In "Real Boys", Harvard clinical psychologist William Pollack argues against the "boy code," stressing that it's impossible show any child too much love. He presents practical hints for supporting our boys and includes a wealth of moving and disturbing case studies.

Pollack's topics range from promoting "action love," a preference for side-by-side connection during shared activity, to enhancing self-esteem, to battling a failing school system. Readers learn that boys often battle depression and cry out for reconnection in subtle ways; we also gain valuable tips on how to uncover hurt beneath a boy's brave facade.

The book is long, at times tedious and lacking in social context. Ultimately, however, it teaches a simple truth: listening without judgment and providing boundless love can make a critical difference in raising sensitive, confident and independent men.