Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.65 AVERAGE
4.65 AVERAGE
Powerful messages all throughout this book. Loved the speeches made by all. Just a great book series...period.
Even better than the first. I read his memoir on the movement, and the imagery created for this really brings Lewis' voice to light. Plus he includes some more stories and highlights even more figures that people don't always get informed about. Added bonus is the original text of Lewis' speech at the March on Washington. The revisions, and the decision to reveal both drafts, offers a uniquely open perspective on one of the greatest leaders of the movement and today.
U.S. Congressman John Lewis's memoir series on his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement should be required reading in all high schools in the United States. Riveting read!
I mean. Everything I said about the first book holds true. This book is educational, and important. It hurts to read. It calls up emotions without demanding them. It's history. When I was choosing the "shelves" to put it on, I clicked the box next to "dystopian" before correcting myself--it wasn't just a typo, it felt appropriate to put it on that shelf. Our country has a horrible, horrible history. And I feel like, when people talk about "the good ol' days," I think there are days that are better than others, there is progress, and there are good ol' days--but we haven't been there yet.
I think what this book drives home is how extremely violent the nonviolent protests of the Civil Rights Movement were; it's so easy to forget, even when you've learnt about it, because the images we see most often are of the protesters standing, giving speeches, walking, sitting. Surrounded, yes, by the National Guard, and behind them angry, white faces, so the threat of violence is there, in those images. But rarely shown are the images of the dogs attacking, the nightsticks raised and brought down on skulls, the punishing firehoses. And I think it's really important to understand the actual violence--the words are bad, the slurs, the "segregation today, segregation tomorrow", but the actual beatings, the imposing of permanent disability and death...those things happen, with racism. Those things happen, when leaders won't speak out against hate. Those things happen when people are emboldened in their bigotry by the establishment. So let's not forget--people weren't just mean to activists, they didn't just hurt their feelings, they made them bleed.
So. I really appreciate the juxtaposition of the depiction of the 1960s and that of January 20, 2009. The pages devoted to President Obama's inauguration day gave me a chance to breathe, sort of. I didn't feel like I needed that relief as much in the first book as in this second one.
I think what this book drives home is how extremely violent the nonviolent protests of the Civil Rights Movement were; it's so easy to forget, even when you've learnt about it, because the images we see most often are of the protesters standing, giving speeches, walking, sitting. Surrounded, yes, by the National Guard, and behind them angry, white faces, so the threat of violence is there, in those images. But rarely shown are the images of the dogs attacking, the nightsticks raised and brought down on skulls, the punishing firehoses. And I think it's really important to understand the actual violence--the words are bad, the slurs, the "segregation today, segregation tomorrow", but the actual beatings, the imposing of permanent disability and death...those things happen, with racism. Those things happen, when leaders won't speak out against hate. Those things happen when people are emboldened in their bigotry by the establishment. So let's not forget--people weren't just mean to activists, they didn't just hurt their feelings, they made them bleed.
So. I really appreciate the juxtaposition of the depiction of the 1960s and that of January 20, 2009. The pages devoted to President Obama's inauguration day gave me a chance to breathe, sort of. I didn't feel like I needed that relief as much in the first book as in this second one.
The second installment of March takes us through freedom rides, the establishment of the Big Six, the march on Washington, and the bombing of a Birmingham church. Lewis's voice of experience and authority, together with the striking black and white drawings, bring an emotion and immediacy to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s that makes us feel like we were there. No matter your age, race, gender, or other identifying factors, the March series is for you.
If possible- I felt Book Two of this trilogy was even more powerful than the first. This book sees John Lewis develop his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, and in doing so, developing his own beliefs and moral code which at times he has to fight to uphold. There are powerful lessons here beyond those about race- being true to yourself, persisting, believing.
This one involved more names and dates than the first, so it was a bit more complicated to follow, but it was just as powerful. I can't wait to read the third.
Another phenomenal book in this graphic novel series. Getting a more detailed look at the Freedom Rider events and what those individuals experienced is such a powerful moment. The way these books keep framing John's early days as a civil rights activist with the inauguration of Barack Obama is especially moving and gives the story even more beauty. Moving on to book three quickly.