Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Racism'
The Awakening of Malcolm X by Tiffany D. Jackson, Ilyasah Shabazz
13 reviews
bookishrealm's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
YESSSS the first 5 star read of 2021! I'm so happy that it was this book. This book comes after X chronologically; however, it can be read as a stand alone. Thank you so much to FSG for providing me a copy of this book for review. All thoughts are my own. CW: use of the n-word, mistreatment of Black prisoners, physical violence, suicide, suicidal ideation, drugs, gambling, racism.
"Hard to imagine a world that considers us equals when the core of our very existence is human and they don't consider us that."
The Awakening of Malcolm X focuses on the portion of Malcolm X's life when he was imprisoned. The story is told in an interesting narrative where readers have the opportunity to see Malcolm reflect on events that happened prior to him ending up in prison and applying the feelings of those experiences to his current experience. While Shabazz and Jackson took a little creative liberty in how they portrayed certain events, there is so much to enjoy and learn from this story. There is an intimate portrayal of the relationship that Malcolm had with his siblings and how they worked together to make sure that Malcolm "awakened" himself to discover who he was meant to be. Shabazz and Jackson also emphasize and highlight how much Malcolm valued education. It reminded me of how my own father taught me to always value my education. I knew that Malcolm was well rounded and well read, but as a reader you really learn how invested he is in reading all sorts of books to become self-educated. I didn't even realize he was on a debate team!
With Shabazz and Jackson I expected nothing but well designed social commentary. There is a clear paralleling of Black men and White men who served time. Through Malcolm's awakening he quickly learns how the world will view and treat him as a Black man. In fact, most of the conversations that take place around the incarceration of Black men are still applicable today in 2021. It was definitely difficult to read at some points; however, it's conversation that needs to continue. I'm hoping that Shabazz intends to write at least two more books that details his ongoing relationship with the Nation of Islam. While it plays a big role in the context of this book and in Malcolm's awakening process, there is a small hint at the indication of the the later fall out that Malcolm will have with Elijah Muhammad.
Overall, I loveeeddddd this novel. It was easy to follow, it captures Malcolms inner monologue in a way that connects the reader to his experiences. There will be younger readers that will get a lot out of reading this book. From learning about Malcolm X, to learning about Black history (there is a mention of the 1921 Tulsa Riots), to learning about the importance of family there appears to be something for everyone. If you haven't considered reading this book, I would definitely recommend picking it up.
"Hard to imagine a world that considers us equals when the core of our very existence is human and they don't consider us that."
The Awakening of Malcolm X focuses on the portion of Malcolm X's life when he was imprisoned. The story is told in an interesting narrative where readers have the opportunity to see Malcolm reflect on events that happened prior to him ending up in prison and applying the feelings of those experiences to his current experience. While Shabazz and Jackson took a little creative liberty in how they portrayed certain events, there is so much to enjoy and learn from this story. There is an intimate portrayal of the relationship that Malcolm had with his siblings and how they worked together to make sure that Malcolm "awakened" himself to discover who he was meant to be. Shabazz and Jackson also emphasize and highlight how much Malcolm valued education. It reminded me of how my own father taught me to always value my education. I knew that Malcolm was well rounded and well read, but as a reader you really learn how invested he is in reading all sorts of books to become self-educated. I didn't even realize he was on a debate team!
With Shabazz and Jackson I expected nothing but well designed social commentary. There is a clear paralleling of Black men and White men who served time. Through Malcolm's awakening he quickly learns how the world will view and treat him as a Black man. In fact, most of the conversations that take place around the incarceration of Black men are still applicable today in 2021. It was definitely difficult to read at some points; however, it's conversation that needs to continue. I'm hoping that Shabazz intends to write at least two more books that details his ongoing relationship with the Nation of Islam. While it plays a big role in the context of this book and in Malcolm's awakening process, there is a small hint at the indication of the the later fall out that Malcolm will have with Elijah Muhammad.
Overall, I loveeeddddd this novel. It was easy to follow, it captures Malcolms inner monologue in a way that connects the reader to his experiences. There will be younger readers that will get a lot out of reading this book. From learning about Malcolm X, to learning about Black history (there is a mention of the 1921 Tulsa Riots), to learning about the importance of family there appears to be something for everyone. If you haven't considered reading this book, I would definitely recommend picking it up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Addiction, and Drug use
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for an advanced copy of this book to review! I saw a few advertisements for it, and I was super excited to read it. It's an in-depth look at Malcolm X's young adult years, told in a way that makes his life more relatable to teenagers.
While this book is a sequel, it can definitely be read on its own. We piece together Malcolm X's past with flashbacks and dreams that Malcolm has when he was in prison. His story is a familiar one; he finds books and Islam in prison. We get to see how he transforms into the Malcolm X we're most familiar with. Overall, we get to see how rigged the system is against Black people and the way that Malcolm wants to fight against the system.
In addition, it's easy to see research was done on the topic. However, this doesn't take away from the story. There is a good mix of history, personal details from Malcolm X, and just enough fiction woven in. The topic is also timely, relating to the Black Lives Matter movement that's still happening in the United States.
This book would be a great addition to any classroom or library.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, Hate crime, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicide
alertnerd's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The follow up to X, The Awakening of Malcolm X tells the story of Malcolm’s time in prison. Throughout his time in two very different prisons, Malcolm is introduced to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam movement.
The story of Malcolm’s awakening is told through flashbacks to his childhood and the things he learned from his parents and their friend Marcus Garvey. Its shows how Malcolm was able to combine these teachings with what he saw in prison and what was happening in the US in the late 1940s and early 1950s. All of these things combined is what made Malcolm X who he was.
I really appreciated the heavy focus on Malcolm’s love for reading and how learning about his history empowered him.
The Awakening of Malcolm X is just as powerful as its predecessor and I just feel so fortunate that we’re able to have these books written by Malcolm’s daughter herself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Death and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Mental illness
More...