. Well done

Pleasantly surprised

As a man, I am impressed, this was well done and Norah had some good insights. The different areas she approached were well thought out. I am going to suggest this to my girlfriend to take on a different perspective on men. I am happy there women out there are that willing to look at things from different angles. I wished more people practiced critical thinking.

Insightful for both men and women

This was an excellent read. Well, I listened to it, and found so many relatable and insightful thoughts and ideas about being a man, but also seeing things through women's eyes. I SUPER recommend this book.

mind-changing

there is so much value in this book. so much. for both (and all) genders !