Reviews

I would consider Revolutionary Suicide a book that holds almost infinite purposes.

Far beyond an autobiography. This is a manifesto. A philosophical work. A sociological and psychological study. A love letter to the people.

Gems start flooding in right from the very beginning with the lovely introduction given by Fredrika Newton, Huey’s wife. This has to be one of the most captivating introductions I’ve read in some time. Fredrika did a wonderful job at honoring Huey’s story in a very forthright and honest way.

Learning about Huey’s childhood, his family, and friendship. Learning about his time in the education system, and the prison system. Learning how each facet of his life interconnected into a woven basket of straws that contained all the ingredients to make Huey the revolutionary that he was, was truly inspiring.

I love that Huey highlights community and the importance of it being at center countless times throughout the book. It gives the reader and witnesses needed perspective about the way that we interact with prominent activists/celebrities/leaders/etc. Mass change requires a want for said change from the masses. Achieving it requires the work of the collective. Therefore glorification never belongs to one individual.

This is a huge part of what attracted me to learning about The Black Panther Party as well as the members within it was their ability to be among the people, to relate to them, educate them, and fight for them all at once. This is the necessary work.

daviskay98's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

A beautiful book outlining the thinking of Huey P Newton. I knew so little about the Black Panther Party that my eyes truly opened when I was reading this book and relating to what he was saying. This book is an amazing starter for other books of leftist ideology because he mentions the books and authors that have helped to radicalize him. Amazing book and all power to the people.

bjamieson's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

ching0na's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Inspiring story of one of the founding members of the Black Panther party. It brings tears to my eyes to learn about the and violence he faced. Specially the note from Dr Mary Jane Aguilar who described the mistreatment during his hospital visit. As well as Huey’s turbulent trial and time spent in prison.

blorbit's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective

5.0

wellreadsinger's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective

5.0

Huey P. Newton never lost sight of the importance of serving the community/people and aiding in raising that consciousness. This country feared the Black Panther Party of Self-Defense not because of their guns. They feared that a group like this would bring about structural change that would challenge the status quo; the feared the black revolutionary because they had the power to influence others to fight for the liberation that they deserve.

Newton knew from personal experience that education is imperative in raising consciousness among people. This is one of the reasons why a focus of the BPP was creating survival programs for the black community.

Huey P. Newton’s Revolutionary Suicide provides an intimate look not only into his politics, but his personal life in a way that makes the reader see him beyond whatever image the media has painted for him.

_luvlubby's review against another edition

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5.0

One of THE most interesting autobiographies that I’ve ever read in my life. Huey brought me into the streets of Oakland, through the cells of jails and into the mind of a true revolutionary with his words. I’d totally read it again.

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