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kenzielee's review against another edition
5.0
I was ignorant to the details of Malcom X’s years in jail and journey to the Nation of Islam. I appreciated connecting the dots in the formation of the leader and activist he became known for. A testament to education, miseducation, purpose, and self knowing. Solid audiobook choice.
thehmkane's review against another edition
4.0
I so appreciate Professor Shabazz's commitment to making Malcolm's story accessible to audiences of all ages. I firmly believe his story is one of the most important in American history.
nerfherder86's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed listening to this excellent audiobook on the young adult years of Malcolm X, which fictionalizes his years of incarceration as a young man and his gradual conversion to the Nation of Islam while in prison. (The audiobook narrator is terrific; he has a deep, resonant and smooth voice that was a joy to listen to, and he was excellent at altering it to create various characters.) While the situations were rough to read about--racist guards, rough treatment, very poor conditions for prisoners--it was an uplifting story and a meaningful one for many who may not be familiar with Malcolm X's life story and early influences. Readers will be appalled at what he endures while in Charlestown Prison and cheer when he is transferred to the much more livable Norfolk Prison Colony, where he is able to educate himself in the prison library. Great book for teen readers; content warning for the "n" word used by prison guards and others.
aerialsshelfielife's review against another edition
5.0
"Something occurs to me that I've always known but haven't fully processed: I'll never just be a man, even outside these walls. I will always be a Black man. My desire for equality is a burden and an insult in white eyes. So they lock us up, mute our voices."
Detroit Red was a smooth talking, peacock in love with the wrong woman. That misguided affection landed him in prison. Charlestown--where guards ruled with iron fists, batons, and solitary confinement and Norfolk--where his voice was encouraged until it became a threat. Therese were the formative years that transitioned Malcolm Little to Malcolm X.
Detroit Red was a smooth talking, peacock in love with the wrong woman. That misguided affection landed him in prison. Charlestown--where guards ruled with iron fists, batons, and solitary confinement and Norfolk--where his voice was encouraged until it became a threat. Therese were the formative years that transitioned Malcolm Little to Malcolm X.
cristi3's review against another edition
3.0
Sometimes it's hard for me to read stories about real people, but in this case it was very entertaining and it felt like a work of fiction although it's the real life of Malcolm X. Sometimes it's very hard what they write and it's terrible to imagine Malcolm and the others in those situations in the prison. It's also great to see how he starts educating himself and starts to believe in religion. It's very clear he was a brave, very intelligent person who cared about his equals and worked for their rights.
I'm really glad that his daughter contributed on this book as she's the one who could do this in the best way and you can see how much she admires his father.
It's a very inspiring story that makes you want to fight against the injustices in society and educate yourself in every way that you can.
I'm really glad that his daughter contributed on this book as she's the one who could do this in the best way and you can see how much she admires his father.
It's a very inspiring story that makes you want to fight against the injustices in society and educate yourself in every way that you can.
amberoooo's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
kareimer's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a very thoughtful and beautiful portrayal of Malcolm X's time in prison. I think we have this idea that revolutionary thinkers and people come from places of great education and/or privilege. However, this book singlehandedly destroys that stereotype. Malcolm's time in prison is what gave him the education, debating talents, interpersonal skills, and dedication to speak about racial injustice to the masses. I think this book also showed the importance of our narratives of history and knowing who this narrative serves. Notably, the myth that the United States created by white people is false as the United States is built by the slavery of Black people. (I would also add the genocide of indigenous peoples across the US and Canada). I also loved the examination of the importance of religion. I think it is so interesting that he respects and loves his father and his teachings as a minister. Yet he ultimately hated the religion he preached. I wish there was more on this. But, I loved hearing his thoughts on the importance of removing himself from Christianity (another form of whiteness forced on him as a Black person). A final thought (with little analysis) is the repetition of his father's word "up you mighty race" was so powerful. Overall great book, wish the book went later on in his life to hear about his activism beyond the prison walls.
corncake's review against another edition
4.0
This was so good! I've never known much about Malcolm X, but this is a great introduction into his story, and makes me want to learn more about him. A powerful book for readers of all ages.
ashhulksmash's review against another edition
3.0
This was a great primer into the life of Malcolm X. Written in a relatable manner, just didn't realize this was geared for YA when I picked it up.