Study Guide:
Information for adults (and everyone)
regarding a man wearing a dress
as non-fiction for youth and young adults
The book consists of a series of essays and a few poems. Most of the essays are stories of the author’s life, starting as a very young child in the 1950s, going all the way through adulthood (the author wrote the book in his mid 60s). The essays vary in length from part of a page to five pages. The poems vary from a few stanzas to over 20 stanzas. The book is written in the first person, in an accessible, direct, down to earth manner, as if the author is sitting across the table from you, telling stories about his life.
A few of the essays later in the book may not be suitable for very young children, as they discuss sexuality, depression and suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, and other topics that may be too disturbing or inappropriate for a child not ready to address them. The author suggests that adults review the material in the book with respect to the capacity of an individual child’s likelihood to benefit from the material or story presented. Children mature enough to participate in sex education programs, such as OWL, are likely to benefit from many of the stories and essays in the book (see the “Our Whole Lives” page in Wikipedia, or see the web sites, https://www.uua.org/re/owl, or http://www.ucc.org/justice_sexuality-education_our-whole-lives).
A few essays in the book also refer to the author’s reflections on cultural shifts that are taking place in the world today. On the whole, the author is optimistic about where culture is headed, world wide, but also acknowledges some of the challenges he believes that we all face. Although he does not “take sides” in a classic political manner (such as supporting a specific political party, ideology, or candidate), he presents a uniquely progressive view when it comes to institutions (government, business, non-profit, and informal) and public policy in general. Overall, he strongly supports working toward living in harmony with each other and with all of nature, of which we are an integral part.
Some topics referred to in the book include:
- suburban life in the 1950s and 1960s
- changes in technology and media since then
- early life trauma
- traditional socialization of boys and girls
- family dynamics, dysfunction, and domestic violence
- experiences in school, college, and young adult life
- puberty, virginity, sexual activity, paraphilia, and gender identity
- homosexuality and homophobia
- racism, sexism, feminism, and liberation of both women and men
- depression, suicidal thoughts, and emotional challenges
- military service
- abortion rights
- body image
- sudden death of a friend and grieving
- balance between isolation and connecting with others
- the impact of significant cultural change
- trouble in major societal institutions and new directions
- gratitude, forgiveness, and resolution
- and yes, some irony and humor (sneaks up on you)
The author is available for personal appearances to discuss his book and expand on some of the material and themes it contains. Please visit the "Appearances & Events" page at www.messagerain.com or use the "Contact Us" form.
A few of the essays later in the book may not be suitable for very young children, as they discuss sexuality, depression and suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, and other topics that may be too disturbing or inappropriate for a child not ready to address them. The author suggests that adults review the material in the book with respect to the capacity of an individual child’s likelihood to benefit from the material or story presented. Children mature enough to participate in sex education programs, such as OWL, are likely to benefit from many of the stories and essays in the book (see the “Our Whole Lives” page in Wikipedia, or see the web sites, https://www.uua.org/re/owl, or http://www.ucc.org/justice_sexuality-education_our-whole-lives).
A few essays in the book also refer to the author’s reflections on cultural shifts that are taking place in the world today. On the whole, the author is optimistic about where culture is headed, world wide, but also acknowledges some of the challenges he believes that we all face. Although he does not “take sides” in a classic political manner (such as supporting a specific political party, ideology, or candidate), he presents a uniquely progressive view when it comes to institutions (government, business, non-profit, and informal) and public policy in general. Overall, he strongly supports working toward living in harmony with each other and with all of nature, of which we are an integral part.
Some topics referred to in the book include:
- suburban life in the 1950s and 1960s
- changes in technology and media since then
- early life trauma
- traditional socialization of boys and girls
- family dynamics, dysfunction, and domestic violence
- experiences in school, college, and young adult life
- puberty, virginity, sexual activity, paraphilia, and gender identity
- homosexuality and homophobia
- racism, sexism, feminism, and liberation of both women and men
- depression, suicidal thoughts, and emotional challenges
- military service
- abortion rights
- body image
- sudden death of a friend and grieving
- balance between isolation and connecting with others
- the impact of significant cultural change
- trouble in major societal institutions and new directions
- gratitude, forgiveness, and resolution
- and yes, some irony and humor (sneaks up on you)
The author is available for personal appearances to discuss his book and expand on some of the material and themes it contains. Please visit the "Appearances & Events" page at www.messagerain.com or use the "Contact Us" form.
A note from the author
Some study guides that I've seen offer of a list of specific questions related to the topic matter contained in the book. I have often felt stifled by such questions, as I have found myself bursting with things to say that didn't seem to fit within the confines of the questions in the guide. I prefer a more open ended discussion, where readers come up with their own questions or comments. If a group of people are discussing the book, in my experience, their comments will often feed off each other. One comment will stimulate another, and so on.
You might start by asking "What parts of the book had a significant impact on you?" Or perhaps, "Did you find anything in the book that you strongly agreed or disagreed with?" Then see where the conversation goes. If you are a teacher or group leader, I invite you to take note of questions or comments that occur to you while the conversation ensues. That way, if discussion on some point seems to reach closure or the conversation dies out, you can offer something with which to move forward. My advice is to stay curious and open. Even share this study guide with the participants in your group, so everything is up front.
Above all, I encourage everyone to be as genuine as possible, rather than seek to conform to what someone else expects or might expect them to say or ask. In my experience, this provides the most stimulating and informative discussion.
(for more information, please use the Contact Us page on this web site to inquire.)
You might start by asking "What parts of the book had a significant impact on you?" Or perhaps, "Did you find anything in the book that you strongly agreed or disagreed with?" Then see where the conversation goes. If you are a teacher or group leader, I invite you to take note of questions or comments that occur to you while the conversation ensues. That way, if discussion on some point seems to reach closure or the conversation dies out, you can offer something with which to move forward. My advice is to stay curious and open. Even share this study guide with the participants in your group, so everything is up front.
Above all, I encourage everyone to be as genuine as possible, rather than seek to conform to what someone else expects or might expect them to say or ask. In my experience, this provides the most stimulating and informative discussion.
(for more information, please use the Contact Us page on this web site to inquire.)