Self-Made Man

One Woman's Year Disguised as a Man

By: Norah Vincent

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

A journalist’s provocative and spellbinding account of her eighteen months spent disguised as a man.

Norah Vincent became an instant media sensation with the publication of Self-Made Man, her take on just how hard it is to be a man, even in a man’s world. Following in the tradition of John Howard Griffin (Black Like Me), Vincent spent a year and a half disguised as her male alter ego, Ned, exploring what men are like when women aren’t around. As Ned, she joined a bowling team, took a high-octane sales job, went on dates with women (and men), visited strip clubs, and even managed to infiltrate a monastery and a men’s therapy group. At once thought-provoking and pure fun, Self-Made Man is a sympathetic and thrilling tour de force of immersion journalism.

Copyright © Norah Vincent 2006. Recorded by arrangement with Viking, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.

©2006 Norah Vincent (P)2024 Echo Point Books & Media, LLC

Gender psychology

Books like this bridge the gender gap! Great way to see both perspectives. Awesome read!

Wow

Increíble book. The narrator did an amazing job as well. Knowing the outcome of the author makes this book even more impactful. Highly recommend

One Woman's Journey through Blue Collar America

VERY interesting listen. I enjoyed her takes on what she discovered when wading through the world of working class men.

however, I would say that there were several times where I feel she missed the mark. I think only being able to infiltrate Working class establishments and entry level rungs really colored her outlook. not to say she was incorrect, but not every Guy loves going to strip clubs, beating his metaphorical chest and is just looking for a place to vent. Many do. but it looks different depending on where in the country and socioeconomic strata you go. All in all, it was a fantastic book and the author's field work was incredible.

I am glad that men have a voice within the feminist movement; albeit, all that men ever want is peace.

I think Norah did a great bit of research to get to a position where she could certainly help be a voice for men. Her efforts are extraordinary within the scope of what she did. I think it is only fair to add that her experience is only a portion of a bigger picture because she was only able to tread within a safe parameter. There was a point in her book where she had to choose between the monastery, the military, or the penal system. I think if she had gone to the other two she would’ve certainly been shocked at what she would come to experience there. Additionally, she was only able to explore men in the US, traveling abroad would’ve been a great addition; but would’ve certainly come a greater cost. At the end of the day- men- men just wish to be heard and be at peace and I wish that women could just forego their own emotions and experience and just listen.

Excellent Book

I deeply enjoyed Norma Vincent’s book and the courage it took to live as a man. I have a non-bianary daughter considering becoming a trans man. I really struggle with understanding the motivations for this decision. I’m also recently divorced from a woman that is now Lesbian. To say that gender/sexual identity is a huge issue in my life is an understatement. Yet, I can only change my own understanding and thoughts to find more peace in hopes of becoming an even better man myself. I want to give loving and thoughtful advice to my child. This book not only gave me useful insight, it also helped me understand what it means to be a man. I feel that I now can have a more informed conversation with my child and a deeper discussion. I hope that my 20 year old child reads this book, before they start hormone therapy or has surgery. I’m a firm believer in informed choice and will love and support my child regardless of their decision. Although, I’m deeply sad at the strong possibility of losing my daughter.