March is that terrifying, sometimes exhilarating time of year for those who are waiting to hear from colleges. The season made me think about two novels. Admission is the story of an admissions officer at a college who has to make all of the usual difficult decisions about who is in and who is out. Portia’s situation becomes more complicated as issues from her past arise. Will she compromise her values? How much power do those admissions officers have? This is a good read and the basis for the movie starring Tina Fey.
The Gilded Years is an historical novel that takes place at Vassar at the turn of the 20th century. It gives a clear picture of what it was like to be a student at an elite women’s college at a time when many women did not receive higher education. The reader also gets to experience the many and unique traditions that the college had. Added to this narrative is an important historical dimension as the novel tells the story of an African American young woman who was passing as white in order to attend the school. What was this like for her? Will she be found out? How alone did she feel? This novel is based on true events and I would highly recommend it. You will get a sense of how far (and not) we have come over the years.
Good luck to all high school seniors out there. Read these novels for evidence that you are not alone.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 