The Ultimate Guys’ Body Book by Dr. Walt Larimore

This book is written as a resource for Christian parents, especially dads, to help in talking with their sons about puberty and some sexual topics. Some of the subjects covered are:

Why isn’t my body changing like I expected?
What to do about body odor
Growth Spurts, muscles, and healthy weight
Sleep
Acne
Facial Hair
Tattoos and Alcohol
Testicle abnormalities
Erections and wet dreams
Why should I wait for sex?
Pornography and Masturbation

Recommended Ages: 10-14

This practical book asks questions to which adolescent boys want to know the answer and then strives to answer those questions Biblically. I greatly appreciate the honest and frank way the topics are handled, without stepping into the “too much information” zone. Each chapter, or question, is supposed to be a springboard for more questions- not to be an exhaustive resource on all sexual and puberty related subjects.

I also like the fact that Scripture is frequently quoted in support of whatever stance the author has taken. These are generally used appropriately, save Jeremiah 29:11 (sadly, unsurprisingly) and Leviticus 19:28 (to argue against tattoos). There are several different translations used including NLT (which I do not recommend) as well as the paraphrase The Message, which should not be quoted as scripture, as it is not.

Instead of taking a firm stance on whether masturbation is a sin or not, the author briefly gives the reasons why some Christians feel one way and some feel the other. It does clarify that sexual fantasies are forbidden and that sexual acts were designed by God to be experienced between a husband and a wife. However, it then goes on to tell the true story of a pastor/father who said to his son, “I’m telling you now that I hope you don’t feel the need to engage in this act [masturbation] when you reach the teen years, but if you do, you shouldn’t be too concerned about it. I don’t believe it has much to do with your relationship with God.” To not include masturbation in verses that cover sexual immorality is something with which I cannot agree.

Although that seems a rather negative place to leave a review, I do think this could be used effectively as a resource book, if the parent is discerning enough to correct the few spots that need correcting.

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