An Investigatory Report: Ahead of the Curve-A Current Student's Assesment
By Adam Ireland (OH), Contributing Writer
Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: News
By now I'm sure most of you have heard about Ahead of the Curve. I assume OH weren't the only section where reviews in the Wall Street Journal and The Economist prompted a flurry of emails from even the most over-worked of summer I-banking interns, and within a few days of publication I had also been interrogated by an elderly neighbor in my apartment building, and over a recruiting lunch, as to my thoughts on the book.
For those of you who missed out on this, Philip Delves Broughton, HBS class of 2006, has authored a book about his HBS experience and (cue gasps of amazement all round), it wasn't all about what an amazing place this is. He talks about section life, his job search, the cases and the professors teaching them, and generally provides a very detailed insight into what goes on during 2 years within these hallowed walls.
Egged on by reviews in several newspapers and magazines and jibes from co-workers, the book has been met by howls of outrage by both current students and alum (and apparently the administration as well). Unfortunately most of these complaints paint an unfair picture of both the author and his views of the school.
Here is a run-down of some of the most popular criticisms that I've come across:
"Well I've not actually read the book, but it is clear from the reviews that the whole book is just a hatchet job on HBS"
Now, I don't want to be the person to reveal that Santa doesn't exist, but actually book reviews aim to entertain, and aren't always written in an entirely unbiased manner. In reality if you go and read the book you'll find that the reviews did a great job of pulling out ALL of the most damning quotes from the entire book. The Wall Street Journal does at least recognize that there is praise for HBS in the book as well, but this is brushed aside as the author succumbing to "Stockholm Syndrome", which says plenty about the reviewer's opinion of HBS and the likelihood of him providing an objective assessment of the book.
For those of you who missed out on this, Philip Delves Broughton, HBS class of 2006, has authored a book about his HBS experience and (cue gasps of amazement all round), it wasn't all about what an amazing place this is. He talks about section life, his job search, the cases and the professors teaching them, and generally provides a very detailed insight into what goes on during 2 years within these hallowed walls.
Egged on by reviews in several newspapers and magazines and jibes from co-workers, the book has been met by howls of outrage by both current students and alum (and apparently the administration as well). Unfortunately most of these complaints paint an unfair picture of both the author and his views of the school.
Here is a run-down of some of the most popular criticisms that I've come across:
"Well I've not actually read the book, but it is clear from the reviews that the whole book is just a hatchet job on HBS"
Now, I don't want to be the person to reveal that Santa doesn't exist, but actually book reviews aim to entertain, and aren't always written in an entirely unbiased manner. In reality if you go and read the book you'll find that the reviews did a great job of pulling out ALL of the most damning quotes from the entire book. The Wall Street Journal does at least recognize that there is praise for HBS in the book as well, but this is brushed aside as the author succumbing to "Stockholm Syndrome", which says plenty about the reviewer's opinion of HBS and the likelihood of him providing an objective assessment of the book.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Carlos
posted 9/20/08 @ 12:21 PM EST
I read the book and I found it to be refreshing. It is a wonderful book full of humor and real life events. I know that all the people from HBS won't like it because it does make life at HBS seem. (Continued…)
Alice Heaton
posted 2/25/09 @ 12:06 AM EST
wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
Penny Alverton
posted 2/25/09 @ 8:19 AM EST
That looks like lots of fun. When I was in college we didn't had so many fun activities.
Nancy Johnson
posted 3/05/09 @ 12:12 PM EST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
Wanda Purves
posted 3/09/09 @ 6:26 AM EST
I thank you for the opportunity to share a portion of my moments in time with future generations.
Rachel Emmerich
posted 4/17/09 @ 2:35 AM EST
Cheers for writing about this. FYI - here's some more info about watch bones you might like!
Dinse Thoma
posted 6/20/09 @ 2:39 PM EST
Great article. I agree totally.
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