In this riveting new collection of essays, Gail Griffin artfully blends autobiography and literary criticism to examine conflicts currently raging around feminism, multiculturalism and political correctness, both on our embattled college campuses and on the larger American scene.

She begins her journey by probing key experiences of "growing up white and female," in the fifties and sixties, then moves on to her current life as a teacher of English and women's studies at a small, liberal arts college in the Midwest.

With penetrating insight, she dives into the treacherous waters of teaching African American literature to white students, looking for places where real contact might be made. Recounting classroom dramas, both tension-filled and triumphant, she shows herself to be a woman willing to take risks to transcend differences, and open her students' minds to new possibilities.

Griffin's provocative reflections on the art and philosophy of teaching, and the still-marginal position of women in academe are a must for all those interested in the state of higher education.