Fraternities and Sororities Books

I judge a book by how hard it is for me to put it down and when I started to read this book I simply could not put it down! Good character development and INTENSE STORY! This book was worth every penny. 5 stars from me.

This book deals with a pledging experience like no other! I enjoyed the great detail and explanation of what actually happened. Also, the first few pages kept me going and I could not put the book down. This book is one of the very best books I have ever read! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR ANY RESEARCHER, STUDENT OR PARENT THAT IS INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECT MATTER OF HAZING AS WELL!! 5 Stars from me.

The book explained to me the process of underground fraternity pledging. I know this happened. Chapter 6 and 7 are astounding! Character development was exceptionally well as I felt the pledge brothers' pain, triumphs, ups and downs. Very good book, easy read too!

I highly recommend this book to all who seek to membership into the African-American Fraternities (there is a seperate book for women). This book will give you insight of the process many go through. I must say that the book was well written and very informative. I recommend that a person is very objective when reading this book and not subjective.

When I buy a book, I usually finish it within 3 to 4 days, however this was a book that I could not put down. I read the entire thing in one day. The story was very addictive and well written. I could feel the emotions of each charater. I am a black greek from a historical black college and I pledged undergroud as well. I can relate to what these men went through. A similar situation that the "pledge brothers" experienced happend at my school also. I could feel the pain, joy, anticipation and love that these men had. This book was so realistic that I'm convinced that these events ACTUALLY HAPPEND! I am so glad that "hazing" is against the law. Reading this book made me realize that we go through alot of abuse just to have the priviledge of wearing 3 greek letters. If you are a black greek or attended any HBC, I highly recommend that you read this book. You will NOT regret it.

I LOVED IT! THAT STUDMUFFIN BALDWIN CHAD IS SOOO SEXY AND COOL! I DON'T KNOW WHY EVERYONE HATES HIM SO MUCH! I RECCOMEND THIS TO CLUELESS FANS!

In this book, De seems less bonded with Cher and Amber . Other than that , it still remains nice storylines

A must have for anyone who was in a social fraternity in the 1980s - early 90s. Gives a comprehensive, yet humorous look at fraternity life across the nation. Focuses on the fun side of fraternity life, while giving a good feel for the underlying values and experiences involved. Written before PC was the Orwellian experience it is today, From Here To Fraternity is an honest, comedic, and thoroughly great book!

I have never read anything as comprehensive, complete, informative as this book. The author is a personal friend who has done much of our corporate training. It doesn't get any better than this!

Simple, but refreshing prose style - Story of closeted black gay college student finding himself while pledging a fraternity. The debut novel of author Rashid Darden is worth reading. His character-driven method of storytelling and acute observations of human nature show superior talent and skill.

I was particularly struck by the author's penchant for vividly capturing the silent, secret world of non-verbal communication present between only the closest of friends, friends who share a natural affinity of souls. If you have ever enjoyed being so in-synch with a friend that s/he responds to your unfinished spoken words or your very thoughts out loud, then you may be able to appreciate the seemingly effortless manner, in which Mr. Darden enabled me to identify with the hauntingly close platonic friendship between his characters, Adrian Collins and Nina Bradley.

After I'd finished reading the book and put it down, a small part of the world that Mr. Darden created stayed with me. More importantly though, I relived bygone moments from the blissful, intimate oneness I have been blessed to share with friends of my own. His writing was evocative of my own experiences.

Good plot lines come and go. Literature that moves you by touching you where you live has the potential to enjoy an enduring shelf life. I believe that Rashid Darden has things to say. I am encouraged by the fact that I would like to hear more from him. Keep your eye on him.

Just finished reading "Lazarus," and it was/is an astounding work of fiction. Adrian was funny as hell and very assertive. His relationship with Savion, "his Latin lover," was/is tumultuous, at best. Can't wait for the sequel: "Covenant."

As a heterosexual man and member of a Black Greek-letter Organization, I must say that Rashid Darden has touched upon the third rail topic within our organizations. However, he has approached the topic with sensitivity, style, and courage. His efforts must be applauded and supported. Not only has he taken a bold step with this book; he has also given us a great read and some insight into a topic that will eventually have to be discussed within these organizations. I encourage all to read it for themselves and not shy away from it due to the topic. Kudos Mr. Darden.

Gregory Parks, PhD - co-editor of African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision

I thought this book was a great insight to see black gay man who seeking membership into the Black Greek letter organizations go though once found out. I loved the fact that Adrian was willing to sacrifice his own happiness for a brotherhood that was not in the end a true brotherhood. Brotherhood as depicted in the this story, sadly in majority of the cases like this it is true sexuality does determine if you will have a true brotherhood. And the author shows this very well. I would have liked to see Adrian develop into a Gay man outside of the fraternity. But I guess we will have to see this in the long awaited sequel.

I feel this is a excellent book for black bisexual or gay men to read

This is an entertaining novel, and one that is also easy to read and believable. It's easy to get caught up in the story with all the great detail (although the movement of the story would have benefited if some details were left to the imagination). It's a great drama, not only of college-aged individuals, but of the dynamics of friendship, regardless of age. I highly recommend this book. You won't regret it!

From one Lulu author to another, I loved Change for a Twenty. The title is what caught my attention but reading it was great. I felt like I could relate to the characters. When you have a group of friends with all different personalities, it's a story in itself. I really enjoyed it, especially Seleste. She's opposite of me so it was nice to read someone different. 5 stars!!!!

What are the ingredients necessary to make a good novel? An age old question. Heres my take on it. A well-thought out story, with a beginning, middle, and an end. Interesting engaging characters, that are stepped in reality, and you can relate to. I'll apply these criteria's, to this novel. Yes, this novel has been well thought out. It's has a nice flow to it, and is easy to get into. My big problem with novels (and this might be due to my memory as I get older) is remembering all the names of the protagonists, particularly if they are introduced in a speed like manner. The characters here are introduced in a straight forward manner, and I had no difficulty in this regard.
The main ( or middle part)of the story had me gripped, to the point that I had to check that I hadn't over run my intended station, on my daily commute to & from work ( when I do the majority of my reading) Another good sign of my enjoyment of this novel.
If I'm honest, I was a little disappointed with the end. I'm a romantic at heart and some of the main players' relationships in this novel were left open ended. Also Seleste fate at the end (I don't want to give up the ending) left me thinking that was a bit of a big coincidence. That apart, I really enjoyed this novel, so much so that I will be promoting it to my sisters' book club. There is some cursing in this, but to be honest, as much as I dislike cursing, it was an integral aspect of the characters make up. Next up: Round Trip

I thought that this book was quite entertaining and easy to read. I REALLY liked how the author described all of the characters (oftentimes the descriptors were very poetic, allowing the reader to conjure up vivid images). I enjoyed the fact that the book is set in Chicago. I could personally identify with all of the areas that were included. Seleste was a very sharp young lady who had her head on straight. The book's dialog was witty and amusing. Memo's family drama added an interesting element to the story and made the reader think about familial impact (especially on Memo's little brother). The author is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading a future book of hers.

Change For a Twenty introduces readers to Seleste and the friends with whom she interacts. Seleste has an off-campus apartment and is studying law. Just when she is comfortable with the way her life is, she starts getting attention from some of the most sought after guys on campus. She must make a decision on what is better for her. She knows what she wants and is willing to tell it like it is. Seleste is faced with having to tell her best friend, Cara, the secret she has been keeping for some time. Will she lose her friend when she tells her the truth?

Then there is Travis, also known as Memo, who is trying his best to get next to Seleste. He is dealing with family issues that just may keep him from starting a relationship. Will he win over Seleste and keep his family together?

Change For A Twenty is a very entertaining novel. It is filled with drama. I would recommend this book to readers looking for a fast-paced read. I look forward to reading Ms. Vaugn's future offerings.

Phyllis Ann
APOOO BookClub

I loved this book. ... This book will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The ending....very good. :)

This was one the greatest thrillers! I really enjoyed the mystery and surprising ending of the story. It was also great to have Elizabeth liking somebody else ever since Todd. I think the parts where Sam and Liz figh are funny. Jessica and Parker were great, too. This is a must read book!

This book is almost the best sweet valley book i have ever read!! It is so suspenseful, and funny the way sam so blatantly disses chloe and she doesn't even notice...
I think that this book was written very well and it is a complete page turner. "Gia" is so awful and [mean]... When Sam saved Elizabeth, he was so scared and was crying because he loved her so much. I love sam [for that.] This is a great book!!! An ABSOLUTE must read.

I'm past the teenage years now but still I find myself turning to a Sweet Valley book when in need of a comfort read. I still own half of my old Sweet Valley Twin books and I regret giving the other half away.These books are often unrealistic but they are also fun. This book is a little darker in tone but come on, these books are like a disney movie you know everything is going to turn out alright at the end. But then, in these times I'm glad to have a book that will be guaranteed to put a smile on my face and I'm not ashamed to admit it. They should give kids these kind of books to read in classrooms rather then those depressing ones. Sorry about the rant and I'll just make a quick review about this book. In it Gia comes to SVU to find an ex who dissed her. She has made herself over and has some magic tricks up her sleeve,she is ready to do anything to snare Parker and put him under her spell.
Anything, even if it means putting Jessica out of the way-permantly. Like I said, everything turns out okay in the end but it's a great and scary (not too scary) ride getting there.

An evil witch sets out to destroy Jessica's life!It is exciting because what SVU book isn't?!

This book has an excellent history of BGLOS. While it was not exactly what I was looking for, I was looking for something more basic (ie, these are the organinations, these are their colors, etc) I'm glad that I picked this book as it's given me a more complete understanding.

This book is the resourceful literature on BGLO's and beyond ever written. It explores ancient significances and practices that, until now, were "secret!" It's a little more pricey than the rest, but DAMN, ITS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! If im lying, IM DEAD!

Good book for what its worth.

Not necessarily original in its approach nor is the writing spectacular in quality, but a worthy effort. However, the reviews given thus far ring slightly cult-like thus making the subject text be even more like propaganda.

Take for example a text authored by a Liberterian touting the triumphs and general good points of a political administration/era and its policies. Then, display positive reviews from other like-minded indiviguals. Right or wrong they believe in their world view, tactics and 'cultural' norms. No one would accept however that they give an unbiased opinion of the book and its subject matter. It is believed that the reviews presented thus far on this text are in the same vein. Biased and lacking the true objectivity that history/sociology/anthropology/the social sciences demand.

Speaking as a member of Omega Psi Phi (SP88), I know that my group is not perfect and neither are the others. This text presents an overall history that focuses on the positive for the most part without equally addressing what needs to be done to keep these organizations relevant, safe and non-elitist.

Also, the claim that "Africa" has been preserved and perpetuated in the rituals, public accounts, and service projects of BGLOs is a little far fetched. Yes, we can draw similarities to any 'tribal' group's rituals. The same things that are reported to be of African tradition can be found in the traditions of Native American groups in North and South America. Ask any real African (especially a scholar/ professor of African History from any of the various countries of West Africa) about your group's rituals and the possible relationship to "Mother Africa" and they will most likely laugh as these groups have been approximating at best or truly making it up at the worst as they go along post Emancipation Proclamation. But this can be further studied and confirmed at a good University Library or even at a facility like Moorland Spingarn reading room at Howard University.

If you are thinking of joining (pledging is illegal in BGLOs!)

1. Read this book, but make sure you also:

2. Learn and get your intended group's history directly from the National Offices of these great groups. Member's as well.

3. Intake is the law of the land. M.I.P.(Membership Intake Process. 'Skating' is a term of the past. Pledging, hazing and the like are all illegal [Note-I pledged under and above ground and hard. No one has to anymore. Anyone who tells you different is weak and a traitor to the rules/laws and spirit of the BGLO]. Each hazing incident places our organizations in jeopardy as each incident is a potential law suit. So, if hazed:

"Hazing" refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. Go to stophazing.org for more.

Then sue our groups(they are worth millions ???,$$$,$$$.00) until the lesson is learned and all members and chapters conduct themselves with honor and live up to their potential.

4. Read the following to receive a more objective, perhaps not complete picture of BGLOs:

Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs, and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities by Walter M. Kimbrough

Black Haze: Violence, Sacrifice, and Manhood in Black Greek-Letter Fraternities (African American Studies) by Ricky L. Jones

Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking (Library Binding)
by Hank Nuwer

I plan to write a more in depth review at a later date but I must mention immediately how very impressed I was with "African American Fraternities And Sororities: The Legacy And The Vision." This is a hardcover book that I plan to keep in my family for years to come. The authors did great research for the book and it's very detailed. I'm pleased and impressed. One day I will write much more, but being that it's summer I am very busy. I did want to share with the world just how great I think this book is. It's worth every penny and then some.

Dorrie Williams-Wheeler
Webmaster SororitySister. net
Author of Be My Sorority Sister

This is the most extensive work I have ever read on Black Greek-Letter Organizations. There are other works out there, but this book has managed to capture the true essence of us and our significance. The contributors to this book touched on just about every topic imaginable, so to me, anyone from old-school greeks, to new-school ones can relate. The authors do an exceptional job of tracing the origins of BGLOs back to Africa with the customs, rituals, dances, etc. They also do a remarkable job explaining what issues were facing not only BGLO's, but black people in general at the time. There was some information in the book I already knew, but there was so much more that I never knew existed, and seeing it for the first time is indeed a blessing. There was so much knowledge gained from this book from start to finish, for one, because the authors did their research, and because they touched on issues rarely touched. It shows much of an influence BGLOs have and will continue to have in the future.

I gave this book 3 stars, but don't get me wrong--I did kind of enjoy it. It's just that I was looking for so much more and this really didn't deliver. I've recently become interested in the sorority thing and I was hoping "Sorority Sisters" would shed some light on the subject. Unfortunately, it didn't. The book was too short with undeveloped characters that you really couldn't relate to because they just seemed so fake and manufactured. Maybe they'll develope in the following books but I don't know. And I didn't think that the story really focused on the rush week but more on the character's thoughts on being in sorority in general. That's all great and the book would be nothing without those thoughts, but if the author would have included more scenes from the actual parties, then she could have written a longer and more enjoyable book...Maybe it was just on a lower reading level than I'd thought. It's good for a quick, easy read but that's about it.

it was very good. i couldn't put it down. in fact, i plan on reading the rest of the series. very realstic, too. i think that molly needs to drop her boyfriend. he is always following her around, and she needs to meet a new guy.

Hi! I'm Mary Nixon, and 13 years old. I read this book in two days it was such a good book. Even if I'm nowhere near going to college, It tottally cool. With Molly trying her best to get in to her sister sority. Isabelle, Molly's roomate, is from another country, and is learning english.Ariel, an art student. Toby, an African American Pre-Med students. They are from all over the world, and they meet and they aren't all fond of each other at first but then they come to be bestfriends forever. If you read this book you have to read the next one, Pledge Class.

I really liked it alot! It was very good. I still think molly needs to dump her boyfriend, though. She needs someone exicting in her life.

Molly, Isabelle, Toby, and Ariel four friends with problems of their own. At the beginning of the story, the four of them are chosen to be part of Sigma Phi Sigma, the coolest sorority on campus. They are all happy and excited since they were lucky to get in. Molly has just broken up with her boyfriend (Nathan) and Jolie (another sorority sister, which is also her enemy) starts to go out with him. Molly feels jealous, but tells herself and her friends that breaking up with Nathan was necessary if she wanted to experience other things in life. Jolie also wants to kick Molly out of Sigma Phi Sigma and will try to do so by any means necessary. Isabelle is a French girl who falls in love with Josh. The problem is that Josh is a jock, therefore, her parents wouldn't approve that relation. Toby is an African-American who is so busy with homework and tests, that she has trouble assisting the sorority meetings. Ariel, Toby's best friend, has been very busy with a self-portrait. She hardly has time for her studies and has fallen in love with her Spanish teacher is Antonio. Although a group of friends have individual problems, they stay together and prove that true friendship lasts forever.