Rating: Summary: 5 STAR YOUNITY GUILD REVIEW! Review: Dorrie Williams-Wheeler's " Be My Sorority Sister Under Pressure," boldly takes on the story of Eva Perkins, who goes through great length to become a sorority sister while pledging on line for the fictitious Beta Gamma Psi sorority on a journey that results with one of the most powerful and gripping novels to date that successfully infiltrates how peer pressure to belong and gain acceptance among a Greek Organization dangerously lures college students to risk their lives and even break the law to become a member. Eva's life spins out of control as a very unfortunate incident lands Eva in front of authorities facing questions about the death of another pledging member. The question of sisterhood and loyalty unfolds as all members and those on line get caught under fire to reveal the truth. Readers will be surprised by the outcome, and left pondering if whether or not one would risk everything to indeed become a member of a Greek Organization. The book flows with intriguing characters like Ursula, Carmen, Tazmyn, Connie, Janette, Ashley, and Cassidy who are unforgettable. Dorrie Williams- Wheeler''s self designed book cover leads to the mystique as it is clear and evident that one of the arms of the character on the cover is disfigured. There are many disturbing revelations in Be My Sorority Sister Under Pressure, and by no means is Dorrie lightly unveiling or mocking the truths of hazing crimes hidden under the surface of bogus Greek Organizations who defy the true meaning of those committed to helping communities, promoting social change and that can never be tainted by the actions of a few hazing crimes. Thanks to responsible authors like Dorrie bringing these issues are at the forefront and perhaps those entering college should read a book like Be My Sorority Sister Under Pressure to understand that hazing is a crime, and no amount of pressure is worth risking one's life and disgracing the foundation that Greek organizations have been built on. I highly recommend this book for its aesthetic value, responsibility and overall high interest and well written format that makes Dorrie a favorite among many readers. Sparkle Doll Productions is on the rise. Look out for this author.
Rating: Summary: A Glimpse into Greek Life Review: Eva Perkins hails from middle class America. Her mother is a card-carrying member of Beta Gamma Psi. Her sister is also a member of Beta Gamma Psi, and Eva desires to be Beta also. Not to mention, her father and brother are also members of the Greek life. As she enters into her freshman year, Eva's thoughts are consumed by becoming a Beta. In fact, Eva considers that her life will be "perfect" if only she can become a Gamma. BE MY SORORITY SISTER is set at the Edwin Carver Science and Technology University in Ashland, Virginia. Once an HBCU, Carver is now a public school. Its prestige is renown. The Black Greek organizations are more exclusive than ever at Carver and Beta is considered to be elitist on the Carver yard. The book sets a realistic stage into the daily throws of college life - the pettiness, the daily encounters and exchanges with peers and pledging process. Ms. Williams-Wheeler has good character development and shows growth and maturity as the book carries the reader through Eva's four years of college. Showing the trials and tribulations of pledging and adding unexpected twist that may compromise the future of Beta at Carver and the acceptance of Eva's pledge class into the Beta organization, BE MY SORORITY SISTER will have the reader wondering what's next. Although I am not a member of a Greek organization, I feel that Ms. Williams-Wheeler wonderfully captures campus life and the situations a young lady may face while pledging, including what may be perceived as hazing. Additionally, I think this book would be a wonderful book club selection because not only would it lend itself to an interesting discussion, Ms. Williams-Wheeler has conveniently included a discussion guide at the end of the book to encourage a group discussion. I will look forward to reading future works by this prolific writer. Reviewed by Nedine of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating: Summary: Much Praise Review: First, it is ridiculous and absoultely revolting that we can not support each others as writers. Mrs. Dorrie Williams-Wheeler was by no means advocating her book as being non-fiction. Perhaps, those in the greek world need to stop taking themselves so seriously. Particularly within the black culture. When you are done we are all black women and this is how we are viewed in America. Next, why is this person bashing? would it have anything to do with their own ambitious pursuits? I would like to sell books because they are best within my genre. Not because I have maliciously slain the competition? Then again if I am writing to get thing published then I would be more secure in my writing abilities. Finally, I have read the book and I have used it as a tool in my classroom to inspire inner city teens to want to attend college. Along with other books that deal with the topic of college. I will say my high school students were excited about the possibility of them going to college and becoming a member of a greek organization as well as pursing degrees. I am floored by the lack of support that we have out here. If you do not have anything good to say; simply say nothing. If Mrs. Wheeler is a low grade "basement" writer as suggested people will find out on their own and not by the vantage point of a self serving driven opponent of Mrs. Wheeler. I ask that everyone look at excerpts of the book on their own before making a final decision to purchase the book.
Rating: Summary: A Quest for Sisterhood Review: From the pain of pledging to the pride of paraphernalia Be My Sorority Sister Under Pressure by Dorrie Williams-Wheeler presents a bird's eye view of both the joys and pains of black sorority life. In this work of fiction, the author uses the main character to narrate and reveal the harsh realities of pledge life and college experiences in general.
Ever since she was an infant and her mother dressed her in a Beta Gamma Psi sleepergown, Eva Perkins seemed destined to be a Beta. After all, both her mother and sister are Betas. So when Eva enrolls at Edwin Carver Science & Technology University , it is no surprise that she is on a mission to pledge Beta. Unfortunately, she learns that freshmen cannot pledge so she has to wait a whole year. Meanwhile, she tries to prove herself on the school's swim team and maintain her grades since the Betas require a 2.8 GPA or above.
Finally, her sophomore year comes and she's convinced that she'll be chosen to go on line, especially since she's worked at Beta community events, contributed money to buying one of the sorors a gift and even babysat a soror's child. Much to her dismay, she finds out that the Betas already have a line and she's not on it. Although most girls would be dissuaded, Eva's pursuit to one day wear the Beta colors of purple and teal does not end.
Finally, patience pays off and Eva gets a phone call. Before she knows it, she is signing forms, paying fees and moving into the Beta house. Her dreams are finally coming true. She and five other pledge sisters are officially on line. In the name of sisterhood, the pledges are forced to bond. In one instance they are even handcuffed to one another. Although the tight bond between them is eventually developed, there are issues along the way. Ultimately, one pledge drops and wants revenge.
After weeks of humiliation, emotional torture and essentially being slaves for the big sisters, the pledges are ready to "cross over," the final step to becoming a soror. To celebrate the fact that they would soon be full-fledged Betas, the pledges engage in the ritual of spray painting the English building and the unthinkable happens. In the face of tragedy, Eva is faced with a huge dilemma that forces her to choose between being loyal and being honorable. How much will she give up to be a Beta?
Be My Sorority Sister--Under Pressure is perfect for young adult readers, especially young ladies who are on their way to college and thinking about pledging a sorority.
This novel is a fast read, but at times it is too fast. Characters such as Seneca, Arcadia and Kylie seemed superfluous without real development, making them forgettable. Although the story is engaging, it would have benefited from more descriptions of places, things and events. All in all, the author presents a good, solid story and lessons learned
Reviewed by Joan Burke Stanford of Loose Leaves Book Review
Rating: Summary: Much Praise Review: I am a sophomore at Norfolk State University. I recently picked up this book and loved it. It is perfect reading for summer time and for college students who are busy and don't have time to read epic novels. It's a quick read (200 pages plus a reading guide and character list). I enjoyed it because it was written for a college audience. The sorority I want to join recently came off of suspension and hopefully this fall I can go for it. This book really revved me up. Much Kudos to the author for telling an original story. Some of the things that happened are expected (going to rushes, ect), but a lot of the characters are diverse and some situations are really unexpected.
Rating: Summary: Detailed and Entertaining Review: I am glad that I had the chance to read this book. I am Greek and this book brought back so many memories of my own pledging experience. "Be My Sorority Sister-Under Pressure" takes the reader on every step of the main characters journey into the fictional sorority in the book. I admit-I kind of didn't like the way that the character Carmen was portrayed, but her addition to the story was true to life about how often people of other races try to join a sorority where they aren't the majority. The main character Eva was well developed and engaging. One thing I thought was accurate about this book is how it is not easy to join a sorority, getting the other members to accept you and so on. The situations seemed authentic. I read the authors first book and knew she was destined for success and this latest novel confirms my belief that she is headed for big things. You go girl!
Rating: Summary: Hey It's Entertainment Review: I felt compelled to write a review when I saw that one star review that was obviously "hate" towards the author or just someone really out to dim Ms. Williams-Wheelers shine. "Be My Sorority Sister-Under Pressure" is an entertaining light read perfect for the summer. Does it answer every question or situation involved with the Greek process? Why of course not. It is clearly stated in the opening pages that the book is a work of fiction. As for grammatical errors and insinuating the book was manufactured in a basement, that was just way off target. Too many times on this site have I seen this one star reviews slam books by Triple Crown or other AA authors and the books are perfectly fine. Bad reviews that don't even detail the plot or storyline, just spreading hate, makes you wonder if the people even read the book. Trust the book club reviews, believe they don't lie. The book is entertaining, as for the reading level it says right on the authors website that she writes for a mature teen/colleg audience so when I bought the book from AMAZON I knew what I was expecting. "Be My Sorority Sister" reads like a high pace movie. Eva wants to go Greek, her family is Greek, she finally gets on line and all kind of stuff happens. I'm Greek, and no I don't know the author but I think other Greeks will find this book entertaining. All of us Greeks have had different experiences and I do know people who have experienced some of the things Eva went through. Hey, even I really wanted to be down before I was Greeks so I know people can relate and I have passed this book on down to my little sister who is a freshman. It was a fun book, don't expect any life changing reading, but check out the books website, just search, and read some excerpts or something, thats how I found out about it. Hope I didn't get all soap box in my review, I just hate when it seems like books and authors are needlessly hated on.
Rating: Summary: Must Read for Greeks! Review: This book is excellent! Any college girl could enjoy this book and even learn something. It shows true sorority girls the dangers of hazing and what you can do when you set your mind to it and it shows girls that don't care for greek life that it doesn't always fit into its stereotype. A must read for any college girl that is considering, is in or crosses paths with the greek system! Eva's story, although fictional can be related to the struggle in any college student's life. The author is accurate and knowledgeable!
Rating: Summary: This book is the bomb!!! Review: This book is the bomb! I am an African-American college student who is in a Greek organization. How many ways can I say this book is pretty darn good. It is mad exciting, my favorite chapter was "Eva Has A Boyfriend." Throwing Troy into the story was a nice twist and it would have been great if he was a bigger part of the story, but the story was about the sorority thing. The Troy chapter to me was like, "Ohmigosh, this is like so true to life around campus." I also could relate to the friendship that Eva had with Ashley. The events and emotions detailed in this book so mirrored my own emotions and actions in going through the sorority process. Eva, the main characters really wants to be in a sorority, heck don't front most girls in college, especially Black women want to join sororities? The Black college society is about frats and sororities and if you are not Greek, you are a secret wannabee. I heard this author on the radio on Chicago's WGCI a few weeks back. If you are a college student you won't be disapointed in this book.
Rating: Summary: GREAT BOOK ON GOING GREEK!!! Review: This fun-to-read book takes you into the life of Eva, a young woman about to enter college (a former HBC) with her sights set on becoming a Beta Gamma Psi. With an educated family in which everyone is greek, the pressure is on for Eva to pledge. This novel takes you through the entire pledging process--from the "pre-pledging" that Eva went through (babysitting, running errands, providing money, etc.) all the way through to her rather unconventional initiation ceremony in which she "crossed over." Full of drama and details, the author holds the reader's attention completely--and finally leaves the audience with a very important message.
I would consider this book a must read for every young African-American woman who is about to have the college experience. This is a great preparatory novel about the positive and negative aspects of going greek...throughly enjoyable.
DYB
|