Books & Media
Books and media for moral compass conversations.
A curated reading and viewing list for people who want to think more deeply about boys, men, empathy, character, emotional health, relationships, accountability, and courage.
Recommended with context.
Michele does not need to agree with every sentence in every resource. These selections are included because they support useful thinking around character, empathy, accountability, courage, and healthier relationships.
How to use this page
Think of this as a conversation shelf, not required reading.
The strongest resources help people become more thoughtful, emotionally aware, respectful, and responsible. This list can support parents, educators, mentors, women trying to understand men, men trying to understand themselves, and anyone interested in stronger character.
Books
Recommended books that fit Michele’s criteria.
Of Boys and Men
Richard V. Reeves
A thoughtful look at the challenges facing many boys and men, with policy-minded solutions that do not require giving up on gender equality.
Compass fit: Empathy, Accountability
Raising Cain
Dan Kindlon, Ph.D. and Michael Thompson, Ph.D.
A classic resource on protecting the emotional lives of boys and understanding the pressure many boys feel to hide tenderness, fear, and vulnerability.
Compass fit: Empathy, Emotional Awareness
The War for Kindness
Jamil Zaki
A research-based case that empathy is not fixed. It can be strengthened through practice, effort, and better social habits.
Compass fit: Empathy, Courage
How to Know a Person
David Brooks
A practical book about seeing other people more deeply, listening better, and helping people feel valued, heard, and understood.
Compass fit: Empathy, Integrity
How to Raise an Adult
Julie Lythcott-Haims
A useful parenting resource about helping young people develop resilience, independence, responsibility, and the ability to handle real life.
Compass fit: Accountability, Courage
The Mask of Masculinity
Lewis Howes
A popular book about male vulnerability, emotional walls, performance, anger, status, and the cost of hiding behind narrow ideas of masculinity.
Compass fit: Self-Awareness, Accountability
Talks and media
Videos and articles for deeper conversation.
Tony Porter: A Call to Men
A TED Talk on the “man box,” healthy manhood, and men’s responsibility in creating respect and safety.
Compass fit: Accountability, Courage
Jackson Katz: Violence Against Women, It’s a Men’s Issue
A powerful talk that reframes gender violence prevention as a responsibility men and boys must be part of solving.
Compass fit: Courage, Accountability
Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
A widely viewed talk on vulnerability, connection, shame, courage, and what it takes to be emotionally honest.
Compass fit: Courage, Empathy
TED Ideas: Building Empathy
A practical article connected to Jamil Zaki’s work, with exercises for strengthening empathy and kindness in everyday life.
Compass fit: Empathy, Practice
Michele’s lens
Why these resources fit.
These books and talks support the same larger conversation Michele is building: character shows itself through behavior, and better behavior requires self-awareness, empathy, courage, and the willingness to be accountable.
They also help keep Michele’s work grounded. Her trademarks carry personality and humor, while these outside resources add educational context, credibility, and pathways for deeper learning.