What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Company of Men: A Woman at the Citadel
When Nancy Mace entered the Citadel, the United States government had just recently overturned the ruling that women were not allowed to enter the "Corps of Cadets." Having grown up in a military family, Nancy was not unfamiliar with the harsh realities of military life. But upon entering those imposing gates. Nancy soon found out that she wasn't just fighting the tradition of the corps, but the culture and city that surrounded it.
Steeped in tradition and lore, the grand bastion known as El Cid is considered one of the South's most infamous and controversial institutions. Built in 1842, it has turned out a unique brand of Southern man -- and now woman. This is the true account of one young woman's battle to be a part of the long gray line.
Steeped in tradition and lore, the grand bastion known as El Cid is considered one of the South's most infamous and controversial institutions. Built in 1842, it has turned out a unique brand of Southern man -- and now woman. This is the true account of one young woman's battle to be a part of the long gray line.
238 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2001
2 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 30, 2020
This story is amazing. What Nancy Mace did and overcame is amazing. I loved how she described every aspect of her knob year—the good, the bad, the in between. Solid read.
Now for my PSA: Some of the reviews for this book include something along the lines of "I don't know how much of this is exaggerated." Ummm what? (*cough* I've never heard the same thing said about a man's memoir *cough*) THIS BOOK IS NANCY'S PERSONAL STORY. SHE IS THE EXPERT. QUIT SAYING THAT. Okay . . . rant over.
Now for my PSA: Some of the reviews for this book include something along the lines of "I don't know how much of this is exaggerated." Ummm what? (*cough* I've never heard the same thing said about a man's memoir *cough*) THIS BOOK IS NANCY'S PERSONAL STORY. SHE IS THE EXPERT. QUIT SAYING THAT. Okay . . . rant over.
March 15, 2017
The author's journey through her college years at the Citadel started off with a lot of opposition and harassment. Yet, she persisted and pushed through. She was one of the first females to ever graduate from this prestigious military institution and a Magna Cum Laude, no less. In a candid and friendly manner she shares with the reader her trials and tribulations through out those years. Of course not everything was stressful and hostile all the time. She had fun too, and made a couple of good and close friends along the way. She speaks about her reasons to attend the Citadel and what kept her going. Despite the rough ride she definitely opened the door to many more women to come and live this experience in a male dominant environment.
September 20, 2021
This is a raw and gritty and no excuses glimpse into not only what life is like for cadets in their knob year, but how much harder it can be for someone with so much against her. Fans of the Lords of Discipline will get this and love this book.
April 28, 2024
I just came in on the middle of an interview on the radio.
I didn't know who was being interviewed, but I found the person shockingly disrespectful to the topics brought up, the interviewer and the listeners.
I was quite upset by how rude and dismissive the person was.
She clearly was using anger and abusiveness to avoid talking about a very important topic that she couldn't just answer directly without upsetting the person at the center of the topic.
I was shocked to hear at the end if the interview that the guest was a member of the US Congress, Representative Nancy Mace.
Later, upon googling, I also found that her former job had been in the military.
It is people like this woman who are degrading our country in the eyes of the world and many of our citizens.
I couldn't help but think if her parents, pastor, former leadership in the military, and possibly even her childhood friends, had heard the interview, they would have been embarrassed that someone in her position, with her history in our country, would behave as she did in that interview.
It would sure be nice to all be Americans first in the sense of caring about our country, our neighbors, our Democracy even more than making political hits when we can't handle the truth of the topic at hand.
Very disappointing for a person with such a prestigious position in our country.
Imagine this woman being a role model for the children who will be our future.
I didn't know who was being interviewed, but I found the person shockingly disrespectful to the topics brought up, the interviewer and the listeners.
I was quite upset by how rude and dismissive the person was.
She clearly was using anger and abusiveness to avoid talking about a very important topic that she couldn't just answer directly without upsetting the person at the center of the topic.
I was shocked to hear at the end if the interview that the guest was a member of the US Congress, Representative Nancy Mace.
Later, upon googling, I also found that her former job had been in the military.
It is people like this woman who are degrading our country in the eyes of the world and many of our citizens.
I couldn't help but think if her parents, pastor, former leadership in the military, and possibly even her childhood friends, had heard the interview, they would have been embarrassed that someone in her position, with her history in our country, would behave as she did in that interview.
It would sure be nice to all be Americans first in the sense of caring about our country, our neighbors, our Democracy even more than making political hits when we can't handle the truth of the topic at hand.
Very disappointing for a person with such a prestigious position in our country.
Imagine this woman being a role model for the children who will be our future.
May 13, 2021
This book was very inspiring. It was cool to get an inside view on the daily life of a woman at The Citadel. It was also extremely detailed, and the imagery gave me a lot of information about the college. Nancy definitely will influence my decisions regarding choosing a college. She is an inspiring woman with many achievements.
September 25, 2020
Could have been a three star - - but more like a 2 1/2 stars
The Citadel is a mysterious place and very closed. I am uncertain as to how much was true and what may have been left out or exaggerated.
The Citadel is a mysterious place and very closed. I am uncertain as to how much was true and what may have been left out or exaggerated.
May 29, 2024
Interesting story, but ngl I didn’t like the main character… and it was an autobiography. I didn’t care for the way she described every negative aspect and then at the end was like yay this was great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
Provides a good depiction of knob year at The Citadel. An enjoyable read that took as much courage to write, as it did to live out.
November 30, 2020
It was interesting. I had to keep reminding myself that this happened.
July 12, 2021
A brutal story but the best illustration and model for the wimpy youth of today to know what it means to be challenged under difficult circumstances and succeed brilliantly. She’s no female victim!
November 16, 2015
In the Company of Men: a Nancy Mace Autobiography
It’s always scary to be the first one to do something; either being the first to jump or to taste something. You don’t know what to expect, or what may happen because you’re the beginning. Nancy Mace’s autobiography, “In the Company of Men,” is her story of being one of the first women to go to The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina. Her mental and physical battles against the odds, and her will to finish is motivating. I loved this book because it felt like I was there with her; making history and innovating the normal.
This autobiography is about a troubled girl’s journey to becoming an established, military college graduate. She wanted to make her father proud of her, and this is about all the steps she took. Being one of the first girls to go to The Citadel, a military college that’s been established since the Civil War, was difficult. Many of the male students, and even some of the staff, did not approve of this change. Just as in high school, Nancy faces bullying and rumors from her classmates.
This book is very empowering, and I think this is one of the reasons why I couldn’t put it down. I loved every second of this book; from her detailed descriptions of the battles with ADHD to overcoming ‘Hell Week,’ there was no moment of boredom. Each chapter was more exhilarating than the last. I think that this book is one of the best I’ve ever read. It just made me so happy to read about how she pushed through all those barriers and succeeded.
I think this book is best for high school girls; it’s the age we need to be motivated and inspired to shoot for the stars. We need to go after what we want, and do everything in our power to restrain ourselves from looking down. This book is perfect to teach you what’s really important, and how others’ opinions shouldn’t be viewed as important. I’m not sure boys would enjoy it as much due to the woman’s perspective and experiences, but it would still inspire you to go after your goals and keep pushing yourself. I loved every second of Nancy Mace’s autobiography of when she went into The Citadel, and I’m sure you will too.
It’s always scary to be the first one to do something; either being the first to jump or to taste something. You don’t know what to expect, or what may happen because you’re the beginning. Nancy Mace’s autobiography, “In the Company of Men,” is her story of being one of the first women to go to The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina. Her mental and physical battles against the odds, and her will to finish is motivating. I loved this book because it felt like I was there with her; making history and innovating the normal.
This autobiography is about a troubled girl’s journey to becoming an established, military college graduate. She wanted to make her father proud of her, and this is about all the steps she took. Being one of the first girls to go to The Citadel, a military college that’s been established since the Civil War, was difficult. Many of the male students, and even some of the staff, did not approve of this change. Just as in high school, Nancy faces bullying and rumors from her classmates.
This book is very empowering, and I think this is one of the reasons why I couldn’t put it down. I loved every second of this book; from her detailed descriptions of the battles with ADHD to overcoming ‘Hell Week,’ there was no moment of boredom. Each chapter was more exhilarating than the last. I think that this book is one of the best I’ve ever read. It just made me so happy to read about how she pushed through all those barriers and succeeded.
I think this book is best for high school girls; it’s the age we need to be motivated and inspired to shoot for the stars. We need to go after what we want, and do everything in our power to restrain ourselves from looking down. This book is perfect to teach you what’s really important, and how others’ opinions shouldn’t be viewed as important. I’m not sure boys would enjoy it as much due to the woman’s perspective and experiences, but it would still inspire you to go after your goals and keep pushing yourself. I loved every second of Nancy Mace’s autobiography of when she went into The Citadel, and I’m sure you will too.
June 6, 2015
Substance. It is what makes a book. Without it, there is very little left for the reader to grab on to. From the first pages of this book through the last chapter, I kept waiting, eagerly anticipating for that substance to show up. It never did. I am sure her story is one that contains a great deal of substance, why she chose not to include any of it is beyond me. She certainly alluded to it, often. Quite a few times, she tells the reader, "believe me, it was the hardest/toughest/most miserable, etc..", but she never expands on what "it" was. "It" hung over each chapter heavily, but "it" never revealed itself.
I found it to be disjointed and often contradictory. She would simultaneously push two thoughts that could not co-exist with one another, eg. treat me like a woman/treat me like everyone else, or she was being singled out because of her gender while being made to do the same thing her entire company was being made to do. Most of what defined the substance of the main argument in this book, I found to be either expected, or petty. In the end, the epilogue had more substance than the rest of the chapters, combined.
I recall, when I first decided I wanted to read this book(which has been some time), that I respected her for what she had done. I still do, both as a cadet and a female cadet. I just wish that what I had hoped to read about had actually been included in her book. One thing that left me with a bad taste in my mouth was her continued insistance that she "had no idea" what she had done to invoke the ire of people, many people, throughout the book. I simply do not believe that assertion. If she truly believes that, she is either the most naive person ever, or she is being intellectually dishonest with herself. For the record, I do not condone the way she was treated or sympathize with those that held that opinion of her at all. But at the least, I understand what they based their mis-treatment of her on.
I don't recommend this book. It flounders along and really challenges the reader to start the next chapter upon completion of the last.
I found it to be disjointed and often contradictory. She would simultaneously push two thoughts that could not co-exist with one another, eg. treat me like a woman/treat me like everyone else, or she was being singled out because of her gender while being made to do the same thing her entire company was being made to do. Most of what defined the substance of the main argument in this book, I found to be either expected, or petty. In the end, the epilogue had more substance than the rest of the chapters, combined.
I recall, when I first decided I wanted to read this book(which has been some time), that I respected her for what she had done. I still do, both as a cadet and a female cadet. I just wish that what I had hoped to read about had actually been included in her book. One thing that left me with a bad taste in my mouth was her continued insistance that she "had no idea" what she had done to invoke the ire of people, many people, throughout the book. I simply do not believe that assertion. If she truly believes that, she is either the most naive person ever, or she is being intellectually dishonest with herself. For the record, I do not condone the way she was treated or sympathize with those that held that opinion of her at all. But at the least, I understand what they based their mis-treatment of her on.
I don't recommend this book. It flounders along and really challenges the reader to start the next chapter upon completion of the last.
December 18, 2021
Congratulations to Nancy Mace for achieving her goal of graduating from The Citadel. I admire her determination and perseverance in being the first woman to achieve this accomplishment. I always support and celebrate women who are ‘firsts’.
The book is a study in contrasts. Mace is so proud of surviving the intolerable conditions she endured - it seems a Stockholm moment.
Frankly the surprise for me was not the challenges of Mace being the first woman to join the Long Gray Line. It was how appalled I am by the behavior and character that The Citadel instills in its graduates. Even with changes brought about by Ms. Mace’s father in his role as Cadet Commandant, the behavior is shameful. Cadets are emboldened and seemingly encouraged to abuse other people. The punishment Ms. Mace tolerated demonstrated the condoned abuse of power by upperclassmen and entitled graduates. The website claims their alumni proudly support their alma mater in its special mission to "educate principled leaders in all walks of life." Unless things have changed dramatically since Ms. Mace graduated, I can’t see how this can be true.
The book is a study in contrasts. Mace is so proud of surviving the intolerable conditions she endured - it seems a Stockholm moment.
Frankly the surprise for me was not the challenges of Mace being the first woman to join the Long Gray Line. It was how appalled I am by the behavior and character that The Citadel instills in its graduates. Even with changes brought about by Ms. Mace’s father in his role as Cadet Commandant, the behavior is shameful. Cadets are emboldened and seemingly encouraged to abuse other people. The punishment Ms. Mace tolerated demonstrated the condoned abuse of power by upperclassmen and entitled graduates. The website claims their alumni proudly support their alma mater in its special mission to "educate principled leaders in all walks of life." Unless things have changed dramatically since Ms. Mace graduated, I can’t see how this can be true.
December 24, 2011
Heroism and courage take many forms. Many feel that it's about saving the lives of someone, or climbing the highest mountain, or breaking the color barrier in baseball. To be sure, it is all of these things, but Nancy Mace's book showed a heroism and courage of a different sort. The daughter of a Citadel graduate, she always wanted to attend this school. At the time, it was an all-male military school with a rich tradition dating back before the Civil War. Nancy and three others were accepted by the school after a law was passed. She and the others suffered not only the same activities the other "knobs" did, but being the only women there, under the circumstances, other challenges confronted them. Nancy not only survived, but was one of the most outstanding students/cadets. Her determination, poise, and grace under fire is an example for ALL of us, both male and female to emulate. An interesting and inspiring read.
Read
April 23, 2009this was a veryo boo for me, mostly because i always wanted to go to the citadel for colledge (not the female part). I got a chance to learn about all the aspects of the Citadel that I missed when I was there.
Other than that though the book was about one of the first females allowed into the CItadel Military Academy and about all of her struggles with being the only female in a group of males. Non yo mention the fact that her father was the comandant of the Marine Corps during this time so she got even more speculation and suspision. but i do not want to ruin the rest of the book for you,so please check out the book and read it.
Other than that though the book was about one of the first females allowed into the CItadel Military Academy and about all of her struggles with being the only female in a group of males. Non yo mention the fact that her father was the comandant of the Marine Corps during this time so she got even more speculation and suspision. but i do not want to ruin the rest of the book for you,so please check out the book and read it.
October 5, 2011
In the late 1990's, Nancy Mace decided to follow in her father's footsteps and go to college at The Citadel, a prestigious military college. Many of the trials and tribulations she experienced during her first year at this institution are detailed in her account. Her courage and perseverance are obvious in the face of discrimination and resentment. It is much more an emotional retelling - how Nancy felt during that time - than it is a history of The Citadel or factual accounting of events. She does detail some of the hard work and physical demands of the experience, but something was missing for me.
July 29, 2017
In the late 1990's, Nancy Mace decided to follow in her father's footsteps and go to college at The Citadel, a prestigious military college. Many of the trials and tribulations she experienced during her first year at this institution are detailed in her account. Her courage and perseverance are obvious in the face of discrimination and resentment. It is much more an emotional retelling - how Nancy felt during that time - than it is a history of The Citadel or factual accounting of events. She does detail some of the hard work and physical demands of the experience, but something was missing for me
January 8, 2024
This may be the least political memoir I’ve read by a politician, Mace goes over her struggles growing up with ADD and her time as one of the first women at the citadel. This book shows that mental health issues do not define a persons life and that success is within reach for anyone. Mace’s life story is relatable and her stories about time at the citadel make this book a fun read. With hard work, determination, and a little bit of humor, Mace has produced one of my personal favorite memoirs.
April 12, 2008
Once upon a time... I wanted to go to a military academy. So I read this book. It was actually pretty interesting. Seeing as I've never been to a military school, I don't know how accurate it is, but it definitely wasn't boring. I didn't exactly like the author for parts of the book, but I gave it a 4 because it wasn't that bad. And it kept my attention.
May 29, 2015
In the Company of Men was a great book to read. It details greatly many of trials Nancy Mace encountered entering the military, and her efforts to come past them. As she grew up in a military family, she knew the struggles of military life, but she suffered for being a woman, literally "in the company of men", where men were the only ones in the military.
January 29, 2016
My oldest son graduated from The Citadel right before the first women were admitted so this book was a "must read". I found it very interesting and admire the young women and the challenges they met. Nancy Mace's father was also the commanding general at the school so she really had a lot to face. Also enjoyed reading about her father's time in Vietnam and the importance of "The Ring".
March 16, 2008
The author of the book was the first female graduate of the Citadel, South Carolina's unique military force (separate from every branch of the US Military). It's a fascinating peek inside the deep prejudices of the southern male world.
February 25, 2009
I really liked this book. It is about the first woman to graduate from The Citadel. She is the daughter of a Citadel grad. Every day was hell but every day was a good day, meaning it was a step closer to getting the ring and graduating. I recommend this book to people interested in The Citadel.
April 22, 2009
An inspiring autobiography about the first female cadet in the Citadel. Humbling to hear about all that she went thru on a daily basis and yet was still able to focus on her long term goal and deliver high in both academics and athleticism.
April 22, 2012
An outstanding book which captures Nancy Mace's POV as one of the Citadel's first female graduates. Can't recommend this book highly enough for anyone who has ever wondered what it was like to be in that first group of women who integrated into the Citadel's all-male cadre.
November 20, 2009
i don't know why this was on my list- or why i loved it so much, but there it is. i guess i'm just a sucker for "the first woman to" books.
January 8, 2015
A must read!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews