Considering the Journey: One Doctor’s Perspective | Review by Jonah Meyer, USRB

After experiencing from a number of friends and colleagues the desire to learn firsthand some of the considerations and thought processes involved in deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D., Evans knew his mission was clear. He would write a book seeking to answer many of the questions regarding the work and extended commitment necessary to earn such a degree. The author realized he could help others by candidly sharing his own experiences getting into and successfully completing his doctoral program. He notes it is his hope that his book will help prospective students become more deeply aware of “important aspects” when considering earning one’s doctorate and that such information can assist in making an “informed decision” as to whether such an academic endeavor is the right move for the reader.

Explaining that not much is commonly known, or simply misunderstood, by the general public regarding what he terms the “Doctoral Journey,” Evans provides prospective doctoral candidates a realistic understanding of “what to expect before signing on the dotted line.” Within this framework, his book is well-crafted, split into successive chapters covering the necessary information, both on a personal level, ripe with anecdotal experiences, as well as from a generalized standpoint, where valuable insight may be gained from any reader considering the Ph.D. process in any given field of study. After a brief but colorful narration of how and why his academic journey began, Evans then covers much ground on significant interrelated considerations to address, such as finances, time management, family and personal life, career, ambition, and the reasoning one maintains for undertaking doctorate-level academic study.

Much of the material inherently focuses on the writing of one’s dissertation, as this level of study, by its very nature, includes the proposal, composition, and eventual defense before a faculty board of one’s original researched and written body of work in the specialization of one’s field of study. Noting the dissertation process can take several years to complete, Evans advises that quality, not quantity, is of primary concern. “This is not a race,” he writes, “it’s a journey.” Though specific dissertation requirements vary among universities, most hold in common basic similarities, as the entire dissertation process, absolutely integral to obtaining one’s doctorate degree, “by definition is a required long-form essay or paper written to meet the requirement for Doctor of Philosophy Degree.”

Evans’ own experiences in the proposal, research, writing, and extensive additional rewriting of his dissertation—including the mandatory process of defending his work at various stages along the way before a board of faculty advisors—reads like a great work of creative nonfiction, providing the reader abundant appreciation for the lengthy, tedious, but all-important aspect of this milestone along the doctoral journey. One enters the world of academia, full of its unique quirks and cast of relevant characters, such as faculty members and fellow doctoral candidates, Tthough the information and personal experiences presented are obviously nonfiction in nature, Evans’ sharing of the events, the frustrations, and celebrations often reads as though they contain the markings of great fiction. For example, the characters are developed, a general plotline is followed, and, ultimately, the reader is gifted a considerable degree of identification with the resulting exhilaration of accomplishment as Evans’ journey culminates in the humbling and well-earned awarding in his fifties of the advanced degree. The author succeeds in providing his readership with a balanced, realistic understanding of all that is involved in the undertaking. His guide through the journey, as documented in these pages, is indeed well worth a read for anyone considering academic pursuit at the doctoral level. The unfiltered, honest insight shared is a worthy investment for any such reader and seeker.

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