John Hechinger

PRAISE

``True Gentlemen is a timely and deeply unsettling book about the arrogance and abuses of too much of the Greek letter fraternity system.'' –– Tom Brokaw, senior correspondent, NBC News and author of The Greatest Generation

``With gripping and powerful storytelling, Hechinger portrays a part of American collegiate life that everyone should be aware of -- one that feeds the darkest instincts of our future leaders.''  –– Diane Ravitch, research professor of education, New York University, and author of Reign of Error

``Here, at last, is the full story of fraternity culture in America . . .  Fair, deeply reported, and often riveting . . . For parents of potential pledges, it ought to be required.'' — Caitlin Flanagan, contributing editor to the Atlantic and author of Girl Land 

``It is hard to imagine a better moment for this investigation of one of the foundations of white male privilege—the college fraternity — Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America  

``John Hechinger’s relentless reporting and fine critical intelligence reveal all too much about the worst of frat life in America.  A necessary and significant book.”— Mark Edmundson, University of Virginia professor and author of Why Teach?
 

REVIEWS

``A blistering inside look at the traditional Greek system . . . a book of revelation'' -- Washington Post

``A deeply reported (and disturbing) expose of the fatal hazing, misogyny, and racism plaguing America's broken fraternity system" -- Esquire

``Hechinger has made a far more valuable contribution to American college life than any fraternity ever could.” -- Christian Science Monitor

"Must-Read" for Fall  . . . ``A Powder Keg for the Keg Set'' -- Boston Globe

``Riveting, infuriating . . .  an expose that, given the influence of fraternity alumni, requires tremendous courage to pursue" –– Kirkus Reviews (starred)

``An exemplary work of investigative reporting'' -- Library Journal (starred)

ABOUT TRUE GENTLEMEN

True Gentlemen takes readers deep into the world of fraternity culture and reveals how profoundly that culture influences Wall Street, Main Street, and Washington. As centerpieces of campus life, fraternities still struggle with their original sins -- what author John Hechinger calls “the unholy trinity” of dangerous drinking, misogyny, and racism. For a nation faced with the current politics of divisiveness, True Gentlemen argues that the college fraternity offers a chance to understand – and address – the roots of essential American conflicts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Hechinger, a two-time winner of the George Polk Award,  is a journalist who specializes in education, investigative reporting, and finance.