I received a copy of Lisa Patton’s new book RUSH from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley in return for my honest review. I thought it sounded like it would be light entertainment – what some call a “beach read.” Sounded perfect—I mean, I LIVE at the beach and with the crap going on in our country today, I sure felt in need of some light entertainment.

It is described as being “a story about women—from both ends of the social ladder—discovering their voices, courage and empowerment. “ It’s also described as “laugh-out-loud funny.” Frankly, I’m not sure I ever cracked a smile. As one reviewer put it, I just don’t find racist white people funny. Not with what is happening in our country (as overt racism is not only more and more common, but accepted).

In any case, the writing is good, and I would likely read more of Ms. Patton’s books. And possibly it is just me. Although I graduated from a good UC school and went to UC Berkeley for my graduate degree, the whole Greek scene was totally out of my world. I admit I find it a bit fascinating, in the same way I find cults and religious beliefs fascinating: interesting to read about and discuss, just not something that would ever be part of my own experience. I also had an atypical, terrible relationship/situation with my addicted mother, so maybe that is part of why it wasn’t for me…

Some people will love this, and some will aspire to the type of sorority life represented in this book. And I am sure some will find it funny. I didn’t. Two stars.