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princesspersephone's review against another edition
4.0
The perfect read for me as I transition over to liberal arts school for a second degree after getting my first from a large state school. The author is definitely biased in framing a liberal arts college in pristine light, but the book offers more than persuasion. It was interesting to learn the history of the elite institutions we so admire, and the back story behind what has driven and kept them at the top. I do not think that liberal arts education is for everyone, though I do agree with the general "purpose" of them in that they function to inspire critical thinking and logic (which was sorely missed at my large state school) over rote memorization and busy work. This is the perfect book to give highschool juniors/seniors if only to inspire them in their pursuit of knowledge/passion over money/status. If I had known the message of this book before going to college it would have made my time there a lot more valuable. I would have known to dig deeper for opportunities and bother the hell out of my professors. I probably would have figured out what I was passionate about before my last semester and wouldnt have had to get a second degree before apply to PhD programs (If only I knew that undergraduate research was a thing lol).
r_reads2winnie's review against another edition
3.75
Excellent Sheep is a thought-provoking book about the American educational system, especially its elite colleges. This is a good book for parents with younger kids who are going to college in the future or mature high school and college students who are thinking about their colleges, majors, or career. I am not the intended audience.
By excellent sheep, the author means students who are high achievers. Their sole purpose is to achieve status, whether admission to elite colleges or getting good jobs according to societal standards or what their parents or peers think is best. For instance, they take as many AP classes as possible, accumulate many volunteer hours, and engage in 10 extracurricular activities. The problem is they have little or no interest in or passion for what they do. They are simply building their resume to enhance their college application, and this pattern will continue once they get to college. These kids are driven but anxious with no intellectual curiosity or social skills.
The author also argues that college should be a place of self-discovery, trial and error, learning to think critically and creatively, and finding a sense of purpose and one’s path. This is hard to do now because students are choosing more vocational paths, like Computer Science and Finance, and don’t pursue liberal arts education like English, Philosophy, and History, where they can learn to cultivate soft skills.
The book is loaded with the author’s opinions of what’s wrong with elite colleges. I think it will prompt the readers to think about the value of education and the American educational system. Although I agree with the author's main idea, his description of elite education feels one-dimensional, and his opinion is overly idealistic.
By excellent sheep, the author means students who are high achievers. Their sole purpose is to achieve status, whether admission to elite colleges or getting good jobs according to societal standards or what their parents or peers think is best. For instance, they take as many AP classes as possible, accumulate many volunteer hours, and engage in 10 extracurricular activities. The problem is they have little or no interest in or passion for what they do. They are simply building their resume to enhance their college application, and this pattern will continue once they get to college. These kids are driven but anxious with no intellectual curiosity or social skills.
The author also argues that college should be a place of self-discovery, trial and error, learning to think critically and creatively, and finding a sense of purpose and one’s path. This is hard to do now because students are choosing more vocational paths, like Computer Science and Finance, and don’t pursue liberal arts education like English, Philosophy, and History, where they can learn to cultivate soft skills.
The book is loaded with the author’s opinions of what’s wrong with elite colleges. I think it will prompt the readers to think about the value of education and the American educational system. Although I agree with the author's main idea, his description of elite education feels one-dimensional, and his opinion is overly idealistic.
mrdmccampbell's review against another edition
4.0
I was dreading this book before I had even opened it; I was expecting another horribly boring slog that doesn't tell me anything new about the education system (see: How College Works). I couldn't have been more wrong! Deresiewicz slam-dunks every argument he makes about how f'ed up education is; both in higher education and in primary/secondary school. Every president, dean, admissions counselor, professor, and --most importantly--parent should have this book hand-delivered to their doorstep. Think about what you've done, America.
mattleesharp's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good but uneventful book. Deresiewicz expertly retreads a lot of pretty familiar class and cultural critiques of our current education system. He skirts the edge of political while offering solutions that would require radical political action. It's worth the read if you're interested. The book is well written, a quick read, and filled with interesting anecdotes, but I don't think this is really necessary reading even for the very specific subjects it addresses.
sharanyasarathy's review against another edition
4.0
A book with important themes, but one I wish I had read before attending college. Still contained some insights I can make use of in my post-grad life.
jedster247's review against another edition
3.0
Excellent analysis of the problems with higher education. Unfortunately his recommendations for change fall flat due to an idealized view of a liberal arts’ education.
The discussion on purpose, passion, vocation, and calling were helpful. And he was correct in suggesting the best job/life is not the one where you make the most money. His own career path is a great example of his point. Students don’t leave college as fully-formed professionals with their future perfectly planned out.
However, despite the fact he repeatedly insists he’s not religious, he suggests a liberal arts’ education is the vehicle to provide meaning and the discovery of your true self. In other words, this type of college functions as a temple/church with professors serving as cherished mentors/priests.
The discussion on purpose, passion, vocation, and calling were helpful. And he was correct in suggesting the best job/life is not the one where you make the most money. His own career path is a great example of his point. Students don’t leave college as fully-formed professionals with their future perfectly planned out.
However, despite the fact he repeatedly insists he’s not religious, he suggests a liberal arts’ education is the vehicle to provide meaning and the discovery of your true self. In other words, this type of college functions as a temple/church with professors serving as cherished mentors/priests.