yeojinqueen's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Racism, Confinement, Death of parent, Grief, Police brutality, Death, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Slavery, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Cursing, Domestic abuse, and Suicide
betweentheshelves's review
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for an advanced copy of this book to review! I saw a few advertisements for it, and I was super excited to read it. It's an in-depth look at Malcolm X's young adult years, told in a way that makes his life more relatable to teenagers.
While this book is a sequel, it can definitely be read on its own. We piece together Malcolm X's past with flashbacks and dreams that Malcolm has when he was in prison. His story is a familiar one; he finds books and Islam in prison. We get to see how he transforms into the Malcolm X we're most familiar with. Overall, we get to see how rigged the system is against Black people and the way that Malcolm wants to fight against the system.
In addition, it's easy to see research was done on the topic. However, this doesn't take away from the story. There is a good mix of history, personal details from Malcolm X, and just enough fiction woven in. The topic is also timely, relating to the Black Lives Matter movement that's still happening in the United States.
This book would be a great addition to any classroom or library.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, Hate crime, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicide
alertnerd's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The follow up to X, The Awakening of Malcolm X tells the story of Malcolm’s time in prison. Throughout his time in two very different prisons, Malcolm is introduced to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam movement.
The story of Malcolm’s awakening is told through flashbacks to his childhood and the things he learned from his parents and their friend Marcus Garvey. Its shows how Malcolm was able to combine these teachings with what he saw in prison and what was happening in the US in the late 1940s and early 1950s. All of these things combined is what made Malcolm X who he was.
I really appreciated the heavy focus on Malcolm’s love for reading and how learning about his history empowered him.
The Awakening of Malcolm X is just as powerful as its predecessor and I just feel so fortunate that we’re able to have these books written by Malcolm’s daughter herself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Death and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Mental illness
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