The Lives and Roles of Men: How They’ve Changed

Gail Sheehy changed the way we define the segments of our lives with her 1976 bestseller, “Passages.” For this more definitive version of that work, she conducted hundreds of interviews with men in all stages of their lives. The result is a revealing and helpful look at the ways men’s roles have changed in this century.

Sheehy breaks men’s lives into decades, such as “the Flourishing 40s” and “the Fearless 50s.” Male menopause, sexual cycles, careers and post-careers are explored with sensitivity and insight. Women may want to listen to this simply for her observations about the differences between the sexes.

With her polished and relaxed manner, Sheehy explains her theories and cites case studies with inviting ease. Her voice is a bit deep; her delivery, impressive. She could easily pass for a professional narrator. She is as interesting for her reading style as for her assessments of men as they age under societal rules so different from those of their fathers. Also, you will find little missing from the original material in this abridgment.