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asen123's review against another edition
I might finish it when I’m a bit older. I really wanted to like it, but it was too intense for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Drug use, Racism, Murder, Gun violence, Drug abuse, Classism, Alcoholism, Addiction, Misogyny, Violence, and Police brutality
earthtokb's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Misogyny
aia_r's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
The Autobiography of Malcolm X, one of the most important books of the twentieth century, is a classic autobiography that tells the story of the Muslim leader Malcolm X. We learn about his early years as a boy in Michigan, his hustling days in Harlem, getting in prison and discovering the religion of Islam. By far one of the most informative, interesting books I have ever read. Such a great book for anyone wanting to understand the Afro-American struggle and is essential for anyone wanting to understand America.
Malcolm X's captivating perspective of the lies and limitations of the so-called "American Dream" and the racism in a society that denies its non-white citizens to dream gives a unique insight into the most pressing issues today.
Malcolm X's captivating perspective of the lies and limitations of the so-called "American Dream" and the racism in a society that denies its non-white citizens to dream gives a unique insight into the most pressing issues today.
"But it is only after the deepest darkness that joy can come; it is only after slavery and prison that the sweetest appreciation of freedom can come."
What I liked the most about this autobiography are its honesty, its exalted purpose and its passion. This will have a permanent place in the literature of the African-American struggle. What saddens me is that Malcolm was seen as a violent, anti-white, dangerous man filled with hate when he was only speaking the truth while being the wisest, intelligent, honest, gentle, peaceful activist that wanted freedom and basic human rights for the then 22 million black citizens in the United States that had been under slavery for four hundred years.
At the end of the book, Malcolm says;
At the end of the book, Malcolm says;
"I know that societies often have killed the people who have helped to change those societies. And if I can die having brought any light, having exposed any meaningful truth that will help to destroy the racist cancer that is malignant in the body of America, then all of the credit is due to Allah. Only the mistakes have been mine."
This alone demonstrates what a wise, sincere and humble person Malcolm was whose life ended way too soon. Shame on those who spread false accusations against this man and tried to ruin his image. May he rest in peace.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Alcohol, Racial slurs, Drug use, and Addiction
Moderate: Slavery, Death of parent, and Police brutality
Minor: Hate crime and Violence
donutlookaway's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Racism
akvolcano's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I have never known much about Malcom X. Everything that was spoken about him was brief and told from a white person who painted him as a villain, not as a human. I loved being able to read about him from his own words. I’ve learned about his life, work, and legacy. He did so much for Black people. And It is so important for his story to be told, for this book to be read. Read the whole book-cover to cover.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Forced institutionalization, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Islamophobia, Police brutality, and Racism
Moderate: Hate crime, Antisemitism, Addiction, Drug abuse, Genocide, Grief, Murder, Classism, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Slavery, and Vomit
afroheaux's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Growing up, I had this vision of Malcolm X as a troublemaker who did nothing but run his mouth and preach black supremacy. I knew he was violent. I couldn’t recall a single violent thing that he did, but I knew he was violent. Once I started learning true history as an African American Studies minor, I began to learn everything I knew was wrong. This book showed me how wrong I was.
Although Malcolm isn’t as perfect as I thought he would be, his takes are more nuanced, informed, and at many times, prophetic than I ever knew. After being in an Islamic cult, his politics about women (amongst other topics) weren’t going to be perfect and I understand that. The lessons from his life and relentless activism is what I take from this. I’m so grateful he shared himself with us and I’m so sad that he wasn’t able to continue his work. I hope his family gets justice eventually.
Although Malcolm isn’t as perfect as I thought he would be, his takes are more nuanced, informed, and at many times, prophetic than I ever knew. After being in an Islamic cult, his politics about women (amongst other topics) weren’t going to be perfect and I understand that. The lessons from his life and relentless activism is what I take from this. I’m so grateful he shared himself with us and I’m so sad that he wasn’t able to continue his work. I hope his family gets justice eventually.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Death of parent, and Violence
historicalmaterialgirl's review against another edition
There are so many strong parts of this book. It's easy to read while still providing incisive commentary on the civil rights movement and the emotional responses to oppression. I think this book is important to pulling back the myths of the angry Black man, especially as that figure is put onto Malcolm X. I am still thinking about some of the quotes he writes about assimilation and rage.
At the same time, it shouldn't be a secret that there are dull or boring parts of the book. There's also a fair amount of misogyny, and the same points are repeated multiple times.
I think this would be a great introduction or way into political education. I could definitely introduce and suggest it to people around me! It's not a bad book at all, it's just not for me.
At the same time, it shouldn't be a secret that there are dull or boring parts of the book. There's also a fair amount of misogyny, and the same points are repeated multiple times.
I think this would be a great introduction or way into political education. I could definitely introduce and suggest it to people around me! It's not a bad book at all, it's just not for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Misogyny
introvertsbookclub's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
This is a good place to start if you are trying to broaden your understanding of the civil rights period, beyond what is narrowly covered in school. It is a detailed account of the life that shaped Malcolm X and how his ideas around racism and tackling racism formed and changed over time. The development of his ideas and his role as a leader was fascinating to read about, especially because the autobiography was written at a time of rapid upheaval in Malcolm X’s life. It provides an alternative reading to the popularly held perception of Malcolm X and some of the events he is most often associated with. While slow at times, it was necessarily so, and felt like an almost unmediated, and yet still reflective, insight into his mind.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
morgcailie's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
The most beautiful autobiography I've read. Malcolm's journey and words mean so much to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Hate crime
apersonfromflorida's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexism, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Violence
Minor: Police brutality, Islamophobia, and Pregnancy