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4.64 AVERAGE
4.64 AVERAGE
“But in hallowing King, we have hollowed him. In those schools named for King, and in almost every school in America, King's life and lessons are often smoothed and polished beyond recognition.
Young people hear his dream of brotherhood and his wish for children to be judged by the content of their character, but not his call for fundamental change in the nation's character, not his cry for an end to the triple evils of materialism, militarism, and racism.”
“Today, his words might help us make our way through these trouble times, but only if we actually read them; only if we embrace the complicated King, the flawed King, the human King, the radical King; only if we see and hear him clearly again, as America saw and heard him once before.”
This was a profound and multi-faceted biography of King’s life. I highly recommend it.
Young people hear his dream of brotherhood and his wish for children to be judged by the content of their character, but not his call for fundamental change in the nation's character, not his cry for an end to the triple evils of materialism, militarism, and racism.”
“Today, his words might help us make our way through these trouble times, but only if we actually read them; only if we embrace the complicated King, the flawed King, the human King, the radical King; only if we see and hear him clearly again, as America saw and heard him once before.”
This was a profound and multi-faceted biography of King’s life. I highly recommend it.
informative
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
A long book that was extensive, detailed, & well-researched. I’ve always admired MLK’s conviction in what he believed, his ability to rally people for causes, & his oratory skill.
I did not know that he had so many mistresses & I found that distasteful, particularly since his wife was his biggest supporter. I also did not know that the federal government had tapped his phones and used the knowledge of his affairs against him. Was this an attempt to “keep him in line”? I also did not know that he struggled with depression &/or anxiety, this book humanized him as a regular person, not just an icon.
I did not know that he had so many mistresses & I found that distasteful, particularly since his wife was his biggest supporter. I also did not know that the federal government had tapped his phones and used the knowledge of his affairs against him. Was this an attempt to “keep him in line”? I also did not know that he struggled with depression &/or anxiety, this book humanized him as a regular person, not just an icon.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Infidelity, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, War
This biography is so important because it shows how radical MLK was how he connected his opposition to racism in the south with racism and poverty in the north and to the government violence being done in Vietnam. My into to MLK in school portrayed him as a much simpler more palatable person and this does a lot to show King as a well rounded deeply human person. It shows the depth of his beliefs, the community that supported him, as well as his anxiety and determination to stand up for what he believed in.
It also uses newly released FBI documents showing the extent of Hoover’s deep fear about and animosity toward King and the extent they went to to discredit and diminish his influence. Especially as king started talking more about poverty in general and the war in Vietnam.
It’s important to know that King was viewed as a dangerous figure and a terrorist for most of his career by our government, the same government that has tried to sanitize his message and use him to forward their own agenda since his death.
It also uses newly released FBI documents showing the extent of Hoover’s deep fear about and animosity toward King and the extent they went to to discredit and diminish his influence. Especially as king started talking more about poverty in general and the war in Vietnam.
It’s important to know that King was viewed as a dangerous figure and a terrorist for most of his career by our government, the same government that has tried to sanitize his message and use him to forward their own agenda since his death.
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
somehow very gripping biography of MLK, very narratively driven while showing the true life of King
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Reading this book, coming from an education on MLK based solely on a quick review in public school, you learn a lot about the man. This book covers almost every detail of MLK's short life, including those around him, family, friends, and enemies. You come away with a new appreciation for the impossible work done by Martin and his cohorts, and an understanding of the time period where people came together and demanded change. The scope of sacrifice is immense, and I left the book feeling in awe of Martin's accomplishments. That said, this book does not shy away from portraying it's subject as a a flawed human being, and acknowledges the missteps and blindspots and mistakes in the movement and the man. Great read, and if you're listening to the audiobook, the narrator does a fantastic job.