From a Washington Post critic and self-described meathead: a witty, incisive, poignant exploration of male body image, from the history of the gym to the politics of superheroes to the world of manfluencers Michael Brodeur is a Gen-X gay writer with a passion for bodybuilding and an insatiable curiosity about masculinity--a concept in which many men are currently struggling to find their place. In our current moment, where "manfluencers" on TikTok tease their audiences with their latest videos, where right-wing men espouse the importance of being "alpha," as toxic masculinity and the patriarchy are being rightfully criticized, the nature of masculinity has become murkier than ever. In excavating this complex topic, Brodeur uses the male body as his guide: its role in cultures from the gymnasia of ancient Greece to Walt Whitman's essays on manly health, from the rise of Muscular Christianity in 19th-century America to the swollen superheroes and Arnold Schwarzeneggers of Brodeur's childhood. Interweaving history, cultural criticism, memoir, and reportage, laced with an irrepressible wit, Brodeur takes us into the unique culture centered around men's bodies, probing its limitations and the promise beyond: how men can love themselves while rejecting the aggression, objectification, and misogyny that have for so long accompanied the quest to become swole.
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This book encapsulates the essence of masculinity in the modern world. The author's wit and humor had me laughing at times, while his ability to strike a chord with deeply reflective content made me pause and introspect to the point where I had to put down the book at times. As a gay man, reading Brodeur's exploration of masculinity resonated strongly with me. He brought up familiar thoughts and scenes about navigating a world that often criticizes you for not being ‘masculine enough', while also dealing with the expectations of the gay community to uphold the same standards. The book delves deep into what it means to be healthy, strong, and attractive but also questions how these qualities are measured. It was refreshing to see Brodeur challenge the images of hypermasculinity projected by figures, and it made me question how these images have influenced my perceptions of attractiveness and strength. “Swole” is a thoughtful, funny, and reflective piece of writing that I would highly recommend. It's left me eager to read anything else Brodeur has to write, and has me fantasizing about having brunch or a workout session with him!
