Fraternity: An Inside Look at a Year of College Boys Becoming Men by Alexandra RobbinsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an insightful and revealing look into modern fraternity life on American campuses, particularly in the popular Greek system. There is a lot about hazing and an interesting point is made that, aking to boot camp or cult induction, paying a high cost of entry increases the value of membership in the mind of the member. Also intertwined is the confusing ideals of adulthood and masculinity being sorted by pledges during this pivotal time.
Like many modern works, the author feel compelled to jump around between story lines and with time lines. What, is Quentin Tarantino going to direct the movie version? Anyway, the two main people being followed are a new chapter president and a new frat member. These contrasting views heighten the insight offered here. While I was interested I guess more as the sociological topic; fraternities as a an exclusive, dogmatic subgroup. Beside that interest, there is probably more to offer to students considering Greek life or trying to make sense of it. Also, parents or guardians seeking to guide and advice will find explicit resources here.
[I obtained an ARC to review]
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