Pink Ribbons Inc.—Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy

I’m glad I saved this book for the beach: in three days, I've read only 68 pages. Although the book is fascinating, it is heavy going.

In fact, it reads like a Ph.D. dissertation, which I suspect it was. When I get back to civilization and have Internet access again, I plan to e-mail the author, Samantha King, an associate professor of physical and health education and women’s studies at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, and ask her.

I’m also wondering why the copyright on the book is held by the regents of the University of Minnesota, rather than by the author, whose intellectual property it is.

Is this a new trend in Ph.D. dissertations? That a grad student does what is arguably the most important piece of work of his or her academic career and the results belong to the university that granted the degree? Interesting.

I plan to ask the author and the university about this. Also the National Writers Union, a strong advocate for authors’ rights.

A side note: As I write this, the view out my window is water, sand, and beach grass. Nothing more.

The dogs are both sleeping soundly, exhausted after six days of running on the beach, chasing balls (Connie) and the shadows of birds (GB). Younger Son is plowing through the Iliad, required reading before college starts in late September.

(Back in Seattle to post this. E-mail and phone contact are restored, a mixed blessing.)

@ Jeanne Sather 2007.

Comments

[laurie]

I own this book, too, and like, you, think that it was most likely a phd dissertation. She raises all the right questions, though.

[jeanne]

Yes, the person who told me about the book confirmed that it was a dissertation.

I've also e-mailed the author, but haven't heard back from her yet.

I like the book, and the information and analysis are great, but there are some passages that you have to read several times in order to get the meaning: academic-speak, in other words.