Colleges and Universities Books

Having assisted US students to study in the UK for 20 years I have a pretty good idea of what they want to know, and what they need to know - not necessarily the same thing! This excellent little book "Get Set for Study in the UK', written by Tom Barron, for 12 years Director of the International Office at the University of Edinburgh, covers both these areas clearly and succinctly. There are chapters on finding a University and a course in the UK which suits you, applying and getting accepted. It gives an invaluable glossary of UK academic terms, covers study skills, and gives some advice on using the Internet to get further information. All US students intending to study in the UK will benefit from this book - indeed, it should be their first resource - nothing else covers so much ground for so little money.

Having assisted US students to study in the UK for 20 years I have a pretty good idea of what they want to know, and what they need to know - not necessarily the same thing! This excellent little book "Get Set for Study in the UK', written by Tom Barron, for 12 years Director of the International Office at the University of Edinburgh, covers both these areas clearly and succinctly. There are chapters on finding a University and a course in the UK which suits you, applying and getting accepted. It also covers study skills and some advice on using the Internet to get further information as well as a glossary of UK academic terms. All US students intending to study in the UK will benefit from this book - indeed, it should be their first resource - nothing else covers so much ground for so little money. Dr Eileen Macmillan

Parents, it's not too late to buy this book and send it to your sons and daughters starting their first year in college. You'll feel better if they have this helpful little book in hand. It isn't just a list of what to take (presumably you've already taken care of that). This is an easy-to-read survival manual for the new college student. It has tips on laundry, lofts, long-distance relationships, studying, social life, safety nets--you name it! If you're having separation anxiety as your student sets out on his or her own, buy a second copy for yourself!

"Getting Ready for College" is an amazing resource for high school students on the verge of attending college. The handbook covers not only the essentials (like what to bring, study tips, planning your schedule, etc.) but also addresses the much fuller picture of college life - facing a new social scene, getting homesick, the added pressures one faces with new found independence, and so much more. The book is full of tips and advice from those who've recently gone to college. Based on my years of experience working in student affairs on a college campus, their perspectives are accurate and incredibly helpful. The handbook also serves as a useful guide in preparing for summer jobs between school years and getting ready for the work world when graduation looms near. It's a book you should buy, read from cover to cover, and take with you as a reference guide throughout your college years. You'll be very glad that you did!

Join Yolanda Sahagun in 1973 as she learns about her past, her present and what will eventually shape her future.
Ghosts of El Grullo is the touching and emotionally connecting story of family, its trials and difficulties and yet how necessary and joyful it truly is. As a tender sequel to her first book, Patricia takes us further into the challenging journey towards adulthood that we must all venture on. Her story is a poignant tome, as she relates the immigrant/everyone experience to us in a way that shows us ourselves. She takes us though the odyssey of our coming of age; the difficult father and the under-appreciated mother, the struggle for freedom in a loving, but smothering environment. She is consumed with reaching independence, yet also consumed with the need to keep her family of eight siblings together. I found the book very emotional and enjoyable at the same time. In the end, it is evident that the most powerful of all love is the unconditional love of our parents.
Great book, give us more!

Patricia Santana is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and grew up in south San Diego, California. She has published several award-winning short stories and the novel, Motorcycle Ride on the Sea of Tranquility that was selected as a Best Books for Young Adults 2003 by the American Library Association.

Santana's new book, Ghosts of El Grullo doesn't disappoint. It continues the story of Yolanda Sahagun, a young woman whose life is similar in many ways to Santana's. She is a member of a Mexican-American family with eight siblings who live, work, love, laugh and cry in the San Diego suburb of Palm City.

El Grullo is the name of the village in Jalisco, Mexico, where Yolanda's mother grew up and where her aunts still live in the family compound. Every summer, Yolanda's family piles into their station wagon and goes to Mexico to visit family members there. The compound is old and the aunts tell stories of ghosts haunting the rooms and verandas. Yolanda was a sensitive and imaginative child and was very curious about the ghosts and about the family history.

In this book it is 1973 and Yolanda is about to start college at the University of California-San Diego. She has scholarships and plans to live in the dorms - away from her father and his old-fashioned and erratic rules and moods. College life is a whole new culture. She is constantly searching for symbolism and ways to mesh her Mexican-American heritage with her new freedom and with people she meets from very different walks of life.

Family crisis, family love, and everyday events are handled with such warmth and caring that I felt like I knew the Sahagun family (or at least that I wanted to know them better). Patricia Santana has created well-developed personalities - even the neighbors and Mexican aunts are more than just names on the page. I don't know how much of the story is based on Santana's own life, but she has certainly created a fictional family full of life and love.

I truly enjoyed reading the book and hope to find and read her earlier work.

Armchair Interviews says: Well-told story of family life.

Steve Thompson clearly shares an emotional bond with the athletes and students that he gives his life to. He once said, "Life is not only about the 4.0, you need to stop and invest in relationships." Thank you, Steve.

This book is very similar in style and purpose to John Feinstein's "Season On The Brink". The author's main focus in planning this book was to present a day to day behind the scenes look at the 1999-2000 Alabama basketball team. And for the most part that is what Stephen Thompson writes about. What he didn't plan for was the team's loving and caring relationship with Robert Scott, one of the assistant coaches who is suffering from terminal stomach cancer. Despite horrible pain Scott is always there at practices and games and always there to provide emotional support for his young team doomed themselves to a season that would gradually come apart as player after player is lost due to injury. At one time, there were not enough players to even practice. Walk on players were used in games. Yet the team is able to pull off upset wins over ranked teams, Vanderbilt, Tennessee and hated rival Auburn and came close to beating another ranked team...Florida. As a basketball fan I love this book. Thompson takes you inside the locker room, insde the coaches meeting and planning sessions. This book is never mundane. The ending is poignant yet hopeful. This is not just a great baskeball book; it's a great book.

It has been said that sometimes you don't find a book, it finds you. "A Gift Before Dying" is a book that found me. If you're a basketball fan, I hope it finds you.

Gladly Learn, Gladly Teach: Living Out One's Calling in the Twenty-First Century Academy is an anthology of essays by learned authors, all of whom are both teachers (or scholars) and Christians, and who seek to balance their belief with the demands of their profession. Each searches for a clear theological vision upon which to base institutional and pedagogical planning, yet each understands and emphasizes the critical importance of diversity, pluralism, and true academic freedom. Though the essays particularly refer to a Baptist institution of higher learning, their broad principles connect with all branches of Christianity in the ever-confusing struggle to reconcile conflicts of faith and science. Individual essays include "What Makes Church-Related Education Christian?", "Pluralism at a Baptist University", and "Integrating Heart, Mind, and Soul: The Vocation of the Christian Teacher". A serious- minded and thoughtful collection.

There are very few books in my life that I intentionally re-read; there are so many books and so little time that it sometimes seems a dis-service to be re-reading things. I have a short list of things I like to revisit - a list of literary and other classics that I try to re-read (sometimes in different edition or translation) once per decade or so. One book, 'The Scope of Our Art: The Vocation of the Theological Teacher', edited by L. Gregory Jones and Stephanie Paulsell, is one that I have re-read each year; when I saw this book by John Marson Dunaway, I immediately knew it would join those ranks.

The title, 'Gladly Learn, Gladly Teach', comes from Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'; Dunaway gives the context:

A CLERK ther was of Oxenford also,
That unto logyk hadde longe ygo.
...Sownynge in moral vertu was his speche,
And gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.

Dunaway shows that this give the sense of the priority of learning before teaching - while this would seem to be a common sense observation, it is sometimes neglected, both by teachers and by administration. Dunaway also emphasises the element of gladness - teaching is a calling, a vocation, something that should fill the teacher with a sense, as Frederick Buechner claims (quoted by Dunaway), 'the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need.'

This volume comes from a colloquim at Mercer University, drawing students and faculty from ten different schools and colleges together to explore the issues of faith and learning in the context of higher education. One thing that I particularly appreciate about this volume, making it a good companion to the above-mentioned text on theological teaching, is that it goes beyond the area of theology and religious studies to incorporate teachers in other fields, including political science, law, philosophy, foreign languages and literature. It also crosses over the denominational and faith lines, including Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish, from different perspectives within those traditions.

Dunaway has two broad sections in the text, contributors from Mercer and contributors from outside of Mercer. In the first essay, Mercer President R. Kirby Godsey references both Martin Buber and Parker Palmer, both leading lights in the area of relationships between God and humanity as well and interpersonal relationships from a theological perspective. The importance in the I-Thou relationship is not the I or the Thou, according to Godsey, but rather the hyphen, the relationship. 'The action is in the hyphen,' he states. The teacher is only a teacher in relation to the student, the 'Thou' that makes the 'I' possible.

Other essays in this section include poet Gordon Johnston, who draws the I-Thou relationship further in poetic substance; Charlotte Thomas, who looks at transformation both from the Gothic ideas of Abbot Suger of St. Denis as well as Proust's literature; R. Alan Culpepper, who looks specifically at a theology of teaching in terms of incarnation, community and creation; Jack L. Sammons, who develops ideas from Paul Ricouer and Ludwig Wittgenstein to analyse the parable of the Good Samaritan; and Andrew Silver, who looks at issues of pluralism - from the perspective of his Jewish identity, he has insights that can be useful for those in predominantly Christian institutions.

From this collection, it is perhaps Sammons' essay that intrigued me most; Sammons is a law professor, and draws upon Paul Ricouer (someone of whom I have done extensive study). He uses the orienting/disorienting/reorienting process to get the student/reader/listener to gain new insights and meanings from that which is commonplace. One of the problems with many of Jesus' parables is that, while they were new at the time they were originally told, they have become part of the common landscape of Christianity, with 2000 years of accumulation. Still this parable and other parables have power to teach, and teach in a deep and meaningful way. Sammons suggests that 'all true teaching is inherently religious: an ancient understanding that perhaps we can learn to see again and anew.'

From the non-Mercer collection, essays include one by Richard Hughes, who develops Silver's themes of pluralism and looks for ways to remain authentic to the Christian faith as a teacher (and for church-related institutions to remain authentic, too); David Lyle Jeffrey makes the strong and convincing claim for scholarship to be done in community, drawing from the long tradition of the church as well as the larger body of English literature; Jeanne Heffernan, a Roman Catholic, draws upon John Henry Newman ('The Idea of the University') and Jacques Maritain to argue for a holistic vision of education in the classroom and across the institution; William Hull looks specifically at the Baptist presence and absence in modern faith/learning conversations; and Mary Poplin provides a glimpse of a 'convert' from post-modern, 'typical academy' thinking to a more biblically-based faith and sense of pedagogical philosophy.

I have one quibble with the Afterword provided by Jean Bethke Elshtain. She is discussing modern ideas of career, job, vocation, calling, pilgrimage, and other such ideas, and makes the claim that, 'to the extent that we lose a rich vocabulary of calling and what it means to take one's stand on a given ground, we lose a particular sense of self.' While this is true, I worry that she (and others) might hold those who are untrained in the terminology accountable for saying or not saying something in the proper way. I myself now understand that, once upon a time when I was talking to a bishop about my calling, I used the word 'career' in a construct where the word 'vocation' or 'calling' would have been more appropriate. However, not having been trained in the terminology, I felt unfairly dismissed because 'all that is being talked about is "career".' We do need to educate people on these differences, but need to be careful not to dismiss those who have the right idea but the wrong wording.

Overall, this is a truly excellent work. The spirit that cover the writings of the contributors is broad, rich, diverse, but all seem to emanate from the same vocational sense of teaching as a call worthy to be pursued and worthy to be celebrated. These are people who could gladly join the pilgrimage to Canterbury, gladly return home again, and have their gladness meet the world's deep need.

This 1922 book looks at the collegiate cartel of "higher education" in America. The 'Introductory' asks what will happen to America if the young people in colleges and universities are not wisely and soundly taught? Are the large sums of money honestly and wisely used? Sinclair asks what if a bandit crew has hijacked higher education to exploit it for their own benefit? If the students are being taught folly not wisdom, greed not justice, slavery not freedom, and hate not love? Sinclair has read reports, traveled across America to talk to educators and teachers, deans and administrators. Sinclair will not suggest how things ought to be, he will merely state what it going on in the college and university world. He will tell what is being done to the students. It will be up to you to decide whether it is acceptable or should be changed.

They say you cannot understand the cultural institutions of any country unless you know its economic and social conditions (Chapter V). "Interlocking directorates" is how three great banks in New York with two trust companies manage the financial affairs and direct the policies of over a hundred key corporations of America. The control of credit means they control the business world (p.20). An article in 'Harper's Weekly' by Louis D. Brandeis explained how this worked. "Men die, but the plutocracy is immortal" (p.21). Like the vampires of legend, it is renewed by fresh blood. This is provided by the educational system, and the National Educational Association (a lobby of the plutocracy). Columbia University sets the standards for higher education in America (Chapter VI). "Our educational system is not a public service, but an instrument of special privilege" (Chapter IV). Its true purpose is to support the plutocracy. Is it a domestic version of the Prussian system of state compulsion and indoctrination? Chapter VI goes on to analyze the rulers and their relationships. [It reminds me of feudal society with the lords and their vassals ruling and exploiting the masses of serfs.] Sinclair explains the career of Nicholas Murray Butler, the lackey of the plutocracy (Chapter VII). Do college presidents lie like politicians (p.32)?

Sinclair exposes the hypocrisy of N. M. Butler, President of Columbia University. Butler praised the Kaiser for his old-age pensions and unemployment insurance, and for abolishing child labor in Germany (Chapter VIII). But back in America lackey Butler denounced the child labor law in such terms that it couldn't be printed in the press (p.39)! This book is very detailed about the times when it was published. Many of the names will be unknown to those born since 1950. Its monetary figures are far out of date. Gold was $32 an ounce and our coins were mostly made of silver. Its 476 pages are worth reading for those who would like to read Sinclair's reports on higher education in America in those times. This is not a whitewash or cover-up. Its analysis of the educational system has a frankness that would be censored from today's publications.

Sinclair's brilliant and now out-of-print book belongs in the growing list of tragically uncirculated, classic works which includes Koestler's "The Call Girls", Tolstoy's "The Kingdom of God is Within You" -- and much of the output of Thorstein Veblen. All offer social analyses which are probably too penetrating and perceptive for the modern publishing world to handle comfortably.

Howard "Hopalong" Cassidy, Rex Kern, Archie Griffin and many more memories of Saturday afternoons in the "Shoe"

With so many Ohio State books out after the national title season, this book does a great job of capturing the essence of the final seasons. This is a must have for Ohio State fans to remember the greatest moments in Ohio State history, particularly the Fiesta Bowl season.

Compiled and organized by sports buff Peter J. Fournier, The Handbook Of Mascots And Nicknames is a straightforward reference listing nicknames and mascots of senior colleges, universities, junior colleges, and community colleges of the United States and Canada. The entries are arranged in alphabetical order for quick lookup in this fascinating reference which will prove invaluable for dedicated college and university sports fans everywhere!

I have just looked through a unique book written by Peter J. Fournier. "The Handbook of Mascots & Nicknames" is very comprehensive and thorough in the research that went into it. Shown are the mascots and/or nicknames of over 1,500 U.S. senior colleges and universities, 740 U.S. junior and community colleges, and over 115 Canadian institutions. Dick Vitale, the noted ESPN announcer and personality, liked this book so much he endorsed it: "If you love sports like I do, you will enjoy Pete's Handbook of Mascots & Nicknames. It is awesome, baby!" I think that any sports fan or trivia buff, old or young, male or female should have this book in their library. The book is a wonderful birthday present or a great stocking stuffer for the holidays. I can't wait for the update that will include all of the Puerto Rican colleges and universities.

John R. Adams's "Harriet Beecher Stowe: Updated Edition," in the Twayne's United States Authors Series is a short and succinct biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe from A to Z in less than 131 pages. No small task considering her influence on 19th century America.

Adam's book includes a chronology of events that serves as an excellent outline of the major events in Stowe's life. The book also includes a section on research notes, a selected bibliography and it includes a detailed index.

The book in organized by major life periods, such as her moving to Cincinnati and her publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The book will serve those who require a significant understanding of Stowe without spending a lot of time reading larger biographies of her life. Therefore, it can be describe as an excellent introductory text. Well suitable for those studying American Civil War history, American literature, American religious history or women's history.

John R. Adams is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California.

John R. Adams's "Harriet Beecher Stowe: Updated Edition," in the Twayne's United States Authors Series is a short and succinct biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe from A to Z in less than 131 pages. No small task considering her influence on 19th century America.

Adam's book includes a chronology of events that serves as an excellent outline of the major events in Stowe's life. The book also includes a section on research notes, a selected bibliography and it includes a detailed index.

The book in organized by major life periods, such as her moving to Cincinnati and her publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The book will serve those who require a significant understanding of Stowe without spending a lot of time reading larger biographies of her life. Therefore, it can be describe as an excellent introductory text. Well suitable for those studying American Civil War history, American literature, American religious history or women's history.

While John R. Adams is not an historian, he has clearly contributed to our understanding of Harriet Beecher Stowe and her writings. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California.

The author sorts through the major and minor events of Harvard's last hundred years to show how one of the world's great institutions has changed, and been changed by, the twentieth century. Thoroughly researched and written with an emphasis on the telling detail, Harvard Observed should be a treat for anyone with a Harvard connection or an interest in twentieth century history. [Reviewed in galleys]

HARVARD OBSERVED is a cogent and thought-provoking history that belongs on the shelf of every Harvard alumnus or alumna--and also in the library of anyone who is interested in American higher education. The illustrations are well-chosen; the anecdotes are often surprising; and though one comes away with great respect for Harvard, Bethell's warts-and-all presentation gives this book anything but an institutional feel. The book would be worth buying even if one read nothing but the section on SDS's takeover of University Hall in 1969, which is a model of fairness and careful reportage (the author was obviously on the scene). A splendid book throughout