Norah Vincent's 'Self-Made Man' is a powerful exploration of gender and identity. The author embarks on a daring journey, spending over a year incognito as her male alter ego, Ned. In the process, she immerses herself in the often hidden worlds of men—joining a bowling league, enduring the cutthroat realm of sales, dating, visiting strip clubs, and even living in a monastery. Vincent's undercover adventure provides a unique window into the rituals and pressures of masculinity, offering a sympathetic yet critical gaze at how gender shapes social interactions and personal identity. This gripping narrative invites readers to ponder the meaning of manhood and the complex fabric of gender performance.