Reviews of books by Hank Nuwer


Title: "High School Hazing - When Rites Become Wrongs"
Author: Hank Nuwer

Mention the word "hazing" and most people immediately think of traditional rites practiced by college fraternities and athletic teams. In this book, the author opens our eves to the problems of hazing on the middle and high school level. Nuwer strives to educate students, parents, and educators on this often misunderstood and too easily dismissed topic. This tightly written book defines hazing and follows its history to today's growing problem in high schools. Questionable behaviors such as verbal abuse, head shaving, acts of servitude, and disgusting food consumption can easily become physical abuse, alcohol abuse, degrading actions, or unlawful acts. Both boys and girls are susceptible to the peer pressures that lead to hazing, which is unlawful in all but eight states. Of great importance is the chapter that details 15 ways to stop hazing in your school or community. As more high school students emulate college age students and without anti-hazing education, the problem of hazing has the potential to increase. This informative book certainly will open the reader's eyes. A bibliography, list of Web sites, list of organizations, and index are included. Highly Recommended.


By Patricia J. Hare, Library Media Specialist, Northwest High School, Cincinnati, Ohio