Who Needs Friends

An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America

By: Andrew McCarthy

Narrated by: Andrew McCarthy

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER

A moving and provocative exploration of male friendship and loneliness, from New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and actor Andrew McCarthy as he crisscrosses the country to reconnect with his friends.

“You don’t really have any friends, do you, Dad?”

A seemingly innocuous, if direct, question from Andrew McCarthy’s son left him reeling. McCarthy did have friends, but like so many other men, the necessities of modern adult life had forced his friendships to the background. At one point his friends had been instrumental in broadening his horizons, bolstering his courage, providing safe harbor. Now, McCarthy found himself questioning what had happened to those friendships, whether he needed them, what he valued, and what he had to offer. A simple question had become a moment that demanded a reckoning.

Who Needs Friends charts McCarthy’s journey over nearly ten thousand miles behind the wheel, following him on often-unexpected travels through Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta, the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rocky Mountains with one driving purpose: to reconnect. Along the way he talks to countless men about their male friendships, from cowboys and blues musicians to preachers and rootless teens. What began as a simple desire to catch up with a few friends turned into a deep exploration of the challenges and rewards that men experience in forming bonds with each other.

In McCarthy’s own words, “It turns out that guys have a difficult time with friendship.” But that’s not the way it needs to be.

A much needed retrospective

I loved listening to Andrew’s authentic observations on his road trip across America. It was a great pleasure to hear him share the stories shared by people in various locations and see the differences and similarities in each.

Relatable, even as a woman

Maybe because we’re the same age too? It was very real, same things we all think about at some time.
Worth a read or listen!

Be curious, expand your mind and your travels

Andrew never fails to deliver a good read!
Thought provoking, funny and informative.
You will be entertained!

Honesty

I enjoyed this book. The story of how men just don’t honor friendships. Telling the truth is difficult to hear sometimes. But friendships are SO important…share this book with your spouse. Perhaps friendships can grow…..

Truly enlightening!

It was fun to travel with Andrew! Hearing him describe some of the places I’ve visited. I enjoyed hearing his various conversations with men about their friendships or lack there of. Growing up with brothers, this really hits home. WE ALL need friends!