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rellimreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is book 1 in the King Legacy Series. A combination of Dr. Martin Luther King’s writing, speeches, and sermons with additional thoughts from scholars and activists.
Like many, most of my knowledge about Dr. King came from small unit studies during school. While I have gradually learned more over the years, I realize that the information so far has been superficial at best and lacking most of the context needed to appreciate the short quotes posted to the net each year near January 15th.
I think the first thing that struck me is that when the year-long Montgomery bus boycotts started, Dr. King was only 26 years old. While this seemed ancient to 9 year-old me in 4th grade history, as someone who is now closer to 50 – it fills me with great awe. Next would be… *year long*. While it’s impossible for traditional education to fully cover every moment in history, the “bites” we get the 3 times US History is covered, sometimes do it a gross disservice.
Dr. King’s approach in this book is a mixture of historical (the events/situations/culture leading up to the protests), autobiographical, “current” events (this was penned merely 2 years after the boycott ended), sermon, and hope for the future. I was impressed with King’s breadth of reading, experiences, perspectives and faith. I appreciated his ability to closely examine both short term and long term goals for the Black community, Montgomery, the nation as a whole, and those who wished to be allies in the struggle for integration.
I believe that his wisdom reaches beyond the decades since these events and appreciate feeling challenged by his words and approach. I won’t be waiting until next January to listen to more of the series.
Narration:
I own both the ebook & audiobook versions of this. I think they’re both excellent. There are some photographs included in the ebook that, while they can be found easily on the net, paired with the text offer specific historical context. On the other hand JD Jackson’s narration is impeccable. I can’t imagine what an undertaking it is to bring the writings of such an important figure, one who was known as a great orator himself, to life. In my humble opinion, Jackson does Dr. King’s words, emotions, and personality justice. I’m happy he’s at the helm for other books in the series.
Like many, most of my knowledge about Dr. King came from small unit studies during school. While I have gradually learned more over the years, I realize that the information so far has been superficial at best and lacking most of the context needed to appreciate the short quotes posted to the net each year near January 15th.
I think the first thing that struck me is that when the year-long Montgomery bus boycotts started, Dr. King was only 26 years old. While this seemed ancient to 9 year-old me in 4th grade history, as someone who is now closer to 50 – it fills me with great awe. Next would be… *year long*. While it’s impossible for traditional education to fully cover every moment in history, the “bites” we get the 3 times US History is covered, sometimes do it a gross disservice.
Dr. King’s approach in this book is a mixture of historical (the events/situations/culture leading up to the protests), autobiographical, “current” events (this was penned merely 2 years after the boycott ended), sermon, and hope for the future. I was impressed with King’s breadth of reading, experiences, perspectives and faith. I appreciated his ability to closely examine both short term and long term goals for the Black community, Montgomery, the nation as a whole, and those who wished to be allies in the struggle for integration.
I believe that his wisdom reaches beyond the decades since these events and appreciate feeling challenged by his words and approach. I won’t be waiting until next January to listen to more of the series.
Narration:
I own both the ebook & audiobook versions of this. I think they’re both excellent. There are some photographs included in the ebook that, while they can be found easily on the net, paired with the text offer specific historical context. On the other hand JD Jackson’s narration is impeccable. I can’t imagine what an undertaking it is to bring the writings of such an important figure, one who was known as a great orator himself, to life. In my humble opinion, Jackson does Dr. King’s words, emotions, and personality justice. I’m happy he’s at the helm for other books in the series.
lucyhicks's review against another edition
4.0
Incredibly powerful account of King’s experience as a pastor and activist during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and a great deal of challenging content, particularly regarding capitalism and non-violence. I often find that the most quoted sayings of his tend to sugar coat his opinions, particularly regarding theology, and it was refreshing to gain some more detailed insight into his own beliefs.
It was somewhat disappointing to see so little mention of Bayard Rustin and of the many Black women involved in this movement, especially Coretta Scott King. Although they are acknowledged, there is the sense that the book is of its time and is therefore aiming to be palatable in order that it might communicate the cause of racial equality more effectively to its contemporary audience. There is no doubt that the anti-communist rhetoric, homophobia and misogyny placed restrictions on what was deemed appropriate to include, and this is perhaps most evident in King’s denunciation of communism. Nevertheless, there is far more good and powerful in this book than not, and I feel especially grateful to have been able to know just a little of what this gruelling struggle for equal rights was like for those who were elected as its representatives.
It was somewhat disappointing to see so little mention of Bayard Rustin and of the many Black women involved in this movement, especially Coretta Scott King. Although they are acknowledged, there is the sense that the book is of its time and is therefore aiming to be palatable in order that it might communicate the cause of racial equality more effectively to its contemporary audience. There is no doubt that the anti-communist rhetoric, homophobia and misogyny placed restrictions on what was deemed appropriate to include, and this is perhaps most evident in King’s denunciation of communism. Nevertheless, there is far more good and powerful in this book than not, and I feel especially grateful to have been able to know just a little of what this gruelling struggle for equal rights was like for those who were elected as its representatives.
foofers1622's review against another edition
5.0
Not only is this a first hand account of the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, but it is told by the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. J.D. Jackson does a wonderful job being the voice of Dr. King. At times, it felt like he really was reading his book. It was so sad at the moments Dr. King talked about his life ending and wanting the struggle for Freedom to go on without him. I feel like he knew all along he would never make it into old age.
My Grandma Stewart also bought the first edition of this book that I still have!
My Grandma Stewart also bought the first edition of this book that I still have!
lezreadalot's review against another edition
4.0
Today, in all too many northern communities, a sort of quasi-liberalism prevails, so bent on seeing all sides that it fails to become dedicated to any side. It is so objectively analytical that it is not subjectively committed. A true liberal will not be deterred by the propaganda and subtle words of those who say, “Slow up for a while. You are pushing things too fast.”
Dr. King's account of the Montgomery bus boycott: how it started, the people involved, how he got involved, and the tactics and types of resistance they used, his thoughts on race and racism in America in the 1950s, his brand of pacifism and how it developed. My first book by him, and I really liked it; it made me more emotional than I expected, especially when he talks frankly and sanguinely about the possibility of his death. I also appreciated the introduction by Clayborne Carson, which lets you know right off the bat about some of the limits of King's POV and some things he might have omitted and why. I don't think I need to get into his philosophy because, I mean, it's widely enough known. And I respect it so much and agree with him (to a point). The strides he made with non-violent protest are amazing. I really liked this for some of the simple minutiae that it provided about the lives of black people in that era, what they did to survive and thrive and keep their dignity in a world that very literally hated them.
There's some stuff about capitalism and communism that made me go 'uh... sure', but I guess I can't be surprised, it was the 50s. It definitely tells its age with some of the mores that he held. I really didn't care for the bit in the last chapter where he gives advice to fellow black people (about the ways they could do better) because most of it was so trivial and seemed to cater directly to white people and what they might have wanted to hear. Kinda rubbed me the wrong way.
Listened to the audiobook by JD Jackson, who thankfully didn't try to emulate or imitate Dr. King, but gave a great performance nonetheless. This was really good! A piece of non-fiction that I'm really happy to have finally read.
True peace is not merely the absence of tension. It is the presence of justice.
mrsmobarak's review against another edition
5.0
This is not merely an account of a pivotal moment in history, but a philosophical, political, and social call for all men everywhere to pursue justice for all.
koki_siringo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
weeksjdub's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
gjones19's review against another edition
5.0
The Montgomery Bus Boycott is an incredible story of justice, perseverance, and the power of community. King’s final chapter (Where Do We Go From Here?) is still profoundly relevant.
lydia_morris's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I bought this book in Washington DC after visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and I'm so glad I did. Being British and not having studied history beyond age 15, I had no idea about a lot of what was discussed in this book and it was really eye opening.