One of the most amazing books that I had ever read as a teenager. Way before Spike did his spectacular job with the movie, this book laid a foundation in my mind and i firmly believe that it should be required reading in EVERY English class, in EVERY highschool across America.
Show lessOne of the most amazing books that I had ever read as a teenager. Way before Spike did his spectacular job with the movie, this book laid a foundation in my mind and i firmly believe that it should be required reading in EVERY English class, in EVERY highschool across America.
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The author, Alex Haley, did a wonderful job of weaving together the pieces of remembered thoughts, events and stories from the life of Malcolm X, as told over the years by the man himself. I was not around to read the headlines surrounding this controversial leader, but what I have heard about him painted a picture of little more than an outspoken and influential man spreading a message of revolution and racism. It was interesting to read about his earliest childhood memories of family, school and the various forms of racism he experienced growing up in Lansing, Michigan. He moved to Boston where he grew up quickly and began a downward spiral into a world of crime and drugs and ended up in prison by the age of 21. From my 21st century point of view, it is impossible for me to understand how white America has treated African Americans, especially during the lifetime of Malcolm X. And as a follower of Christ, I can definitely see where the Christian church has failed throughout history, even to this day. But as a white, Christian woman, it was difficult for me to get through the portion of the book where Malcolm becomes a follower of the Black Muslim leader, Elijah Muhammed, and speaks so vehemently against Christianity, whites and to a lesser extend, females. After reading through to the end of the book and seeing how Malcolm evolved after his pilgrimage to Mecca and changed some of his ideas about the white race, I was glad that Alex Haley urged him not to go back and "rewrite" his thoughts and feelings based on hindsight. In this way, we get a better picture of the man and how his attitude and ideals changed over time. The book is written from Malcolm's perspective, but Alex Haley gives more insight into the man in his epilogue. I really wasn't looking forward to the book, which was on my Newsweek's Top 100 Books reading list, as I am more fond of fiction, but I found it to be a quick yet interesting and insightful read.
Show lessThe author, Alex Haley, did a wonderful job of weaving together the pieces of remembered thoughts, events and stories from the life of Malcolm X, as told over the years by the man himself. I was not around to read the headlines surrounding this controversial leader, but what I have heard about him painted a picture of little more than an outspoken and influential man spreading a message of revolution and racism. It was interesting to read about his earliest childhood memories of family, school and the various forms of racism he experienced growing up in Lansing, Michigan. He moved to Boston where he grew up quickly and began a downward spiral into a world of crime and drugs and ended up in prison by the age of 21. From my 21st century point of view, it is impossible for me to understand how white America has treated African Americans, especially during the lifetime of Malcolm X. And as a follower of Christ, I can definitely see where the Christian church has failed throughout history, even to this day. But as a white, Christian woman, it was difficult for me to get through the portion of the book where Malcolm becomes a follower of the Black Muslim leader, Elijah Muhammed, and speaks so vehemently against Christianity, whites and to a lesser extend, females. After reading through to the end of the book and seeing how Malcolm evolved after his pilgrimage to Mecca and changed some of his ideas about the white race, I was glad that Alex Haley urged him not to go back and "rewrite" his thoughts and feelings based on hindsight. In this way, we get a better picture of the man and how his attitude and ideals changed over time. The book is written from Malcolm's perspective, but Alex Haley gives more insight into the man in his epilogue. I really wasn't looking forward to the book, which was on my Newsweek's Top 100 Books reading list, as I am more fond of fiction, but I found it to be a quick yet interesting and insightful read.
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Another in an ongoing series of American readings, wherein I'm trying to get a better overall picture of my country's character and history. An impressive and inspiring story of a man who dragged himself up from nothing against great odds; a man of astounding will, personality, integrity, and intelligence, all of which were severely stunted by the society he lived in. It’s also a good look into the kinds of conditions that foster and perhaps even justify radicalism. I can at least understand, if not necessarily condone, his divergence from King and the integrationist / civil rights movement after reading about what he and his family / friends went through as black Americans. I can see how one could come to the conclusions that he did, given his harrowing experience, even if I don’t agree in the end. Of course, neither did he, in the end. It’s too bad he didn’t live to finish his evolution as Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. It would have been a great ending to an already inspiring and gripping story.
Show lessAnother in an ongoing series of American readings, wherein I'm trying to get a better overall picture of my country's character and history. An impressive and inspiring story of a man who dragged himself up from nothing against great odds; a man of astounding will, personality, integrity, and intelligence, all of which were severely stunted by the society he lived in. It’s also a good look into the kinds of conditions that foster and perhaps even justify radicalism. I can at least understand, if not necessarily condone, his divergence from King and the integrationist / civil rights movement after reading about what he and his family / friends went through as black Americans. I can see how one could come to the conclusions that he did, given his harrowing experience, even if I don’t agree in the end. Of course, neither did he, in the end. It’s too bad he didn’t live to finish his evolution as Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. It would have been a great ending to an already inspiring and gripping story.
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