cover image Skinny Bastard: A Kick-In-The Ass for Real Men Who Want to Stop Being Fat and Start Getting Buff

Skinny Bastard: A Kick-In-The Ass for Real Men Who Want to Stop Being Fat and Start Getting Buff

Rory Freedman, Kim Barnouin. Running Press Book Publishers, $14.95 (287pp) ISBN 978-0-7624-3540-1

Apparently fearing their market's reaching the saturation point, the latest iteration of Freedman and Barnouin's bestselling Skinny Bitch series goes after another demographic entirely-men-but without altering the strident, withering approach they've perfected in Skinny Bitch and its follow-ups. That may be a mistake-the kind of cutting humor that comes off as challenging when aimed at fellow women seems (rightly or wrongly) more chilling when aimed across the gender aisle, with the real possibility of turning men off. Still, those happy to take the scorn with the solution are invited to ""strap on a pair...and get ripped."" Much of the strict Skinny Girl regimen is translated directly: sugar, simple carbs, meat and dairy are out; fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains and whole wheat are in. The authors also discuss evidence for and against soy, the male epidemic of hypertension and heart disease, and the failings of government health-monitoring departments (like the USDA and FDA). Helpful grace notes include a chapter of support for the big changes (titled ""Don't Be a Pussy"") and shopping lists of approved brands and foods.