It's a Jungle Out There, Jane: Understanding the Male Animal in Your Life [Paperback]

Joy Browne M.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2000

Ever wonder why . . .
Men freeze when women say, "We have to talk"?
Men just can't pick up after themselves?
Guys in restaurants choose the seat with its back against the wall?
Most men hate surprise parties?

The good news is that men are not from Mars and women are not from Venus, but the rest of the story is that we all -- men and women -- are animals, with instincts that tell us how we should feel, act, and react. Relationship expert Dr. Joy Browne explains that to understand how the man in your life thinks, talks, loves, stays, or strays, you need to understand the animal within. This doesn't mean you have to "tame" your man, but with Dr. Joy's trademark smart, funny, and nonjudgmental advice, you can get into his mind and figure out why he is the way he is at work or at play, in the boardroom, the bedroom, or in front of the TV. The result? A better relationship with your mate . . . and no more fighting like cats and dogs.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Feisty talk-show shrink Dr. Joy Browne promises and delivers here an exploration of "the evolution of male behavior, from the primordial ooze to the post-coital snooze." What are the real differences between men and women, where did these come from, and what can we do about them to make relationships work? "Dr. Joy" attempts to answer those questions in her trademark spunky style. She points out many (annoying) male traits that have their foundation in biological evolution. For example, the dominant "boss" position--rocking back in his chair, feet up on the desk, arms stretched back behind his head--is equivalent to the chest thrust of the alpha male gorilla! But Browne isn't just interested in biological evolution ("that stuff makes glaciers look speedy"), she's also interested in social evolution. Browne explains how and why men react to everything from making love to housework.

Browne, as always, is informative and fun. Even her chapter titles are peppy and amusing: "Locking Horns" (conflict), "Roaring" (communication), "Plumage" (appearance), and "Going for the Kill" (money), for example. She gives frequent advice to "Tarzan" or "Jane," and includes comments in each chapter about how boys are raised to be men, and interesting tidbits about how male animals act in the wild.

"This book can help you understand why guys act, think, talk, love, make love, stay, stray, tune-out, tune-in and turn-on the way they do," says Browne. And if you want some direct advice, Jane, "Ask specifically for what you want. Don't whine. Stick to the problem at hand and never, ever insult his mother." --Joan Price --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Aiming squarely at the John Gray market, radio psychologist Browne (Nine Fantasies That Will Ruin Your Life) counters the Mars/Venus theory with an evolutionary interpretation of male behavior most likely to be appreciated by Janes (and Tarzans) with a sense of humor. Based on the premise that "we're all animals," the book addresses both sexes with the intent of improving their understanding of each other and their relationships. However, its biggest market will be among women who respond to Browne's direct, flippant tone, those who appreciate such advice as as "be careful what you ask for in the truth department" and that the words men fear most are "we need to talk." Direct and unpretentious, Browne views men's behaviorAnot only in love but at work, at home and as friendsAin a biological and anthropological light, though in decidedly nonscientific terms. While her approach is not especially original, Browne works hard at making the material entertaining; however, this often diminishes or obscures its self-help potential and underlying common sense. She goes for the laughs, disguising useful tidbits as one-liners: "Blaming yourself for your spouse's indiscretions is like apologizing when your husband burps." Browne's new television show, also scheduled for September, will raise her national recognition and may prove a better forum for the clever notions that stretch thin on the page. Nine-city author tour; national radio satellite tour. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (October 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609805215
• ISBN-13: 978-0609805213
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #599,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Joy Browne is a nationally acclaimed, syndicated radio host and licensed clinical psychologist. Her radio program, the longest running of its kind, has been on the WOR Radio Network for nearly 15 years. Her show offers millions of devoted listeners advice on issues ranging from relationships and marriage, finance, work and career.

Dr. Joy has won numerous awards for her work including the American Psychological Associations President's Award, the Talkers Magazine award for Best Female Talk Show Host, #10 on the list of the 25 Greatest Radio Talk Show Hosts of All Time, and has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Talk Show Hosts. She has been singled out for News/Talk National Personality of the Year as well as Syndicated Talk Show of the Year by Radio & Records Magazine every year since the list was formed.

Additionally, Dr. Joy has been a guest on numerous popular television shows such as Lou Dobbs Tonight, The Early Show, Oprah Winfrey and Larry King Live. She has had two of her own television shows which include one on CBS called Dr Joy Browne and another on Discovery health which was a simulcast of her radio show. Dr Joy has three TV pilots in the works. Most recently Dr. Joy has extended her psychological input on media scandals such as "the boy in the hot air balloon" on CNN Prime News and the Tiger Woods' scandal on Inside Edition. Dr. Joy also hosted a panel at the 2010 New Media Seminar in New York City. Many clips of Dr. Joy's appearances can be found on YouTube or www.drjoy.com.

Dr. Joy has authored numerous self-help and inspirational books including: Dating for Dummies, The Nine Fantasies That Will Ruin Your Life, Dating Disasters, Getting Unstuck and It's A Jungle Out There, Jane.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Dr. Joy is an active volunteer. She was on the board of directors of the Herbert G. Birch Summer Project, helping to run a camp for children and families living with HIV and AIDS, and also worked extensively with the Salvation Army to provide counseling after the World Trade Center disaster. She is on the Advisory Council of the Mayor's Commission Against Domestic Violence. Dr. Joy can also be found helping out at the New York Rescue Mission where she was awarded as their 2010 Maria Mcauley Award recipient. She also recently kicked off the New York Rescue Mission 2010 "Souper Bowl", feeding hot meals to those in need. Dr. Joy is President of her own foundation: Dr. Joy to the World, which focuses on getting underprivileged children high school diplomas and jobs and also includes helping her listeners complete their education.

Before finding her way to the airwaves, Dr. Joy was a teacher, private practice therapist, and social service director for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, in addition to her work on the Space Program and her time as an archeologist. She holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Northeastern University as well as a B.A. from Rice University, and also did postdoctoral work at Tufts Medical School.

In her spare time, Dr. Joy loves to go to the theatre and actively views and reviews movies and theatre for her website www.drjoyreviews.com. Some of her theatre knowledge has also gone to hosting talkbacks at the famous Ziegfeld theatre in New York City in 2010. Most recently, Joy made her singing debut at the Friar's Club during a roast of Tovah Feldshuh. Also, as of late, Joy has joined the blogosphere. Her weekly blog can be found on www.drjoy.com and www.wor710.com

Joy is the mother of one daughter, and keeps herself inspired by dancing, doing yoga, and hot air ballooning. Although she has lived in many American cities, Dr. Joy currently resides in New York. After over a decade spent in the Big Apple, she is truly proud to be a New Yorker.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars explains behavior logically, October 2, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Wake Forest, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's a Jungle Out There, Jane: Understanding the Male Animal (Hardcover)

This book takes the confusion out of drastic differences in behavior between males and females. She explains the differences simply and very logically as a result of genes and social pressures....and she doesn't do it with cutesy gimmicks like different planets. This book can simplify the problems in a relationship by removing the blame-placing and substituting negotiation to solve differences. Such a great book!!!!!!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lighten Up, June 21, 2000

By 

robert johnson (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's a Jungle Out There, Jane: Understanding the Male Animal (Hardcover)

concerning the Massachusets woman and Key Largo man, below: try not to take yourselves so seriously. Dr. Browne's book is a humorous and insightful look into why many men act so "male", and draws on experience and evidence from many scientific disciplines.

There is a big difference between being a man and merely being "male", and this is what Dr. Browne is illustrating. She is not condemning men, nor is she endorsing the female perspective over the male. It would benefit all to examine their own behaviors and rationally determine which are productive and which are reactionary.

Just like anything else, truth is usually found between the two extremes, and men and women will coexist much more peacefully when both try to understand themselves as well as each other. Just because the bible says that women should "sit down and shut up" only means that a man wrote it. As a man who strives to not be pigeonholed, I welcome the refreshing veiw of an intelligent woman like Dr. Browne to show us all another perspective.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally...now I really know why my husband acts that way!, September 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: It's a Jungle Out There, Jane: Understanding the Male Animal (Hardcover)

I've read 'em all...Mars, Venus,Women Who Love Too Much, Men Who Can't Commit, but this book addresses real life, real men and women and why they REALLY behave they way they do. It's not only interesting, it's incredibly funny. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud while I recognized myself, my husband, my brothers, my dad, my boss. The best part of this book, however, is that it's not judgemental. Dr. Browne doesn't point the finger, she just shines the flashlight and lets you see for yourself why nature has created men to be so, so....MALE!