Pledged -the book Update

[SWTXBelle]

Okay, I didn't want to pass judgement without first reading the it, so I got the book from inter-library loan, and returned it today. Now, I would like to read the update, but since I returned the book I can't log-in - anyone with the book willing to forward the update to me? Thanks -

Yes, I do know that not everybody's read it, but oh well. [Highlight to read]

Update on Amy:

After graduation, Amy moved across the country for a new job and a new life. She loves where she lives, is content at work, and is happily juggling various boyfriends and a busy social life. She enjoys being involved with the Alpha Rho alumnae association, which put her in touch with other Alpha Rhos when she moved; some of these alums have become good friends. As for her friends from State U, she keeps in touch with more sisters than non-sisters, but she has grown closer to René.

How Amy felt about Pledged:

When I first spoke to Amy after she had read the book, she said she had had a good time reading it, though it was strange for her to see limited portions of her life mapped out in print. When she pointed out that her character seemed weak and too boy crazy, I asked her if she believed any of her experiences had been blown out of proportion in Pledged. She thought for a bit, and answered, "No."

How Amy feels about Alpha Rho:

"I miss it. I miss the routine and the activities. I miss seeing my sisters on a daily or weekly basis and catching up with them even on the small stuff, classes, life... I'm so glad I had a chance to be involved in it, but there are some things I wish I hadn't gotten so caught up in, and some things I wish I had taken more advantage of. I wish some of the petty stuff and gossip mill hadn't crossed my lips or path or generally bothered me in any way, since it was petty, and months later really doesn't affect me."

Amy would like readers to know:

"I'm doing great, trying new things, meeting new people, having fun, trying to be open to all new possibilities and new people." She says she's changed since the 2002-2003 academic year: "I think I'm a stronger person. I don't think I let the little things trouble me as much because I don't have time or the energy for it anymore. Life is too short and precious to worry about the nitty-gritty; I've gotta learn to live it and enjoy, and love everyone around me, and only keep those around me who love me back." Amy also wants to assure readers that she is not as weak and boy-centric as she was in Pledged.

Amy requested to post this message: "Greg, I'm sorry."
Update on Vicki:

Vicki, a senior at State U, is busy with classes this semester. She's taking schoolwork more seriously than she did before and is less interested in the campus bar scene. Perhaps most interesting to some Pledged readers, while she continued her flurry of fraternity dating throughout the 2003-2004 school year, this semester she's been spending time primarily with one guy... the boyfriend whom Beta Pi drove her to break up with (on page 19).

How Vicki felt about Pledged:

"Reading Pledged was such a trip! It was great reading about all my past experiences, even some things I had forgotten about or wished to never remember. I really did have so much fun reading it and reliving those memories. At first I was just excited to have someone to talk to about my sorority and what was going on in my life, and she couldn't be biased in any way. After a year it became clear to me that this was more than just a way for me to vent out. I think it's important for other girls to read this book and get an inside sense of what being in a house is really like. Before I joined, I participated in making fun of every stereotype that goes along with being in a sorority and I never thought in a million years that I would join one. Now, I am so glad that I did because I would have never met most of my really close friends today and I wouldn't have ever shared in the experience. I think it's good for girls who were just like me to know that a sorority doesn't always fit the stereotype."

How Vicki feels about Beta Pi:

Vicki doesn't take Beta Pi as seriously as she did as a sophomore. She rushed to meet other women, joined Beta Pi because she was extended a bid, and now feels that because she has made the close girlfriends she was hoping for, the sorority structure is less important. "It provided me with exactly what I wanted it to: I've made a bunch of new friends who I wouldn't have met otherwise, and I think that I would do it again," she says. But now Vicki feels she has outgrown Beta Pi. "Right now I can't say I hold my sorority in the highest esteem. My first year of being a part of it and living in the house was exactly what I needed at that point in my college career. I wanted to meet more people and have different experiences than in my freshman year. In spring 2004, it became apparent to me that I was far too old to be living in this house. I was sleeping on a top bunk bed with three other girls in a room that was meant for two. With the new executive board in place, rules began to change and there was an entire shift in morale. The seniors weren't happy with the way the house was being run and this attitude trickled down to everyone else, including myself."

Vicki says that the best part of life in Beta Pi has been the new people she's met. "Everyone says you meet the most people your first two weeks of freshman year, and believe me I did, but I have never met as many people as I did my sophomore year. Since I was meeting so many people in my own sorority, I was able to meet their friends and so on," Vicki says. "The worst part is the stupid little rules you have to follow and people you don't like trying to enforce them upon you. No one can say they like every single girl in their house and I am definitely one of them. There are some girls who take their positions so seriously and forget that this is supposed to be fun and this sorority isn't their own personal government."

And as for the boyfriend:

"We've been hanging out frequently. It's hard to say exactly what we are because I still like to avoid talking about that [with guys], and when we do speak, we don't usually come to any conclusion. I like him a lot and there is a ton of history but my eyes and mind still wander to other boys, which I guess means I shouldn't be with him but it's hard to not be with him, if that makes any sense!"
Update on Caitlin and Sabrina:

Caitlin and Sabrina have both gone through some rough patches since the final pages of Pledged. Because those challenges potentially could identify them, I can't go into detail; I hope to provide lengthier updates on them at a later time. Meanwhile, I can tell you that they did not disaffiliate from Alpha Rho before graduating; Caitlin is not dating Chris; Sabrina continues to date men her own age; and they are still best friends who are grateful to Alpha Rho for introducing them.

[SWTXBelle]

Thanks!