Absolutely American
by Lipsky, David
Lipsky, a Rolling Stone writer and an award-winning novelist, chronicles daily life at the U.S. Military Academy during the most tumultuous period in its history.In 1998, West Point made David Lipsky an unprecedented offer: stay at the Academy as long as you like, go wherever you wish, talk to whomever you want, to discover why some of America's most promising young people sacrifice so much to become cadets. Lipsky followed one cadet class into mess halls, barracks, classrooms, bars, and training exercises, from arrival through graduation. By telling their stories, he also examines the Academy as a reflection of our society: Are its principles of equality, patriotism, and honor quaint anachronisms or is it still, as Theodore Roosevelt called it, the most "absolutely American" institution? During arguably the most eventful four years in West Point's history, Lipsky witnesses the arrival of TVs and phones in dorm rooms, the end of hazing, and innumerable other shifts in policy and practice known collectively as The Changes. He uncovers previously unreported scandals and poignantly evokes the aftermath of September 11, when cadets must prepare to become officers in wartime. Absolutely American spotlights a remarkable ensemble of characters: a former Eagle Scout who struggles with every facet of the program, from classwork to marching; a foul-mouthed party animal who hates the military and came to West Point to play football; a farm-raised kid who seems to be the perfect soldier, despite his affection for the early work of Georgia O’Keeffe; and an exquisitely turned-out female cadet who aspires to "a career in hair and nails" after the Army. These cadets and their classmates are transformed in fascinating, sometimes astonishing, ways by one of America's most mythologized and least understood challenges. Many of them thrive under the rigorous regimen; others battle endlessly just to survive it. A few give up the fight altogether. Lipsky's extensive experience covering college students for Rolling Stone helped him gain an exceptional degree of trust and candor from both cadets and administrators. They offer frank insights on drug use, cheating, romance, loyalty, duty, patriotism, and the Army's tortuous search for meaning as new threats loom.
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On Oct 10, 2022, Anonymous said
Absolutely American is “uncommonly good” as the author’s journey took a surprising turn and he ended up writing about the real and emotional challenges of USMA cadets (who were ultimately impacted by 9/11). Your preconceived notions of West Point should be challenged after reading this book (though note that hazing has nearly been eradicated in the decades after this publication). Absolutely American is about youth going to college - but a school that demands so much more from them, as they will go on to help protect, and possibly fight, for America’s freedom. I loved the author’s honesty in sharing his personal biases and the unlocking of his rigidity against all things military. His voice gave this book authenticity and a place of pride in written history.
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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point
by Lipsky, David
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2003. 1ST. HARDBOUND. VERY GOOD in VERY GOOD jacket. 1ST. 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches. pp. 336. Publisher Houghton Mifflin; 1st edition (July 4, 2003) Language English HARDBOUND 336 pages ISBN-10 061809542X ISBN-13 978-0618095421 Item Weight 1.45 pounds Dimensions 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches. Lipsky, a Rolling Stone writer and… Read more about this item Item Price
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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point
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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point
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Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003. First Edition. First Printing. Hardcover. Very good/good. 317 pages. Illus., bibliography, slight creasing to DJ edges, small crease in front DJ flap. Signed by the author. Lipsky, a Rolling Stone writer and an award-winning novelist, chronicles daily life at the U.S. Military Academy during the most tumultuous period in its… Read more about this item Item Price
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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point
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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point
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Absolutely American : Four Years at West Point
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ABSOLUTELY AMERICAN
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New York: N, 2003. Four Years at West Point. Pp. xvi+318(last blank), 16 plates, bibliography, med. 8vo; quarter cloth, fore-corners a trifle bruised; dust wrapper; top edge of leaves a trifle soiled; Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, 2003. Second impression. Item Price
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Absolutely American
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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point
by Lipsky, David
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Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2003. 314pp/illus. Documents the daily routines of the prestigious U.S. military academy during a turbulent time in its history- offering portraits of cadets and the elite officers who educate them- describing the institution's reaction to the September 11 attacks- and cons. . 1st Printing. Hard Cover. Near Fine/Near Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" Tall.… Read more about this item Item Price
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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point. [1st hardcover]
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Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point
by Lipsky, David
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Absolutely American : Four Years at West Point
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