It's a Jungle Out There, Jane: Understanding the Male Animal [Abridged][Audiobook] (Audio Cassette)

~ Dr. Joy Browne (Author)

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

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Random House Audio; Abridged edition (September 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375408193
• ISBN-13: 978-0375408199
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,785,054 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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 "r_wray_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!