Reviews tagging 'Drug use'
The Awakening of Malcolm X by Tiffany D. Jackson, Ilyasah Shabazz
3 reviews
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
onthesamepage's review
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
bookishrealm's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
YESSSS the first 5 star read of 2021! I'm so happy that it was this book. This book comes after X chronologically; however, it can be read as a stand alone. Thank you so much to FSG for providing me a copy of this book for review. All thoughts are my own. CW: use of the n-word, mistreatment of Black prisoners, physical violence, suicide, suicidal ideation, drugs, gambling, racism.
"Hard to imagine a world that considers us equals when the core of our very existence is human and they don't consider us that."
The Awakening of Malcolm X focuses on the portion of Malcolm X's life when he was imprisoned. The story is told in an interesting narrative where readers have the opportunity to see Malcolm reflect on events that happened prior to him ending up in prison and applying the feelings of those experiences to his current experience. While Shabazz and Jackson took a little creative liberty in how they portrayed certain events, there is so much to enjoy and learn from this story. There is an intimate portrayal of the relationship that Malcolm had with his siblings and how they worked together to make sure that Malcolm "awakened" himself to discover who he was meant to be. Shabazz and Jackson also emphasize and highlight how much Malcolm valued education. It reminded me of how my own father taught me to always value my education. I knew that Malcolm was well rounded and well read, but as a reader you really learn how invested he is in reading all sorts of books to become self-educated. I didn't even realize he was on a debate team!
With Shabazz and Jackson I expected nothing but well designed social commentary. There is a clear paralleling of Black men and White men who served time. Through Malcolm's awakening he quickly learns how the world will view and treat him as a Black man. In fact, most of the conversations that take place around the incarceration of Black men are still applicable today in 2021. It was definitely difficult to read at some points; however, it's conversation that needs to continue. I'm hoping that Shabazz intends to write at least two more books that details his ongoing relationship with the Nation of Islam. While it plays a big role in the context of this book and in Malcolm's awakening process, there is a small hint at the indication of the the later fall out that Malcolm will have with Elijah Muhammad.
Overall, I loveeeddddd this novel. It was easy to follow, it captures Malcolms inner monologue in a way that connects the reader to his experiences. There will be younger readers that will get a lot out of reading this book. From learning about Malcolm X, to learning about Black history (there is a mention of the 1921 Tulsa Riots), to learning about the importance of family there appears to be something for everyone. If you haven't considered reading this book, I would definitely recommend picking it up.
"Hard to imagine a world that considers us equals when the core of our very existence is human and they don't consider us that."
The Awakening of Malcolm X focuses on the portion of Malcolm X's life when he was imprisoned. The story is told in an interesting narrative where readers have the opportunity to see Malcolm reflect on events that happened prior to him ending up in prison and applying the feelings of those experiences to his current experience. While Shabazz and Jackson took a little creative liberty in how they portrayed certain events, there is so much to enjoy and learn from this story. There is an intimate portrayal of the relationship that Malcolm had with his siblings and how they worked together to make sure that Malcolm "awakened" himself to discover who he was meant to be. Shabazz and Jackson also emphasize and highlight how much Malcolm valued education. It reminded me of how my own father taught me to always value my education. I knew that Malcolm was well rounded and well read, but as a reader you really learn how invested he is in reading all sorts of books to become self-educated. I didn't even realize he was on a debate team!
With Shabazz and Jackson I expected nothing but well designed social commentary. There is a clear paralleling of Black men and White men who served time. Through Malcolm's awakening he quickly learns how the world will view and treat him as a Black man. In fact, most of the conversations that take place around the incarceration of Black men are still applicable today in 2021. It was definitely difficult to read at some points; however, it's conversation that needs to continue. I'm hoping that Shabazz intends to write at least two more books that details his ongoing relationship with the Nation of Islam. While it plays a big role in the context of this book and in Malcolm's awakening process, there is a small hint at the indication of the the later fall out that Malcolm will have with Elijah Muhammad.
Overall, I loveeeddddd this novel. It was easy to follow, it captures Malcolms inner monologue in a way that connects the reader to his experiences. There will be younger readers that will get a lot out of reading this book. From learning about Malcolm X, to learning about Black history (there is a mention of the 1921 Tulsa Riots), to learning about the importance of family there appears to be something for everyone. If you haven't considered reading this book, I would definitely recommend picking it up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Addiction, and Drug use
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