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A scholarly book, well-researched and a good read for serious greeks and non-greeks alike Oct 14, 2008
I am a big [yes, you can say "anal"] stickler on books that claim to be scholarly reviews or critiques about their chosen subjects. Can't help myself there, b/c I was raised by a Howard University Delta alum who's an English/American History professor. So when I first read this book, on the recommendation of brothers of a certain fraternity I am considering joining at the alumni level, I was a little skeptical.
My skepticism was real, but not necessary here. The author skillfully weaves together facts and history, pulling no punches in his arguments, and backing them up with historical documents and excellent referencing. That's the kind of thing, referencing, that a book like this must have--otherwise it becomes nothing but an opinionated piece of crap.
If you have any interest in becoming a part of the Divine Nine, you should read this book and see how the history of the organizations has unfolded and evolved, as seen from a third-party point of view. Of course, one can argue that the author, being a member of one of the organizations, has some level of bias. That is true by default, of course. But it's a miniscue amount of bias, in my opinion. The author clearly intended to show the good, bad, and ugly of all the organizations, and he succeeded.
Check it out...Check, check, check it out...
 He's not "keeping it real". Jan 14, 2008
I didn't like this book cause I felt like the author wasn't being totally honest. Most of the book is research that he got from the writing of others. He does not speak from his own personal experience or those of his fraternity brothers. The author is denying that hazing still goes on; and, in fact it does go on widespread.
The first chapter of the book very dully and dryly tells the history of fraternities. Then he spends considerable time talking in detail about pledging and hazing. He spends a good amount of time talking about stepping. This book made it seem as though stepping was the main thing that a fraternity was all about. However, it was very noticable that certain things were missing from the book. He doesn't talk about the benefits that he gained from joining. He doesn't talk about what has been achieved by these fraternities. What have these groups really accomplished for black unity and black empowerment, not just black assimilation into America?
I'm in grad school and members of 3 different fraternities have asked me if I would be interested in joining their group. I started questioning whether I made the right decision by not joining in my undergrad. About midway through reading this book, the author totally put my mind at ease that I had made the right decision not to pledge. He talks about how the pledges slave for the members, how they are paddled by the members and humiliated by the members.
Anyhow, the book is not true to the reality of what goes on. The author doesn't speak from the heart or from his personal experience. This is black greeks as they would want you to believe.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Great Reference Tool Feb 25, 2007
From being friends, family members, and associates of several Greeks, there is much information in this book that I was already familiar with, but I still wanted to read it as a reference guide for my own publication. And indeed, I'm so very glad that I did. This book took an intelligent perspective on the pros and cons of being Greek. The author discussed the history of stepping, a few interviews with nonBlacks who crossed, the heinous history of hazing, the complexity of the Board and advisers versus undergraduates in volunteer work and pledging, and a well-thought out idea on how hazing can stop, but the pledging process will still weed out the slackers and attention seekers. The author spoke about the history, reputation, symbols, hand signals, and style of the Divine Nine (even when there were originally eight). This book is indeed a great source to learn about the history of Black Greeks, and I applaud him for his hard work.
Greater Insight Jun 24, 2006
I have not joined a NPHC Frat yet, but it has given me greater insight on what goes on inside and the evoloution of black fraternities. This has to be the most candid account of Black Greek life. Dr Kimbrough must be commended for his work and I will be refrencing this book for years to come and i has inspired me to become a big part of fraternity life, when join. I highly reccomend this book to aspirants as well as those who are a part of NPHC organizations.
Good Book! - Don't Believe The Hype! Jun 23, 2006
This is a good book to read if you are interested in joining a NPHC sorority or fraternity. It is wise to learn all that you can about the history and principles of any organizaion before you join. Don't believe all the negativity put out there by bitter people. Pledging and hazing are not one in the same, contrary to what the haters want you to believe. So, whether interested or curious, read books like this and The Divine Nine. It will help you either decide if greek life is for you or reaffirm your reasons for interest in a particular organization.
**Also, it is a horrible thing to be subjected to injuries and pain. We have to remember not to judge all by a few. Just like not all men are dogs and not all African Americans enjoy watermelon, not all NPHC organizations (better yet, chapters of those organizations)haze!
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