It's odd that this book has gotten substantially lower ratings from those who rated the hardcover edition. In any case, as someone professionally involved in higher education, I find that Lewis makes some excellent points, some of which I even agree with, others of which he persuaded me to take seriously. His analyses of college athletics and the pseudoproblem of grade inflation are particularly intriguing. His obsession with Harvard exceptionalism can get tiresome.

I agree with the vast majority of his musings on the evolution of higher education. Though he specifically focuses on Harvard, with the occasional mention of other Ivies, much of what he says can be applicable to most highly selective/selective schools. What I found infuriating, however, was his severe lack of respect for anyone in the student affairs profession. He not only blithely assumed that all academics are better prepared to deal with students (rarely the case, in my experience), but he is egregiously misguided in his perspective on sexual assault and rape on campus. Favoring risk reduction strategies over primary prevention, he all but blames the survivors of rape for their behavior and refusal to take any responsibility for the assault.

Finally, regarding something that should be trivial but is really quite obnoxious, he refers to Harvard as the legitimate mecca of higher education for all students in the world. Understandable, as he is an alumnus, faculty member, and former Dean. Nevertheless, his lack of respect for other schools does become grating with time.