A Real Man Does Not Put Cream in His Coffee

About the Book

            It all began when I was thirteen years old at a Memphis State basketball game.  We had just taken our seats when one of the fathers decided to get us refreshments.  When he returned, he had forgotten one important thing for my coke, a straw.  I asked, “Where is my straw?”  He looked at me and replied, “Son, a real man doesn’t use a straw.”  After the laughter subsided, I realized he was right. A real man doesn’t need a straw.

               Some years later I was with Brian who was about to put cream in his coffee. I mentioned that a real man does not put cream in his coffee.  Amidst laughter he asked, “Where did you ever get an idea like that?”  I told him my father. He replied, “Oh yeah, I forgot Howard is the authority on what a real man is.”  Shortly afterwards, Brian and I began determining our own real man rules.

A mere comment, “You should write those down so you don’t forget them,” launched it. Before we knew it, we had pages and pages of true real man rules – some foolish, others plain and simple.  Occasionally when a few of our friends were together, someone would mention, “Hey, I’ve got a good real man,” which was then included in our list.  Subsequently, everyone would try to think of one more worthy of being added to ‘the list’.

About the Author

Co-Authors Brian Smiley and Brett Calhoun and Artist Matt Alley were born and raised in Memphis, TN, and have 105 years of combined Real Man experience Both Brett and Matt are currently living in Memphis as Real Men while Brian lives in St. Petersburg, Florida as a Real Man. The three enjoy all the activities that a Real Man would enjoy: fishing, grilling, and drinking.
For merchandise and tips on becoming a Real Man, check out our Web site at www.realmanbook.com