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A review by ainsley
Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point by David Lipsky
3.0
This had such potential, but instead just told the story of four years at West Point. With the access Lipsky had, he could really have questioned everything and determined what works best and what fails. But, no, just a bunch of vignettes.
I remain fascinated by the educational system in place at the service academies, as well as anything looking closely at living a disciplined life. This didn't really prove useful on either front. Indeed, I wish this were more the book I remembered it being (from when it first came out) than the book it actually is.
page 34: "They seem mentally fit, mentally scrubbed; I've never seen less depressed kids." Well, yes, when students with a history of depression (and ADHD, among other things) are excluded, as stated on page 8, you'll be much more likely to have a group of students who aren't depressed. Strange how that works. (I know what Lipsky's trying to say; he inadvertently drew attention to a failing rather than a strength.)
I remain fascinated by the educational system in place at the service academies, as well as anything looking closely at living a disciplined life. This didn't really prove useful on either front. Indeed, I wish this were more the book I remembered it being (from when it first came out) than the book it actually is.
page 34: "They seem mentally fit, mentally scrubbed; I've never seen less depressed kids." Well, yes, when students with a history of depression (and ADHD, among other things) are excluded, as stated on page 8, you'll be much more likely to have a group of students who aren't depressed. Strange how that works. (I know what Lipsky's trying to say; he inadvertently drew attention to a failing rather than a strength.)