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negritudexo's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lex_withthe_text's review against another edition
4.0
The Awakening of Malcolm X is a powerful narrative account of the activist's adolescent years in jail, written by his daughter @ilyasahshabazz along with @writeinbk.
Y’all, I highly recommend this book. I finished it in one day. Book 2 of 2021. It’s a powerful narrative that centers on Malcolm as an adolescent as he explores personal tribulations of race, family, and faith. We get to see him struggle with the weight of his past, and it felt so incredibly intimate. I loved being exposed to this side of him, who once was just a young Black kid living through the horrors of life around him. Unfortunately, he had to grow up quickly. Black boys don’t get to stay a kid for long.
This is a well-written book that explores important issues about prison reform, our criminal justice system, and of course, race. I loved how the book showed how religion helped mold him into a man. This is a beautiful novel that will leave a big impression on you and all the teens who will one day read it.
Follow me for more bookish content!
https://www.instagram.com/lex_withthe_text/
Y’all, I highly recommend this book. I finished it in one day. Book 2 of 2021. It’s a powerful narrative that centers on Malcolm as an adolescent as he explores personal tribulations of race, family, and faith. We get to see him struggle with the weight of his past, and it felt so incredibly intimate. I loved being exposed to this side of him, who once was just a young Black kid living through the horrors of life around him. Unfortunately, he had to grow up quickly. Black boys don’t get to stay a kid for long.
This is a well-written book that explores important issues about prison reform, our criminal justice system, and of course, race. I loved how the book showed how religion helped mold him into a man. This is a beautiful novel that will leave a big impression on you and all the teens who will one day read it.
Follow me for more bookish content!
https://www.instagram.com/lex_withthe_text/
miamollekin's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ladygetslit's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Addiction, Confinement, Suicidal thoughts, and Drug use
Minor: Excrement, Suicide, and Mental illness
colethereader's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
onthesamepage's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
CWs: racial slurs, racism, mistreatment of prisoners, violence, drugs
This is a historically accurate (with some fictionalized elements) portrayal of Malcolm X's young adult life , specifically the period he spent in prison. During this time, he is introduced to the Nation of Islam through his family, and we follow him as he initially dismisses the religion they have joined, but is slowly drawn to Islam through his brothers and Elijah Muhammad.
This is a historically accurate (with some fictionalized elements) portrayal of Malcolm X's young adult life , specifically the period he spent in prison. During this time, he is introduced to the Nation of Islam through his family, and we follow him as he initially dismisses the religion they have joined, but is slowly drawn to Islam through his brothers and Elijah Muhammad.
The warden stands off to the side of the mess hall and cats become real quiet. One wrong move and he’ll throw all of us in the hole without a single care. Mack’s voice creeps in my head, and I try not to compare him to a plantation owner. We’re not slaves, but it’s hard to imagine this place as anything less than that type of hell. How does one live his life desiring to terrorize another?
The way prisoners, especially Black prisoners, were and still are treated is frankly depicted here, and it's even though it's horrible to read about, it's important to be aware of the structural racism within the prison system in the US.
I only know the barebones of Malcolm's history, so most of this was new to me and a very interesting read. Even though his relationship with Elijah Muhammad is still going strong by the end, we're already given hints that all is not well within the Nation of Islam. I also have to say I didn't know much about what the NoI entailed before reading this, and I'm definitely curious to find out more.
I really like this format, where we get to see the important events happen as they actually played out, but with a fictional narrative spun around it. It's a great way to learn more about history, and while I'm not sure I'm interested in the book that precedes this one, I do hope the authors continue to write about Malcolm's journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Racial slurs, and Drug use
tsundoku_'s review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
blkgrlreading89's review
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
libscote's review against another edition
4.0
I read [b:X|22292486|X|Ilyasah Shabazz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1408018336l/22292486._SY75_.jpg|41679264] a while ago (like when it first came out) and bits and pieces of it came back to me as I read this one. This book covers an interesting period in Malcolm's life--the transition between Malcolm Little and Malcolm X. I always thought Malcolm X went to prison at a later point in his life, but it turns out he was still a teenager. There's a lot to sink your teeth into here--how little has changed about prisons, the religious freedoms Malcolm X fought for, the way you transform your thoughts over time.
steel_city_peach's review against another edition
3.0
Worth the Read
I’m always interested in learning more about Malcolm X. This book brought a new perspective. I enjoyed how much his siblings were included in the story. I would love to read more about of them.
I’m always interested in learning more about Malcolm X. This book brought a new perspective. I enjoyed how much his siblings were included in the story. I would love to read more about of them.