College Girls: Bluestockings, Sex Kittens, and Co-eds, Then and Now : Book Review

"College Girls" by Lynn Peril is a captivating book that delves into the evolution of the college experience for women in America from the late 19th century to the present day. With a mix of personal narratives, interviews, and thorough research, Peril provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by female students throughout history.

The book explores the struggles of pioneering women as they fought against societal norms and prejudices to gain access to higher education. Peril showcases the various strategies employed by these women, such as forming sisterhoods and establishing women's colleges. Through these stories, readers gain insight into the determination and resilience of these early college girls.

Additionally, Peril takes a fascinating look at the impact of fashion and popular culture on the college girl image. She highlights how college fashion trends evolved over time and how magazines and media influenced the identity of the modern college girl. This analysis adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the intersection between cultural, academic, and social changes.

Peril's writing style is engaging and well-balanced, providing historical context while incorporating personal anecdotes that bring the stories to life. Her meticulous research is evident, making the book both informative and accessible to both academic and general readers.

"College Girls" is an illuminating read that sheds light on the experiences of female college students throughout history. Whether you have an interest in women's studies, education, or social history, this book is sure to captivate your attention and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the journey of college girls.

What are readers saying?

Lynn Peril's book, titled "College Girls: Bluestockings, Sex Kittens, and Co-eds, Then and Now," has received a range of reviews. The book explores the evolution of the college experience for women, focusing on the changing perceptions and expectations surrounding them.

Many readers praised Peril's extensive research and engaging writing style. They found the book enlightening and thought-provoking, particularly in its examination of how women's roles in higher education have shifted over time. Peril's analysis of the societal and cultural factors influencing the perceptions of college girls was highly appreciated, with some readers commending her for highlighting the struggles faced by women in academia.

However, some reviewers felt that the book could have delved deeper into certain topics and provided more analysis. They found the narrative somewhat disjointed, making it difficult to follow the progression of ideas. Additionally, a few readers expressed disappointment with the lack of diversity in the examples and perspectives presented in the book, suggesting that it focused primarily on white, middle-class women.

Another common criticism was the author's occasional use of outdated language and flawed assumptions. Some readers pointed out instances where Peril seemed to perpetuate stereotypes rather than challenging them. While these instances were not pervasive throughout the book, they were enough to diminish the overall impact of the author's arguments for some readers.

Despite these criticisms, many reviewers still considered "College Girls" to be a valuable read. They appreciated the book's exploration of the complexities of women's experiences in college and the insights it provided. Overall, there was a division of opinions among readers, with some finding it to be a comprehensive and enlightening examination of the subject, while others felt that it fell short in certain aspects.

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