Finalist

Assessment:

Plot/Idea: By dissecting and analyzing an unusual viewpoint on gender equity, the male perspective, Men in the Middle provides an important voice in the discussion of such a complex issue. By discussing this point of view with intelligence, empathy, and sensitivity, new ideas are presented for both positive change with gender equity and the business world in general.

Prose: Reed provides a conversational and comforting tone with specific advice to readers on how to make strides in gender equity. Some passages may strike readers redundant, as the book reiterates points several times.

Originality: By interviewing high powered men in the workplace, Reed is able to unearth an unusual perspective on gender equity. But most importantly, Reed uses the insights of these interviews to develop solutions to gender equity issues in the workplace. Although it may initially feel counterintuitive, this approach to addressing issues allows for original and unconventional approaches to business relationships, workplace culture, and gender disputes.

Character/Execution: Men in the Middle is exceptionally well-researched, with both statistically and anecdotal evidence to support the main claims of the book. The work's thorough and thoughtful nature make it an exceptional business guide as well, even for those uninterested in the issues of gender equity. This has the potential to be both eye-opening for some readers by offering a new perspective and reaffirming for others as they see themselves reflecting in the interviews of the men on the page.

Date Submitted: November 10, 2023

“Gender has become a beautiful, complex mosaic” writes Reed (ZagZig Parenting) in this explorative analysis of gender equity from a male perspective. Drawing on interviews with “people who identify as male,” Reed admirably meets her goal to spark conversations on gender equity in the workplace. Her interviews, conducted with male business professionals, expose the hot button topic in a refreshing way, giving voice to the conversations men often avoid due to their fear of being misunderstood or their lack of empathy for the plight of women in the workforce. She highlights the #MeToo movement as a catalyst for gender-related discussions and explores the foundation of the Equal Rights Amendment, in forward-thinking language that will invite readers into the issues.

Men play a central role in changing gender dynamics in the workforce, argues Reed, especially given their overwhelming numbers in the upper echelons of corporate America. Her interviews shed light on just how many of those men support the idea of gender equality but often remain silent when it comes to progressing the cause. “We are more afraid to say anything that might offend people,” one interviewee states. “Way too many topics are completely off-limits now.” Reed explores this "spiral of silence theory" in great detail, giving men a platform to express both their support of and discomfort with the topic of gender equity. She goes beyond general conversations to more specific issues as well, including how race, life events (such as pregnancy), and miscommunication can all have significant impacts on conversations between men and women in the workplace.

"When men don’t speak about gender, we miss… an invitation to engage the very people who are in positions to influence change” Reed writes, and while she makes it clear she understands the reasoning behind their silence, she also urges men to stop “perpetuating the status quo of inequity.” This is a bold, empathetic approach to a complex topic.

Takeaway: Bold, thoughtful perspective on the complexities of gender equity in the workplace.

Comparable Titles: Anneli Blundell’s When Men Lead Women, Joanne Lipman’s That’s What She Said.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

David G. Smith and W. Brad Johnson, Authors of Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better

“A powerful, research-based masterwork on understanding the concerns and questions of men. It is an actionable roadmap and playbook for empowering the pivotal men in the middle.”

Michael Welp PhD, Co-Founder WMFDP, Author of Four Days to Change

“Reed weaves together layers of voices post #MeToo, including men’s fears, hesitations, and shifting mindsets. The fabric at this book’s core gives emotional support and hope for collaboration across the gender divide.”