The Best Books About Sorority and Fraternity Life
For over one hundred years, Greek life has long been a staple of college culture, and now sororities and fraternities are getting media attention since Vice President Kamala Harris, an Alpha Kappa Alpha alumna, is a U.S. Presidential candidate and talks about her sorority sisters.
So, Greek Happy set out to curate the Best Books about fraternities and sororities and to dispel some of the misrepresentations about how they're only focused on having wild parties and exclusive social events. The selected books offer deeper insight into the many complexities of Greek life, including their focus on philanthropy and camaraderie, and offers historical narratives and personal memoirs, as well as critical analyses. Here’s Greek Happy's curated list of the best books about sororities and fraternities.
1. "The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities" by Lawrence C. Ross Jr.
This illuminating book delves into the legacy of historically Black fraternities and sororities, known collectively as the Divine Nine. Ross chronicles the founding and evolution of these organizations, exploring their role in advocating for civil rights and fostering community and empowerment among Black students. This comprehensive history of Black Greek life features interviews with famous members, such as Shaquille O'Neal, and provides an overview of how the Black fraternities and sororities have shaped both American culture and Black leadership in the U.S.
2. The Lost Boys of Zeta Psi: A Historical Archaeology of Masculinity at a University Fraternity
If you're a history buff and are fascinated by fraternity history, author Laurie Wilkie focuses on Zeta Psi, the first fraternity at the University of California, Berkeley. This Greek Happy pick analyzes the very beginnings of this first college frat formed west of the Rockies at the turn of the twentieth century, taking readers on a journey inside the "secret, amusing, and sometimes mundane" world of a California fraternity around the year 1900. We love the cover photo!
3. "Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities" by Alexandra Robbins
A classic in the audiobook genre, Alexandra Robbins’ "Pledged" takes a deep dive into the world of sororities, revealing both the glamorous and gritty realities of sorority life. Robbins spent a year researching and living among sorority sisters, and her findings are both eye-opening and thought-provoking. The book discusses the pressures of conformity, the social hierarchies within sororities, and the impact of Greek life on young women's self-esteem and identity. While we are of the opinion that this perspective is sometimes somewhat biased, we still think it is a worthy listen.
4. The One You Want to Marry (And Other Identities I've Had): A Memoir
The title of this book - The One You Want to Marry - got our attention because our sorority's reputation at San Diego State University was that we were 'the girls you'd want to marry. Comedian Sophie Santos's memoir is a story of her coming out and finding her identity, her time as a sorority girl at the University of Alabama which is ground-zero for sororitydom. As she told the Advocate, "I joined a sorority mainly because my mom forced me to. By the time I got to college, I had been to 10 schools. Being part of sorority life was like CliffsNotes -- it was the literal playbook of how to make friends. But she felt there was a double-edged sword because while it wasn't explicitly stated, she noticed that everyone was fixated on getting their 'MRS' degree and was nicknamed 'The Ones You Want to Marry' with a goal to be engaged by the age of 22." My own personal experience differs in that we were not out to get our MRS degree and were more focused on our careers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a current member of a sorority or fraternity, a prospective member, or simply an observer of college culture, the books we've selected offer invaluable insights into the world of Greek life. They explore the rich history, personal narratives, and critical analyses that shape our understanding. Readers can expect to appreciate the complexities of sororities and fraternities, recognizing them as spaces for growth, community, and sometimes, conflict. Each book on this list contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of Greek life, revealing the nuances behind the stereotypes. Happy reading!
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