Reviews tagging 'Suicide'
The Awakening of Malcolm X by Tiffany D. Jackson, Ilyasah Shabazz
5 reviews
ladygetslit's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Addiction, Confinement, Suicidal thoughts, and Drug use
Minor: Excrement, Suicide, and Mental illness
yeojinqueen's review against another edition
- 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
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
sidbookreviews's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Full review to come on my blog.
Graphic: Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Racism, and Suicide
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Islamophobia and Excrement
bookishrealm's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"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.
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Addiction, and Drug use
betweentheshelves's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, Hate crime, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicide