I haven't read the book yet, I want to before I go on to pass comment on it, before I guess at intentions; or review it etc. I wouldn't want to be in the position of being a person protesting over something who can be asked 'have you actually read it?' and not be able to reply in the positive.
The impression seems to be it isn't a 'Dying to Belong' B-movie novel but somewhat rounded with positives and negatives?
I've bought three books on fraternity/sorority life this year; this one has certainly piqued some interest and debate here so I might buy this one too!
Until I read it I shan't know whether the author does fail to accentuate the positive and only perpetuate the negative. What matters somewhat is whether or not the impression given is that negative aspects are *all* that can be found. As has been pointed out, service & philanthropy bears mentioning; but sizzle sells. This is different from sensationalism which I see as putting a false spin on something to make it look different from its otherwise innocous self - if a behaviour is negative... it is.
GreekChat has shown negative practices do persist in greekdom.
Despite condemnation of them when they occur, anecdotal experiences which don't gel with founder ideals can still be seen. Maybe drawing attention to these can arguably carry with it a sad and unfortunate air of necessity.
I use GreekChat as a resource, personally. I imagine the author had the presence of mind to view information on the site with an appraising very cautious eye.
Though a 'mere' internet message board, it contains access to combined decades upon decades of experience and does contain authoritative perspectives viz. IotaNet and Russell spring to mind as individuals who do hold (quite high up) positions within their respective national offices. Of course, AggieSigmaNu361's information that there is simply a passing reference is important here also!
I think... in writing a book about any organized group of people, one will find traits or behaviour common to them to write about. This doesn't mean those behaviors aren't also common to other groups but perhaps bear mentioning as they describe the group one is writing about.
I might still buy the book.
I agree with many of James' comments.