rlk7m's review against another edition
4.0
What I loved about this book is that parts of it read like a trashy beach read, and yet this investigative reporting is my favorite type of genre. I can understand how it would upset many women who were in social sororities. But really, it's not like the information I read was all that shocking; some of my best friends were in sororities (and for the most part enjoyed their experience) and secrets get out. I know about the frat boys drawing Xs on body parts that need improvement; I've heard about the petty fights, the emphasis on beauty and money, but not so much brains; And anyone who doesn't believe drug and alcohol abuse run rampant are simply kidding themselves. Of course this doesn't happen everywhere. I think what I did find the most disturbing was the southern emphasis on keeping the white sororities white and how some girls who would've been wonderful sisters were excluded simply because of their skin color. I was also disturbed by the importance of Texas sororities, as described by the character Brooke, and how ostracized a girl was if she was in the "wrong" sorority. I would love to know how the advent of social networking has contributed to the inevitable in-fighting that occurs when 80 girls live in one house (and of course, among rival sororities).
kricketa's review against another edition
3.0
living in ann arbor, this book fascinated me. now i drive past the frat and sorority houses and shiver.
friends who lived in sororities at smaller universities remind me that some sororities are truly positive experiences and these stories, of course, don't apply to all. but a friend from a larger university tells me some of these stories are spot on. and many of the problems described happen to women in college without the influence of a sorority. either way, an interesting read on what it can be like to be female in these times.
friends who lived in sororities at smaller universities remind me that some sororities are truly positive experiences and these stories, of course, don't apply to all. but a friend from a larger university tells me some of these stories are spot on. and many of the problems described happen to women in college without the influence of a sorority. either way, an interesting read on what it can be like to be female in these times.
saralynnburnett's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this - as a Texas high school graduate who purposefully chose a college with no Greek system after being inundated with it already from being around SMU/ Highland Park too much, I found this to be a fair read showing both the pros and the cons. Plus, I enjoyed the author's writing style-it read like binge watching Gossip Girl, only backed up with facts and an extensive bibliography.
I do wish there had been some thoughts on how the Greek system is a reflection of America, because I think it is - the inclusiveness based on race, finances, looks, celebrity, and the non-importance of smarts, uniqueness, etc.
I do wish there had been some thoughts on how the Greek system is a reflection of America, because I think it is - the inclusiveness based on race, finances, looks, celebrity, and the non-importance of smarts, uniqueness, etc.
mbsteblein's review against another edition
2.0
Nothing terribly shocking in the book - although I was not in a sorority, I knew people who were and I went to a small school - no surprise that there weren't many secrets about Greek life when I was in college.
Still, I feel like I was peeking into these girl's lives, so I liked that aspect of the book (I know that I am nosy).
Still, I feel like I was peeking into these girl's lives, so I liked that aspect of the book (I know that I am nosy).
daria_morgendorffer's review against another edition
I don’t care about this at all.
jencay22's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this was a fascinating book. Having gone to a very small university that didn't have sororities (although there were plenty of cliques), I never understood what the big deal about sororities was. Now I know! I also know I will never, never, never want my children to be in a sorority or fraternity. My husband also read this, and as a college professor, he gained a better understanding of some of his students. The author does a great job of weaving in the stories of a few girls with the history of sororities.
emilayday's review against another edition
dark
informative
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Vomit, and Eating disorder