Lazarus

ADRIAN is handsome, brilliant, and devoted to serving others. Under the cool exterior, however, he is tormented and unfulfilled. Abandoned by his father and emotionally distant from his mother, he feels alone – adrift on campus – until he meets SAVION.

With rhymes dripping from his lips like honey, Savion has just what Adrian needs: stability, maturity, and love. Although their friendship is filled with peaks and valleys, their relationship is threatened by Adrian’s biggest challenge: BETA CHI PHI.

Finding the appeal of pledging his father’s fraternity irresistible, Adrian decides to take the plunge and pledge Beta Chi Phi in an attempt to fill the void in his heart, even after his relationship with Savion blossoms. Almost immediately, Adrian is thrust headlong into a world of mind games, controlled behavior, and strokes from the paddle–tempered with the brotherhood that bonds men in times of adversity. Adrian knows that he must keep his relationship with Savion a secret at all costs, for if his new-found family were to learn the truth, he may have to choose…

The one he loves…or his brothers.

---

Reviews

“Lazarus exemplified my experiences as a Black gay male in college and I could easily identify with the main character.” Graduate Student, University of Michigan

“…a groundbreaking story with colorful characters and a captivating storyline.” Higher Education Professional, California

“The humor, believability, and diverse nature of the characters revealed through the engrossing story and unpredictable turn of events are what make this novel such a treat.” Reader, Miami

“This work is a masterpiece for those entering college, current college students, and college graduates alike.” Alumnus, St. John’s University

“I hate to even call it a book, because Lazarus is an experience.” Student, American University

“I just couldn’t stop reading it!” Alumna, University of Pittsburgh

“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.” Zeta Phi Beta member, Eastern Region

“Lazarus is one of those stories that we can all relate to in some way…” Alpha Phi Alpha member, Southwestern Region.

“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 a predominantly white institution (PWI)…” Alpha Kappa Alpha member, Mid-Atlantic Region

“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 the story, you will feel as though you went through the ups and downs of pledging. This is truly an emotional story.” Reader T.M.