Wholesale Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

In this personal and poignant collection, New York Times bestseller Frederick Joseph explores masculinity through the lens of a Black man. He questions what it means to be a man today and how the elusive concept of “masculine toxicity” reflects men’s experiences, particularly those of color, and how they navigate the world. Through essays, poems, and short reflections, Joseph contemplates issues of masculinity and patriarchy from a personal and cultural perspective. He fearlessly tackles complex realities of men’s lives, including fatherhood, “manning up,” abuse, and therapy, offering insights as a Black man. Written in his unique voice, Patriarchy Blues forces us to consider the joys, pains, and destructive nature of manhood and the stereotypes it engenders. (This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)