An Expensive Education

Somewhere in the world, and probably in a dozen countries or more throughout the Global South, American Special Forces operators are engaged in action. Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and other, less-well-known units, operating in small groups on top-secret missions, are involved in what has been called—r......more

I wanted to know what it felt like to operate as a student on the Harvard campus and among the families of the elite, and the author's real-life experience in that environment comes through. I expected to contrast the indulgence of today's student with the public spirit shown by Theodore Roosevelt's......more

Fast, dirty, and unmoving - which is not to say that An Expensive Education is bad. In fact, I rather liked it, despite it's flaws - in McDonnell's world, even the women are macho, and anyone who feels feelings is doomed - and the fact that a good 50% of it would be possibly unintelligible and defin......more

The life of a one percenter. Sweet, if you’re a one per center and ok with your rare life of privilege. The author gives you an inside look into the world he grew up in. It’s a world of advantages that the majority of people are locked out of. He lists a few examples of self made individuals but stre......more

An average novel that made for a solid afternoon read. While the plot is decent enough, nothing breaks out and really captivates you. I'm definitely interested in seeing what else McDonell can do though. His writing is what made me stick around. 5/10......more