In the current cultural narrative of rules for behavior and interaction, The Code is a refreshing examination of the guidelines that can keep young men from making mistakes. Even when the consequences of those mistakes may not become relevant or public for years.
The Code is an indispensable collection of honorable rules to live by. Boys will read and learn from it. “Guys” should be guided by these rules to become men. Men should give it as gifts to those who can still use a little extra help. Women should read it to see the world through a man’s eyes. It is written with a pleasing mix of reasoned argument and personal anecdotes, intelligent language and good humor, and a feminine perspective on each of the rules which add depth to the conversation. The Code is a refreshing change from a culture in which values and ethical stances are routinely dumbed down to five-second sound bites and bumper-sticker slogans.
“I really liked The Code and am happy to recommend it. both humorous and serious, it is well-written in an original voice that offers guys an honorable path to manhood and offers women an essential insight into how their men operate in the world.” W.E.B. Griffin, No. 1 best-selling author of more than forty epic novels in six series, with over 50 million copies in print in more than ten languages.
The Code follows each rule with commentary by Carolyn Strauss that tells a man who lives his life by that rule what to expect from the woman in his life … and what to do about it. “Half-way through … it struck me that Jack has codified the ancient Texas credo of living the Cowboy Way: Take care of your hoss before yourself; be kind to women and children; don’t never hurt nobody that don’t have it comin’.” Sam Caldwell, Award-winning author.