cover image Real Men Don't Apologize

Real Men Don't Apologize

Jim Belushi, James Belushi. Hyperion Books, $21.95 (288pp) ISBN 978-1-4013-0182-8

Comedian Belushi keeps the cheap belly laughs to a minimum in his first book, a ""guy's guy"" take on what it means to be a man. After a short multiple choice quiz on manliness, Belushi tones down the jokes and speaks honestly about what it was like to lose his brother John and pursue a career of his own while constantly being reminded of his brother's talents. A conversation with a close friend after his second divorce made Belushi take stock of his life, and he shares the insights he gained. Packed with anecdotes, self-deprecating jokes about movies like Red Heat and K-9 and dotted with campy quizzes, he offers rather straightforward advice devoid of whining, hugging and sharing. In the first third of the book he encourages readers to get to know themselves without being condescending or trite. He then moves on to dating (""Ugly = Bad/Pretty = Good""), romance (""Making love is what you do with your wife while you're thinking about CNN's Heidi Collins"") and relationships (""If you think she's cheating on you, then she is-and she'll never admit it""). He frequently refers to his and his friends' failings, advising readers not to make the same mistakes, and while this isn't the pinnacle of relationship-and-lifestyle books, Belushi offers more worthwhile advice than you'd think.