Ms. Mentor's Impeccable Advice for Women in Academia

I was an proto-academic in another life (back when the world was young and there wasn't an oversupply of would-be professors with graduate degrees in the humanities), and I wish I'd had this book when I was attempting to make my way as a very junior faculty member. Because, even though Emily Toth gives special attention to the problems of women in combating the many variant forms of sexism (from mere idiocy to outright harassment), much of what she has to say regarding survival is just as valuable to the guys. Following the third-person style of Miss Manners in a column she originally began writing for the MLA periodical Concerns, she starts with advice for graduate students preparing for the job interview, goes on to the first year as a newly-hired Ph.D., the "perils and pleasures" of actually teaching, the pursuit of tenure (practicality reigns here, as distasteful as that might be in the ivory tower), what to do once you've achieved it, and so on -- right up to the emeritus years. She begins each discussion with actual letters from readers but often goes far afield in prescribing advice. The mordant humor and twinkling cynicism make the medicine go down a treat.

As someone who has experienced some of the worst viciousness academe has to offer and gone on to flourish in spite of it, I say to all budding professors: read this book! KNOW this book! I bought it when I went back on the job market a couple of years ago. This is the practical stuff nobody wants you to know when you send them your $50 and original transcripts hoping to get into X program at Prestigious U. Grad School- because lesser souls would run screaming. THIS time around, I'm tenure-track at one and a half times the salary I earned before. Take what Emily Toth says to heart- I've been there, done that, can give the dime tour, and she's RIGHT.

Reading this book makes me realize how incredibly lucky I am in my current position as a tenured faculty member of a very progressive small liberal arts college. In recalling the many "incidents" from my previous institutions, however, I'm impressed that so many of us get out of graduate school alive and go into teaching positions. Nearly every section of the book rang true for me, and I have recommended it to all the young women with whom I work. Only a lucky few of us work in an oasis of enlightenment...I can't wait for the sequel!

I thought this book was very good. I particularly liked the fact that the advice was practical and pragmatic. Her humorous style made the book easy and enjoyable to read. I was pleased by the way that she helps and encourages the reader to move beyond "Life is unfair!" and onto the more helpful, "So, what to do about it?".

As a beginning grad student who has been away from academia for several years, I found this book not only a kick to read but full of refreshingly straightforward information. I plan to follow Ms. Mentor's advice to the letter. But this isn't just a guidebook for academia. Any woman (or man!) who wants succeed -- and survive -- as a professional should read this book.