Brothers Lust and Love [Paperback]

William July II (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 13, 1998

William July, II is an author to watch.  In June 1996, his self-published Brothers, Lust, and Love: Thoughts on Manhood, Sex, and Romance climbed onto two bestseller lists.  Now, in this revised, expanded edition of this underground sensation, July shrewdly examines exactly what's going on between African American men and women.  He explains:

Why women expect too much from men, and why men want too little
Why black men date white women, and why some call them traitors for doing it
The five things most men want to change about women
The real reason it's so hard for black men and women to get along
How popular TV shows teach kids harmful stereotypes about couples
Why the black gender war is raging, and how it can be stopped

An engaging and informative book, Brothers, Lust, and Love reveals what every woman wants to know about her man, and what every man needs to know about himself.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With a winning combination of sensitivity, candor, and humor, William July II answers the question, "How do you deal with black male sexuality without falling prey to racist stereotypes?" July describes his book as "one small step about setting the record straight about the realities of black men... The majority of us are hard working, tax-paying, common Americans who get up and go to work every morning." He also wants Brothers, Lust, and Love "to give people a new understanding of black men and their relationships." July accomplishes this by dealing with several taboo topics: the harm of television stereotyping to kids, the society-bred antagonism between black men and women, interracial dating, and the expectations African American women have of their men. Concluding with sample questions to spark discussion July brilliantly synthesizes Terry McMillan's frankness and the on-point analysis of psychiatrist Dr. Alvin Poussaint to produce a truly healing document that may lead to less talking and more loving. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

From Publishers Weekly

Originally self-published in 1996 in Texas, where July is a writer-in-residence for the Houston Writers in the Schools program, his examination of the relations between the sexes while derivative is nevertheless useful. He focuses particularly on African American men and women, although he also touches on interethnic and interracial love affairs. July makes the point at the outset that in American society of the 1990s the black male must still do battle for the affirmation of his humanity, constructing a bridge from his life as a black to the world around him, where he constantly runs head-on into stereotypes and myths. In the three segments of his book, July explores what he conceives of as true manhood: basing a relationship on soul rather than on sex or possessions, and, as he puts it, making love from the inside out. There are all manner of lists, ranging through 10 things women do that drive men away (acting sweet to get a man, then changing their behavior once they get him; talking about other men) to 10 fantasies about romance (a real man will always make the first move; men fall in love through sex). This is for the dating crowd looking for a reinforcing self-help guide.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Main Street Books; Revised edition (April 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385491492
• ISBN-13: 978-0385491495
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #751,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, April 26, 2001

By 

K. Walton (LA, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brothers Lust and Love (Paperback)

I should go to work for Mr. July OFFICIALLY because I have sold more of these books than a few!!!

I am preparing to become a marital & family therapist, and I have recommended this book to literally hundreds of women I talk to in chatrooms, on-line, at church, the girls I mentor, students, my sister... Any woman who is having man troubles and needs insight into the dating game, I recommend this book HIGHLY!

Mr. July's conversational style makes for an enjoyable read.

The thing that separates this book from the other relationship books that manipulate and play on women's fears about being alone is this: Mr. July not only exposes the games men play, but he also gives insight into the female rationale for staying with and repeating dysfunctional patterns with men they claim are the bane of their existance.

If you read this book with a heart to learn AND change, you will walk away a stronger, more enlightened woman.

Happy Reading, Sisters! :)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what we ladies need, an HONEST opinion from a man!, December 23, 1999

By 

Jazzy (Simi Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brothers Lust and Love (Paperback)

This was probably one of the best relationship books I ever read, and I'm not just referring to the fine brother on the cover(although that doesn't hurt!)Mr July is open and honest, even when the truth may hurt a little bit. Never condenscending, always entertaining. I wait with baited breath for his next book.I have gained new insight on men after reading this book, I guess you could say that it sort of restored my faith in men. Hey ladies, they have feelings too!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY... REALITY!!!, July 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brothers Lust and Love (Paperback)

Mr. July's personal experiences and revelations are as close as one could possibly get to the "truth in print" regarding the stereo-typing, daily struggles, and often-time confusing but heart-felt attempts to find love, from the perspective of an African-American male. "Brothers, Lust, and Love" is a two-fold read. Mr. July encourages a coming-together of the sexes... by way of defining the desires and fears of most African-American men in their daily lives and personal relationships... while seeking to instill and encourage a new wisdom and understanding from African-American women. Mr. July covers issues ranging from the sometimes awkward elevator ride (unacknowledged greeting) between the sexes... through understanding the emotionally detached "tin-man"... through color and/or complexion prejudices within the African-American community... through his personal quest for spirituality and love. A definite must-read for both sexes!!!