Finding the Boyfriend Within: A Practical Guide for Tapping into Your Own Source of Love, Happiness, and Respect

I am not a huge fan of self-help books, but what Gooch says is true: in order to find love, you have to love yourself. He marches past the cliche with some solid writing and good examples, urging the reader to think about the things we do in pursuit of a mate and consider turning some of that energy inwards. Treat yourself the way you would a potential new boyfriend, he tells us, and you will be surprised how this can change your life for the better. The advice is old hat, but embraced as it is by Gooch's entertaining prose, it's charming and cozy as well.

I recommended this book to wordgirl2006 years ago and we periodically call each other to make sure each of us is setting aside time for "the boyfriend within." Sometimes when I have show more been neglecting the boyfriend within, I make myself a cup of hot chocolate, light some candles, and curl up in my favorite reading chair with Brad Gooch. show less

The Great White Expanses between lines and the gigantic margins tip you off that this is not a "dense" book. I guess the reader is expected to take notes. Gooch's advice and chatter is akin to bar talk, three glasses of wine minimum. It's harmless stuff, but hardly anything one would expect of a middle-aged, mature gay man. Gooch tries, but his profound narcissism defeats him at every turn -- or mirror -- found in this book.

At times insightful, if you can get past Gooch's own experiences. If interested read the last 7 pages, then may be the book.

A self-help book which encourages the reader to become one’s own boyfriend. Gooch draws from a number of sources, but does not include a bibliography. A “lite” book which might be a starting point for some.

Thanks to Brad, we at Seattle's LGBTQ+ Center have all found The Boyfriend Within.