Praise for Lazarus
I finished reading Lazarus about a week ago. It is such a well-written book and it kept my attention the entire time I read. Rashid Darden is indeed a writer to keep an eye on. His writing is mesmerizing...
The story of college student, Adrian Collins, is one that will resonate with anyone who has attended a university. But it will appeal especially to those students who are black, highly involved on campus, interested in Greek-letter organizations, and dealing with managing friendships, relationships, and the inevitable questions of sexuality and sexual orientation.
While this is fiction, I couldn't help but to reminisce on my own college experiences and days... and those of my friends and cousins. This novel puts you there again... or, if you haven't gone yet, gives you a picture of the struggles and challenges of being a college student today.
Lazarus is a novel that I am recommending to many people. Good job Mr. Darden.
--Frederick Smith, Author of Down For Whatever
Rashid Darden's Lazarus is the heart-moving story of a young black man's struggle deciding between two loves: romance or opportunity. Adrian, the main character, fights to find acceptance, identity, and brotherhood within the collegiate circle of Greek life while trying to balance out his own personal with his male lover. I think it's a good read for anyone who's ever been torn in two directions and a must read for those in Greek life to understand diversity within organizations and what real brotherhood/sisterhood is about.
--Montré Bible, Author of Heaven Sent
There are no down low predators wounding female coeds in the pages of Lazarus. These are brothers who are deeply entrenched in campus life as leaders, frat brothers, and star poets. These are men who are discreet and brave. These are real “big men on campus” who just happen to be gay. Their journeys to coming out are fascinating reads. You must read this book today. --Alicia Banks, Columnist
…Rashid Darden is ushering in a new day in Black literature!
The debut novel, Lazarus, is an authentic, engaging work. It displays Mr. Darden's finely honed writing skills and showcases his accessible literary voice. The tale is inhabited by smart, witty, aware and responsible characters, which Darden couldn't have written about if he didn't possess those qualities himself.
Thank you, Rashid, for a wonderful read--for the opportunity to flex my brain and ponder life while being thoroughly entertained. This kind of writing has been conspicuously absent from bookstore shelves. I look forward to more from you. It is a new day!
--Lori V. Lincoln, Author of The Era of My Youthful Ways
When this book was turned over to me, I was told it was a “quick read.” This is true, not because it is a short book, but because when you pick it up—you can’t bear to put it down! By the time you finish it, you will realize how much we are all ‘slaves’ to society. You will also recognize just how much masquerading we do in everyday life just to “fit in”. Rashid Darden paints an exquisite portrait of college life, urban youth and the secrets we all hold from the world to maintain the image we wish to portray.
--Robert Denson, III; Sunpiper Press
Click here to download the full Sunpiper review!
...his generally plainspoken writing style achieves a certain simple beauty when used to describe the various firsts of new love: first eye contact, first physical contact, first tentative confessions of love. He writes about man-to-man lovemaking with sensitivity and sensuality, never escaping into the medical or sinking to the pornographic.
--Larry Duplechan; Author, Eight Days A Week, Blackbird, Tangled Up In Blue, and Captain Swing.
The novel takes the reader on a journey through one young man's rite of passage from being an ordinary college sophomore, through a relationship, into the trials of pledging a fraternity, and to the ultimate triumph of his personal character. I'm trying my best to avoid giving any spoilers; readers should experience Lazarus for themselves. Let me just say that in the hands of a lesser author, several of the characters might have read flat and the ending probably would have been all roses and skipping off into the sunset. Not so with Rashid Darden. He gives us a story that is believable and filled with individuals who remain true to their character throughout.
--malik m.l. williams; Artist, Poet, Performer
Rashid Darden is one of the brightest writers of the new millennium. His strength shines superbly in every sentence, his passion in every paragraph. Reading Rashid is reading into the depths of your soul.
--Omekongo Dibinga, Spoken Word Poet
It was hard to stop reading it because it felt so real to me. Lazarus exemplified my experiences as a black gay male in college and I could easily identify myself with the main character.
--Grad Student, University of Michigan
Wow, I've read just about every African American Male same gender loving novel out (at least 30) to date, and not one story has captured me with the contempory essence that Lazarus has....For this to be an independent release, I must first say that the writing is practically flawless and the quality of the total package is completely professional.
--A Reader in Richmond, VA
...a ground breaking story with colorful characters and a captivating storyline. It takes you on a enthralling roller coaster ride as you follow the journey and the battles of Adrian, the protagonist, as he tries to balance school, his embryonic love life and an arduous pledge process. Lazarus also takes many on a trip back down memory lane; to the college days, when there was nothing better than a BANGIN' college party or watching a fraternity or sorority probate on the Yard (Quad).
-- Higher Education Professional, Los Angeles, California
Rashid Darden has an extraordinary ability to focus his readers on several important challenges - when to acknowledge same gender preference, balancing relationships with a significant other vs. one's own aspirations, dealing with homosexuality in the college setting and in the black fraternity world. This novel follows in the footsteps of works by E. Lynn Harris and is a must read if we are to move toward a reasonable dialogue on a highly controversial subject.
-- Educator, North Carolina
The humor, believability and diverse nature of the characters revealed through the engrossing story line and unpredictable turn of events are what make this novel such a treat. In addition, the realistically interwoven themes conveyed through earnest narrative of the main character make this novel a delight.
-- An Alpha Phi Omega Brother in Miami, Florida
This novel is very alive and compelling. The characters are real, the situations are plausible, the action is exciting. As a student on a college campus, it rings almost too true. Nevertheless, it is a book that I will reread again, and again, and share with many friends. Rashid Darden, your ascent to the top has commenced.
-- A Reader in New York
Darden presents many pressing issues including fraternity pledging, connecting with family, finding love and soul searching all with astounding accuracy. I am willing to bet most student leaders at any college campus can relate in more than one way to the struggles that Adrian endures throughout the novel. This work is a masterpiece for those entering college, current college students, and college graduates alike.
-- Alumnus, St. John's University
Ever read a book so good that you refused to eat, sleep, or take care of any other basic bodily functions because you refused to stop reading? A book so interesting that you couldn't stand to be away from it for one minute, because in that one minute you were missing out on the opportunity to find out what happens next? Lazarus is that type of book - I hate to even call it a book, because Lazarus is an experience.
Rashid was able to capture my attention from page one and held me captive throughout this wonderful piece of literature. The characters were so real and the situations were so intense that I often forgot that these were fictional characters in a book. I feel truly blessed to have been able to read Lazarus and I highly recommend that others get ready for its official arrival on the scene - yes it is that serious.
-- Student, American University
I just couldn't stop reading it! His style is unique!
-- Alumna, University of Pittsburgh
This book is the epitome of that book that you can't put down...definitely a great entry from a great author. Lazarus is one of those stories that we can all relate to in some ways....from the pledging, to the crunk college party, to the various issues you face while coming of age...Go get it, the author did a WONDERFUL job!
-- An Alpha in Texas
Darden is a wonderful, articulate and imaginative writer. His unique ability to integrate themes that transcend both gender and class will certainly earn him a place among the best fiction writers of our time.
-- Alumnus, Georgetown University
Darden holds no punches. It is this true and raw emotion that makes you eager to keep reading, even after the story has ended. Every word on the page is real, breathing life into each character and emotion into each experience. You become attached to the characters and invested in the experience as if you were right there when it all happened.
-- A Zeta in Washington, DC
I just finished this novel and I can honestly say that I anxiously await the sequel. This book is definitely a page turner and has continued to hold my thoughts hours and hours after I finished it. This book is for any prospective or member of a BGLO seeking the ‘hood, any African American who has (or wants to attend) an institution of higher learning, and/or anyone who desires to get a mere glimpse of the inner turmoil of someone questioning their sexual identity. This author magically weaves together a story the reader can visualize because we have all ‘known’ these kind of people. The writing makes us fall in love with his characters. I love this book because the characters are flawed yet sincere, and the story is one I can especially relate to as a graduate of Predominantly White Institutions.
It seems this author has created a voice for those previously unheard...I most certainly look forward to adding his many future works to my personal library. Definitely purchase this novel!!!!! You will be left quenched, but thirsty for more.
-- An AKA in North Carolina
Author Rashid Darden tells a tale of brotherhood, courage, determination and love in his well written debut novel. The story’s colorful characters will keep you entertained. When you finish reading this story, you will feel as though you went through the ups and downs of pledging. This is truly an emotional story.
-- Tracey Marshall
The dialogue creates an excellent chemistry between the reader and the book--I didn't want to let go.
-- Senior, Georgetown Univesity
The book is awesome. With each page, you felt as if you were on campus with the brothers. When they were on line, I could almost sense their stress, anxiety and pain. Great reading. I could not put the book down. Looking forward to your next publication.
-- Pattie, Baltimore, MD
I just got my book yesterday, and I read it all in one sitting. I literally could NOT wait to see the story unfold....Being a part of a BGLO, I found a personal connection with the Adrian and his LBs; I felt like I was a part of their process. The book made me reflect on my own process and my experience in the Black Greek community, and how my process affected those around me. I think Darden did an excellent job portraying the two basic attitudes an aspirant will encounter from friends and family: they are either excited, supportive and understanding of the time constraints; or they want to be supportive of you, but cannot handle the pressure of your absence. This story is universal for all of us who have gone through any type of process in life that caused great stress and sacrifice. The only question I have left is...where is Calen, and how can I get in touch with him?! LOL
-- A Sigma Gamma Rho in Maryland
...As a non greek, I enjoyed reading about their trails and struggles to become greek. A book that I have read twice since it arrived last week. You will get caught up and wont put the book down. Great job...
-- Alumna, Gallaudet University
What I liked most is the use of similes and metaphors. They really helped to paint a picture, yet are not overused. Rashid Darden does a superb job with the level of descriptive detail in his writing. It's almost as if you are right there in the same room with the characters.
...Many men have had to deal with the very issues that Adrian faced in Lazarus , and I thought Rashid was brilliant with the way in which he handled some very tough social issues.
I encourage everyone to get their copy of Lazarus today. It's a decision you won't regret.
-- Will Saunders, Suburban Maryland
This book was great. I think Rashid did a great job at capturing the process of becoming interested in the greek world on college settings. This book left me wanting more. He was great at capturing the life of fraternities while at the same time having a GOOD storyline that was not dependent on the pledging aspects. Great Read!
-- A Delta in Chicago
I've missed my stop on many a train reading your book.
-– A Reader in Brooklyn, NY
Damn good.
-– A Reader in Silver Spring, MD
Rashid's skillful writing style brings together characters and plots seamlessly and I am thoroughly enjoying the book thus far. The way he is able to intersect the multiple identities of his characters is masterful. As a gay Alpha, the book is resonating LOUDLY with me. Go frat!
-– A Resident Director in Washington, DC
I couldn't put it down. I began reading it at the airport in DC and finished before I made it to Memphis. And that's a record time…bout 5hrs!
-- A Zeta in Memphis, Tennessee
Rashid, you've renewed my faith in fiction. After being a Georgetown English major, I've experienced a major burnout when it comes to reading for pleasure. "Lazarus" has not only ignited the flame, but now it's burning strong.
–- Alumna, Georgetown University
I haven't read a novel this year that comes close!
-- A Reader in London, England
The book was off the chain! From start to finish I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one.
–- A Reader in Chicago, Illinois
What would a white, straight, woman take from a book about a black, gay, man? Granted, we're both Greeks, but would that really be enough to pull me into the book? While I definitely related to the greek aspect of the book… the book touched me in a much deeper way…You are truly a wonderful writer, and I am certain you will exceed even your own expectations.
-– A Reader in the Bronx, NY
Lararus is one of the greatest books that I have read in a long time. It’s very emotional and connects with the [plight] of African Americans, the fraternity life and coming out.
--A Delta in New York City
There is true warmth in this man's writing. The characters are full and rich, the emotions are pure and heartfelt, and the problems are real and not bound by the barriers of race, gender, or preference...Kudos to an author who has no choice but to be a legend in the making with this wonderful addition to Black Literature.
– Teacher, Baltimore, MD
The novel Lazarus was truly unlike any other work of fiction that I have read in a while. As a college-educated black male, it was refreshing to have a story that was set against a relatable backdrop. Often times we read stories black literature with characters with lavish jobs and lavish homes and their soap opera like dramas. This tale has characters and situations right out of our own experiences. I appreciated the consciousness of the characters who struggled with issues of not only sexuality, but being black on a white college campus, as well as the relevance of the fraternities and sororities. Adrian, Savion & crew are characters that I can truly envision walking among us. Adrian’s journey is definitely one that I look forward to experiencing. While it didn’t take long to read the book, it was a lasting story and one whose continuation I am anxiously awaiting.
--Financial Professional and Florida A&M Alumnus
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Reserve Lazarus Now!
$14.95 Trade Paperback, 356 ppOld Gold Soul 2005
ISBN 0-9765986-0-4
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