Nonfiction Navigators discussion

Front Row Seat to the Meaning of Pledged

When I saw Alexandra Robbins’s book Pledged sitting on the shelf in the library I did not realize the dedication it would take to write such a novel. To gain the knowledge she did, Robbins had to blend in with these girls and make it appear that she was a part of each sorority. To protect the image of each girl they all received pseudonyms, the sorority names were changed, and the school where all this takes place remains anonymous because the truth lies behind the closed doors and pretty Greek letters.
Alexandra Robbins is able to construct such an accurate, in depth novel due to following multiple girls throughout their sorority experience. The four girls are Vicki, Sabrina, Caitlin, and Amy. These girls come from a variety of backgrounds and are each in a different sorority at the university. This allows readers to become familiar with more than just one sorority and realize that even girls within each sorority differ from each other.
Readers gain a deep insight into the various social events that girls are expected to attend. These events range from mixers, fundraisers, Greek week, formals, and much more. Girls are able to meet new people and be a part of an exclusive social circle. Although a sorority provides the girls with social opportunities they come with rules. While sororities host many events that encourage dates, who you can bring is often limited. Often sororities have certain frats that they approve or disapprove of and this means that guys that are not approved of are off limits to girls. This is due to the image of the sorority being hindered if you are seen with them. There is also a minimum number of events girls are expected to attend to have different privileges and maintain membership in the sorority.
While from the outside sororities often look amazing and the girls appear to have everything, there are many struggles behind the scene. Robbins writes a lot about the different eating disorders, hazing, drinking, and self confidence many girls face. This does not mean that every sorority is this way but many girls will face some of these challenges throughout their college years.
I personally loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see both sides to life in a sorority. This book was an easy read and very well written. While it appears glamorous from the outside, and many girls enjoy every moment they spend in the sorority, there is also a lot that goes on behind the scenes. I do recommend though that you should not let this book waiver you from the decision of whether or not to join a sorority in college.