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Listen to the Lambs
Nothing can convince Lazarus Love III to go back to the lifestyle of affluence and social status. Longing for a
freedom of the soul that the world of capitalism cannot provide, Lazarus leaves all that he knows--including his wife and children--to achieve the ultimate level of peace and silence living as a possession-less man. When his quest causes him to cross paths with five wanderers, all of whom later call themselves "the family," a shocking, brutal act leaves Lazarus in a dire position and his newfound family must struggle to save him. By doing so, they learn the beauty of sacrificial love.
freedom of the soul that the world of capitalism cannot provide, Lazarus leaves all that he knows--including his wife and children--to achieve the ultimate level of peace and silence living as a possession-less man. When his quest causes him to cross paths with five wanderers, all of whom later call themselves "the family," a shocking, brutal act leaves Lazarus in a dire position and his newfound family must struggle to save him. By doing so, they learn the beauty of sacrificial love.
- GenresFiction
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2016
55 people are currently reading
1110 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Black
12 books1,378 followersDaniel Black is a native of Kansas City, Kansas, yet spent the majority of his childhood years in Blackwell, Arkansas. He is an associate professor at his alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, where he now aims to provide an example to young Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment. He is the author of "They Tell Me of a Home" and "The Sacred Place".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 21, 2016
Disclaimer: I’m a fan of the author and selected the ARC via Amazon Vine with great anticipation that this book would be another solid offering from Dr. Black. Sadly, I must report that I am disappointed with this novel - perhaps it wasn’t for me because it failed to captivate and draw me in as his other works have. I really tried but found myself wanting to read other books -- a long weekend and pure determination to power through this is the only way I got through it.
The underlying plot is fairly simple - a man, Lazarus, willingly forsakes his worldly possessions opts for a simpler, humble life and loses his wife and biological children in the process. Eventually, a “new” family is formed with various street/homeless people of disparate backstories. When tragedy strikes, each pulls talents, resources, and even contacts from their past lives in an attempt to save Lazarus. The author spends a LOT of time on their personal histories and tribulations which are supposed to endear us to the characters but failed (in my opinion). I honestly didn’t care about the fate of Lazarus or his friends/family and it wasn’t for a lack of trying. This novel (again, in my opinion) was overwritten and overly descriptive; it tries too hard with the religious symbolism and spiritual overtones which at times comes off as a bit “preachy.”
Even though this one was a bit disappointing, I’m still a fan of Dr. Black and will look forward to his next release.
The underlying plot is fairly simple - a man, Lazarus, willingly forsakes his worldly possessions opts for a simpler, humble life and loses his wife and biological children in the process. Eventually, a “new” family is formed with various street/homeless people of disparate backstories. When tragedy strikes, each pulls talents, resources, and even contacts from their past lives in an attempt to save Lazarus. The author spends a LOT of time on their personal histories and tribulations which are supposed to endear us to the characters but failed (in my opinion). I honestly didn’t care about the fate of Lazarus or his friends/family and it wasn’t for a lack of trying. This novel (again, in my opinion) was overwritten and overly descriptive; it tries too hard with the religious symbolism and spiritual overtones which at times comes off as a bit “preachy.”
Even though this one was a bit disappointing, I’m still a fan of Dr. Black and will look forward to his next release.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2016
I received an advanced electronic reading copy of this publication in exchange for an honest review.
3/5 Stars
Listen to the Lambs is the important story of Lazarus Love. Lazarus has it all, the job, the family, the big house - or so he thought. But one day Lazarus wakes up and he knows without a doubt that this is not the life he wants. He doesn't have any real happiness, his family is too concerned with physical things, and there is not enough time in the day to appreciate the things that really matter. While he wants to keep his family together, Lazarus makes a drastic decision that ultimately tears them apart.
Living now on the streets, Lazarus forms a new family with various misfits and vagabonds he meets. The various members of the new family each find what they were missing in their lives among one another. When Lazarus is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, everyone must pull together to help free an innocent man.
What I like most about this novel is that it brings light to a topic that we've started to acknowledge a lot more in the last year, but that we still need to be talking about.
It's unfortunate that in this day and age we still have so much racism and unnecessary hate. While that's actually portrayed through several different ways in this book - homelessness, sexuality - the biggest focus is on the stereotype and stigma surrounding black lives as well as the injustice in the American judicial system.
It's a great topic to get us talking, however, I feel readers might be deterred from the topic because of the religion in this book. While I don't particularly consider myself a religious person, I don't really mind reading about religious beliefs or the faiths of my characters. That being said, this book did feel quite preachy too me at times. I can see how this could be very appealing for a more religious reader, but I just feel like it has the potential to scare off some readers, which is so unfortunate given the nature of the message.
Overall, the book is fairly well written. It has a really good pace, I can't really recall any point where it slowed down or grew dull. You get to learn a lot about each character and their story, and I felt like the characters overall were pretty likable.
If you don't mind wading through some heavier religious context, I say give this book a try. Let it get you talking about important issues that we really need to address.
3/5 Stars
"He'd had enough of emptiness and counterfeit joy. He wanted the real thing, and he wanted it now."
Listen to the Lambs is the important story of Lazarus Love. Lazarus has it all, the job, the family, the big house - or so he thought. But one day Lazarus wakes up and he knows without a doubt that this is not the life he wants. He doesn't have any real happiness, his family is too concerned with physical things, and there is not enough time in the day to appreciate the things that really matter. While he wants to keep his family together, Lazarus makes a drastic decision that ultimately tears them apart.
Living now on the streets, Lazarus forms a new family with various misfits and vagabonds he meets. The various members of the new family each find what they were missing in their lives among one another. When Lazarus is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, everyone must pull together to help free an innocent man.
What I like most about this novel is that it brings light to a topic that we've started to acknowledge a lot more in the last year, but that we still need to be talking about.
"The strikes echoed through the air and reminded Lazarus that although he was homeless, he was also black and that was his first and greatest crime."
It's unfortunate that in this day and age we still have so much racism and unnecessary hate. While that's actually portrayed through several different ways in this book - homelessness, sexuality - the biggest focus is on the stereotype and stigma surrounding black lives as well as the injustice in the American judicial system.
"Without counterargument, Lazarus felt unintelligent. He most certainly had held black men responsible for their own incarceration - until the day he became one of them."
It's a great topic to get us talking, however, I feel readers might be deterred from the topic because of the religion in this book. While I don't particularly consider myself a religious person, I don't really mind reading about religious beliefs or the faiths of my characters. That being said, this book did feel quite preachy too me at times. I can see how this could be very appealing for a more religious reader, but I just feel like it has the potential to scare off some readers, which is so unfortunate given the nature of the message.
Overall, the book is fairly well written. It has a really good pace, I can't really recall any point where it slowed down or grew dull. You get to learn a lot about each character and their story, and I felt like the characters overall were pretty likable.
If you don't mind wading through some heavier religious context, I say give this book a try. Let it get you talking about important issues that we really need to address.
January 31, 2016
Listen to the Lambs is centered around the life of Lazarus Love. Lazarus was part of an everyday American family, part of the daily grind and rat race that most of us know too well. Lazarus did everything right, he worked to take care of his family. But then it all changed; everything he had worked so hard for suddenly seemed unimportant and materialistic to him. He was a victim of the 2008 economic crash. Lazarus wipes his hands of it all, tells his family goodbye, and walks away.
The premise of this story was a good one and one that we have probably all felt at some point...completely frustrated with the daily grind and our incessant effort to work for crap we don't really need. Black gives a very thorough history on all of the characters in the book so for someone that gets lost in "details", this is going to be a tough and tedious read. Overall, it was a good read and a good idea, but I think that it would be more appealing to ditch some of the unneeded details.
*I was provided with an ARC thanks to Net Galley n exchange for an honest and fair review.*
The premise of this story was a good one and one that we have probably all felt at some point...completely frustrated with the daily grind and our incessant effort to work for crap we don't really need. Black gives a very thorough history on all of the characters in the book so for someone that gets lost in "details", this is going to be a tough and tedious read. Overall, it was a good read and a good idea, but I think that it would be more appealing to ditch some of the unneeded details.
*I was provided with an ARC thanks to Net Galley n exchange for an honest and fair review.*
July 21, 2017
I've read three other novels by Daniel Black, including: They Tell Me of a Home, Perfect Peace, and Twelve Gates to the City (sequel to They Tell Me of a Home). I thoroughly enjoyed the first two, while the latter went off the deep end in the second half and became something I had to force myself to finish. The author's intentions seem to be in the right place with Listen to the Lambs. Unfortunately, it was even more difficult for me to get through than the second half of Twelve Gates.
This story about various homeless people who come together to form a family is so overwritten that it didn't engage me in any way. I get the feeling that Black cared so deeply about the characters and the real people they represent that he couldn't just let them develop naturally. There's much more telling than showing, more narrating than actual dialogue, and way too much symbolism, all starting on page 1.
No amount of flowery description could endear the story or its characters to me. Consequently, I never got into it and DNF'd less than halfway through. I hope others can enjoy it somehow.
This story about various homeless people who come together to form a family is so overwritten that it didn't engage me in any way. I get the feeling that Black cared so deeply about the characters and the real people they represent that he couldn't just let them develop naturally. There's much more telling than showing, more narrating than actual dialogue, and way too much symbolism, all starting on page 1.
No amount of flowery description could endear the story or its characters to me. Consequently, I never got into it and DNF'd less than halfway through. I hope others can enjoy it somehow.
April 21, 2016
Being a fan of Daniel Black I was not disappointed. However the book left me with a few questions. Which is not always a bad thing. I love this author in that he makes me have strong feelings about the the characters. I always wonder about their life after. The downfall of the book was the main character's reason for leaving his family was watered down. And the murder trial part hurried. Either way I enjoyed this novel as the author always has original plots and ideas.
March 9, 2016
Daniel Black is an awesome writer, and having had the pleasure of meeting him and listening to him read from and discuss his work, this book does not disappoint. There is always a spiritual realm in Mr. Black's books, and The characters are well defined.
November 1, 2023
Let me first start off by saying that I have read every book by Daniel Black except 1 and I have loved all of his books. I usually finish his books in 2-3 days, with that being said this book took FOREVER for me to get into. It wasn't until around page 200 that I got invested in the book and couldn't wait to finish the book. I understand the message Mr. Black was trying to get across the connection to the past, generations of fathers and sons and the bonds, mistakes and triumphs that they all have separately and collectively, however the book just dragged until the last 1/4 of the book and then it was rushed. The whole trial and verdict, bridging generational gaps all happened within the last 100 pages of a 340 page book. I am upset that I paid full price for this book over $30. I seriously could have waited or bought the Kindle version. I usually don't sell books back, but this one will be headed to half price books soon. I would love to read another book similar to Perfect Peace or they tell me of a home or 12 gates to the city. Not a horrible book, but not good either
April 10, 2023
This book follows Lazarus (our main character) as he goes from riches to rags by his own choice. He is a man that has it all, 2 kids, a wife, mansion, beemer in the driveway. One day he decides he no longer cares about money and materialistic stuff. The wife isn’t ready to give up the lifestyle but Lazarus leaves and chooses to be homeless.
The things I enjoyed about the book: the idea of a “village”/self created family. I enjoyed the insight into the lives of homeless people. The book definitely made me want to be more conscious of how I treat homeless people. The element of religion and spirituality is also something that I enjoyed in this book.
The thing I did not like (which contributed to my rating): the main character kept repeating over and over why he chose to go from riches to rags. And I’m like see he know it don’t make sense but us (the reader) don’t need any reminders that you made such a decision. Even if you had good intentions, the impact is too much.
The things I enjoyed about the book: the idea of a “village”/self created family. I enjoyed the insight into the lives of homeless people. The book definitely made me want to be more conscious of how I treat homeless people. The element of religion and spirituality is also something that I enjoyed in this book.
The thing I did not like (which contributed to my rating): the main character kept repeating over and over why he chose to go from riches to rags. And I’m like see he know it don’t make sense but us (the reader) don’t need any reminders that you made such a decision. Even if you had good intentions, the impact is too much.
February 19, 2017
I began reading this book because the synopsis seemed interesting. I have read other books by this author, so I was excited to dive into this one. Unfortunately, I never finished reading this book because it was so long-winded, which made it difficult for me to read. Before I knew it, the due date for the book had arrived and I wasn't even halfway finished reading it. The author spent a lot of time describing settings and people that I was easily distracted and directed my attention towards other books. I'll give this one another go around in the future and will hopefully finish it then.
March 12, 2016
it's clear the author admires Toni Morrison, but honestly the Bible references were too much. That's what the Bible is for, not a novel. The plot was interesting but I kept skimming over the constant references to the Bible and his descriptions of the lambs. I don't see myself reading another of Daniel Black's books.
March 16, 2021
I found Black's book a bit tedious in certain parts and had to force myself to finish. The story of the four Lazarus' was very intriguing but the spiritual, somewhat vague, passages bogged down the story for me. I loved "Perfect Peace" and "They Tell Me of a Home," but I found "Listen to the Lambs" did not hold my attention.
May 17, 2016
I am halfway through the book. It is very different from the type of book I usually read. I usually enjoy being able to connect to the character but I have not been able to do that as of yet. I will keep you posted
April 3, 2016
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I had to force myself to keep reading throughout the entire book...I'll leave it at that.
May 21, 2018
This may well be Daniel Black's best yet, and that's saying a lot, since now I've read all 6 of his books, and haven't given any of them less than 4 stars. As usual, "Listen" works very well on at least three levels. On the one hand, Dr. Black is a master storyteller, and the story of a very successful businessman who decides to leave the materialistic world behind and try to find deeper spiritual/personal rewards on the street, and who tries to do his best by both his biological family and his new "street family" is a page-turning story in and of itself. But "Listen" is also much more than just an entertaining story, as it gives the reader more insight into what life is like for "outcasts" on the street, each with his/her own special gifts and challenges. Finally, Dr. Black shares his deep thoughts into the joys, sorrows, and challenges of creating, maintaining, and mending meaningful relationships. In "Listen" he does a truly masterful job of blending all of these threads into a tapestry which is at the same time entertaining, educational, and uplifting. I highly recommend this book for all readers, regardless of ethnicity, religion, and politics.
April 22, 2020
It has been a while since I was last captivated by a story so much so that I slept late and woke up early to return to the contents of the book. Daniel Black is truly a wizard of words, and his employment of language so beautifully captures each thought and emotion both within and beyond the English lexicon to bring us all into proximity with the characters. As this didactic story unfolds, each turn promises relief and rest, only to be crushed by a heartbreaking or heartwarming twist that leaves you craving for more. The effortless integration of institutional prejudice, legalized racism, criminalization of marginalized individuals, and social stratification all undergird the gentle welcome for all to both masticate on the weight of his words, but also embrace and reflect on the discomfort of our blind pursuit for earthly pleasures that leaves many behind and promotes a culture of insensitivity. I also loved the integration of spiritual and metaphysical truth and its relevancy in today’s world. I absolutely recommend this book to any and all people—it is simply to relevant, thought provoking, and insightful not to
August 6, 2017
Lazarus Love III is like so many men in real life who has walked out on his family because he wed-up with the rat race of responisiblity we call life. It takes him 20 years, a brief encounter w/ a socialite land a group of friends who are genuinely referred to as the Family to make him realize the error of his ways. It is never okay to abandon your children regardless how financially secure you leave them. They need your nurturing, your love, your presence to prepare them for life by helping them to build a strong foundation in self-awareness, self-love which cannot be accomplished if you are an ABSENTEE PARENT; so check the LIBERTINE SPIRIT & embrace the responsibity as a parent!
I like the parallelism to the Bible and profound statements made by each character regarding life. L2L offers a perspectives on homelessness, self-awareness, creation, fatherhood, faded hope, hidden shame, pride, love and acceptance. Intriguing read yet it was hard to follow one particular character because of his grand role(s) in the book.
I like the parallelism to the Bible and profound statements made by each character regarding life. L2L offers a perspectives on homelessness, self-awareness, creation, fatherhood, faded hope, hidden shame, pride, love and acceptance. Intriguing read yet it was hard to follow one particular character because of his grand role(s) in the book.
September 8, 2017
There were so many layers and levels to this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a tragic tale of generations a black male family, the woes of Lazarus'. It was so rich in description that I had to nibble and ponder. I knew the characters. I could hear the music. I could smell the streets. I wanted to go find some lambs to study them. I hurt for Quad and Lizzie. I could identify with Trey to a degree. I came away with a desire to try to better understand the homeless community and not to assume nor stereotype them. Many parts of the book resonated with me because of my religious upbringing. The Comforter and Legion were enigmas. I will read every book I can find of Daniel Black. This man is on another plane.
August 23, 2019
Intriguing, Riveting... Spiritual
I liked it. Yes, it was different but it was not in vain. The plot, the characters, the stories were all uniquely created to render a very powerful message on love, forgiveness, and human connection. It takes you to church without meaning too, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I wouldn’t say it’s a page turner but it certainly moves with twists and turns that are completely unexpected. For such an unconventional set of characters, the author leaves you sympathetic and understanding by humanizing them in a way that anyone could relate too. And it worked.
I liked it. Yes, it was different but it was not in vain. The plot, the characters, the stories were all uniquely created to render a very powerful message on love, forgiveness, and human connection. It takes you to church without meaning too, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I wouldn’t say it’s a page turner but it certainly moves with twists and turns that are completely unexpected. For such an unconventional set of characters, the author leaves you sympathetic and understanding by humanizing them in a way that anyone could relate too. And it worked.
July 22, 2024
I’ve been reading this book for a year 😅. Typically, I’m a huge Daniel Black fan but I struggled (obviously) with this book. What was the moral/purpose of the story? Lazarus was an annoyingly flawed character that they attempted to deitify. The weirdness of almost demonizing his children because he failed to own his failure of abandoning his family was weird. I appreciated The Family but that was about it. I need to google to figure out what I struggled to read for a year. I give this a solid 2.5 but since Goodreads doesn’t accept half ratings, 3 will do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2017
To laugh, to cry, to be moved
With each book Daniel Black finds a way to touch a deep emotional part of the human experience. In this novel, I found myself moved to laughter and tears. It was a spiritual journey that those who have not read a Black novel should consider taking. You will not be disappointed.
With each book Daniel Black finds a way to touch a deep emotional part of the human experience. In this novel, I found myself moved to laughter and tears. It was a spiritual journey that those who have not read a Black novel should consider taking. You will not be disappointed.
April 20, 2022
Thank you
I am quite a fan of Mr Black' writings and have read all of his books, although I have enjoyed them all this piece was both Soul Stirring and Emotional. It made me want to reshape thoughts, views and understanding of those in my life and sit in my own healing. Beautifully written...Bravo!
I am quite a fan of Mr Black' writings and have read all of his books, although I have enjoyed them all this piece was both Soul Stirring and Emotional. It made me want to reshape thoughts, views and understanding of those in my life and sit in my own healing. Beautifully written...Bravo!
September 2, 2018
I really enjoy reading Daniel Black. Listen to the Lambs is quite spiritual. Y
Daniel Black is a very complex writer. You have to pay attention to the subtle descriptions of the characters or else you will miss the just of the story. I hope you enjoy the book.
Daniel Black is a very complex writer. You have to pay attention to the subtle descriptions of the characters or else you will miss the just of the story. I hope you enjoy the book.
January 21, 2019
Outstanding
This book kept me wanting to read it non-stop. It was hard putting it down. So many twist and turns! Lazarus 1,2,3&4 had their own truths and lies to deal with! I wanted more at the end, however, it was a very good read!
This book kept me wanting to read it non-stop. It was hard putting it down. So many twist and turns! Lazarus 1,2,3&4 had their own truths and lies to deal with! I wanted more at the end, however, it was a very good read!
February 20, 2018
Didn’t enjoy this as much as I did the first Daniel Black book I read but it wasn’t too bad
May 30, 2018
Another great book by this author. Really enjoyed.
February 23, 2021
The book had the question...who is your family? The one you were born into or the one that God brings together with you?
May 13, 2021
“Life and not things”.......
Only a homeless man knows a sunset......
What a refreshing beautifully written book .
Only a homeless man knows a sunset......
What a refreshing beautifully written book .
October 9, 2025
An interesting book about some lost people. I did not enjoy the wokeism or Lazarus’s life choices but the story was good.
February 25, 2017
This is the first Daniel Black novel I've read. And I can't praise this writer enough! A wonderful storyteller, Black puts you in the midst of the story, and you will see it all in your mind's eye! You won't want to put this book down!
When a married man, and father, leaves his past behind in search of a "possession-less" lifestyle, he has no idea what may be called of him. To what sacrifices he will truly have to make.
Follow this man as he comes to have friends, who have no idea what true sacrifice is until Lazarus Love III comes into their lives.
I can promise you, this book has a sift enough pace you simply won't want to put it down, and you won't want it to end!
I give this book five stars.
A big thumbs up.
And my personal highly recommended award.
When a married man, and father, leaves his past behind in search of a "possession-less" lifestyle, he has no idea what may be called of him. To what sacrifices he will truly have to make.
Follow this man as he comes to have friends, who have no idea what true sacrifice is until Lazarus Love III comes into their lives.
I can promise you, this book has a sift enough pace you simply won't want to put it down, and you won't want it to end!
I give this book five stars.
A big thumbs up.
And my personal highly recommended award.
February 25, 2017
I received a copy of this for free through GoodReads First Reads
I had to force myself to finish this book. The plot line itself is really good, and the characters are really likable. However the tone that the author wrote in makes it impossible to really connect with the characters. Of all the characters though, I would really like to read a story about Legion. He was by far the most interesting of the characters, but with all the E's it made his sections really really hard to decipher.
I had to force myself to finish this book. The plot line itself is really good, and the characters are really likable. However the tone that the author wrote in makes it impossible to really connect with the characters. Of all the characters though, I would really like to read a story about Legion. He was by far the most interesting of the characters, but with all the E's it made his sections really really hard to decipher.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews