Quick Take

"To be up all night in the darkness of your youth but to be ready for the day to come...that was what going to Brown felt like." -Jeffrey EugenidesIn celebration of Brown University's 250th anniversary, fifty remarkable, prizewinning writers and artists who went to Brown provide unique stories - many published for the first time - about their adventures on College Hill. Funny, poignant, subversive, and nostalgic, the essays, comics, and poems in this collection paint a vivid picture of college life, from the 1950s to the present, at one of America's most interesting universities.Contributors:Donald Antrim, Robert Arellano, M. Charles Bakst, Amy DuBois Barnett, Lisa Birnbach, Kate Bornstein, Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, Mary Caponegro, Susan Cheever, Brian Christian, Pamela Constable, Nicole Cooley, Dana Cowin, Spencer R. Crew, Edwidge Danticat, Dilip D’Souza, David Ebershoff, Jeffrey Eugenides, Richard Foreman, Amity Gaige, Robin Green, Andrew Sean Greer, Christina Haag, Joan Hilty, A.J. Jacobs, Sean Kelly, David Klinghoffer, Jincy Willett Kornhauser, Marie Myung-Ok Lee, David Levithan, Mara Liasson, Lois Lowry, Ira C. Magaziner, Madeline Miller, Christine Montross, Rick Moody, Jonathan Mooney, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, Dawn Raffel, Bill Reynolds, Marilynne Robinson, Sarah Ruhl, Ariel Sabar, Joanna Scott, Jeff Shesol, David Shields, Krista Tippett, Alfred Uhry, Afaa Michael Weaver, and Meg Wolitzer"At Brown, we felt safely ensconced in a carefree, counterculture cocoon - free to criticize the university president, join a strike by cafeteria workers, break china laughing, or kiss the sky." -Pamela Constable

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Brown Reader: 50 Writers Remember College Hill

Introduction

"The Brown Reader: 50 Writers Remember College Hill" is a collection of essays, comics, and poems by fifty remarkable writers and artists who attended Brown University. Celebrating Brown's 250th anniversary, this book provides a vivid picture of college life at one of America's most interesting universities. In this article, we will explore the book's content, analyze the views of readers, and summarize the reasons for recommending and not recommending it.

About Judy Sternlight

Judy Sternlight, the editor of "The Brown Reader," has a wealth of experience in the publishing industry. With nearly a decade of experience at Random House, Ballantine, and Modern Library, she has worked with numerous acclaimed authors. In addition to editing this book, she has collaborated with renowned writers such as Marie-Helene Bertino, Rita Mae Brown, Ana Castillo, Gwen Florio, Bret Anthony Johnston, Peter Matthiessen, Daniel Menaker, Patricia T. O’Conner, Kwei Quartey, and Amy Rowland.

Analysis of Views

Nostalgia and Coming-of-Age Theme: Many readers found the book to be a time portal that conjured the mid-80s Brown ethos. The coming-of-age theme resonated with readers of all ages, evoking a sense of nostalgia and relatability.
Diversity and Perspectives: The collection of essays provided a wide range of perspectives on college life. Readers appreciated the diversity in terms of backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities, and personalities represented in the book.
Inspiring and Relevant: The personal stories in "The Brown Reader" were found to be inspiring and relevant to readers. The book showcased the experiences of individuals who went to Brown University and reflected on their university years.
Mixed Bag of Essays: While some readers found the essays to be standouts, others noted that the collection was a mixed bag. Some entries were more relatable than others, and some readers preferred to focus on specific authors whose work they enjoyed.
Nostalgia Through Others' Eyes: Being nostalgic through the eyes of others was a unique aspect of this book. Readers appreciated the opportunity to revisit their past experiences through the lenses of different authors.

Reasons for Recommendation

Reflective Perspectives: "The Brown Reader" offers a diverse range of perspectives on college life at Brown University. Readers found the personal stories to be reflective and relatable, providing insights into their own experiences or sparking curiosity about the university.
Celebration of Brown University: As a celebration of Brown University's 250th anniversary, this book offers a unique look into the history and culture of the institution. It serves as a tribute to the university and its impact on its students.
Wide Range of Authors: The collection features contributions from renowned authors such as Jeffrey Eugenides, Lois Lowry, David Levithan, and Madeline Miller. Readers were drawn to this book by the promise of discovering new writers whose work they enjoyed.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Negative Aspects: Some readers expressed concerns about certain essays being tone-deaf or insensitive in terms of race or privilege. They felt that certain pieces missed the mark or failed to consider the complexities of Brown's history and student experiences.
Limited Appeal: While "The Brown Reader" may appeal to those who attended Brown University or have an interest in college life, some readers felt that it may not have universal appeal due to its specific focus on Brown's history and culture.

Conclusion

"The Brown Reader: 50 Writers Remember College Hill" is a collection of essays that provides a glimpse into the experiences of fifty remarkable writers who attended Brown University. The book offers a diverse range of perspectives on college life, capturing nostalgia, coming-of-age themes, and personal reflections on university years. While some readers found it to be a mixed bag with a few standout entries, others appreciated its reflective nature and celebration of Brown University's history. While there are concerns about certain essays being tone-deaf or insensitive, overall "The Brown Reader" offers a unique reading experience for those interested in college life or seeking inspiration from diverse perspectives.