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tyler611's review against another edition
5.0
This book is incredible. My book club chose to read this book in honor of Black History Month and I'm glad they did. I felt like it did an incredible job of outlining the Civil Rights movement and John Lewis's place in it. I'm embarrassed to say that it wasn't until I read this book that I realized just how important a role in the movement he played. There were times when the book was sickening with the vitriol and hate that people of color had to (and still) endure. I admire the tenacity and vision of people like John Lewis. It is unfortunate that the state of the world requires heroes like John to do what they do. He really did make this country, and the world, a better place for being in it. John Lewis was a giant and deserves a place in history among the greats.
stephanie_varilek21's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
pjkerrison's review against another edition
4.0
The author, John Meacham, tells us in the afterword that this is not a full scale biography of the life of John Lewis. It is, rather, an appreciative account of the major moments of John Lewis’ life in the movement; of the theological understanding he brought to the struggle, and of the utility of that vision, as America enters its third decade of the 21st century amid division and fear.
His life was a remarkable one to say the least. The foundation of the man, built in faith and his unrelenting non-violent approach was ... I don’t know what the word is, actually. To have taken, again and again and again and again the physical beatings this man took; the mental and emotional anguish and to keep finding the strength and spirit to rise up after each knock down - I just don’t know what to say.
In reading this, other articles and stories, watching the documentary on his life all I keep thinking is was John Lewis was too good for us. He would say no, never, not for an instant. But I would say it’s a thought worth considering, but at that same thought’s conclusion hopefully we are knowing how grateful we should be to have had him.
His life was a remarkable one to say the least. The foundation of the man, built in faith and his unrelenting non-violent approach was ... I don’t know what the word is, actually. To have taken, again and again and again and again the physical beatings this man took; the mental and emotional anguish and to keep finding the strength and spirit to rise up after each knock down - I just don’t know what to say.
In reading this, other articles and stories, watching the documentary on his life all I keep thinking is was John Lewis was too good for us. He would say no, never, not for an instant. But I would say it’s a thought worth considering, but at that same thought’s conclusion hopefully we are knowing how grateful we should be to have had him.
isleofwoman's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Hate crime, and Racism
reneesuz's review against another edition
5.0
Received this book because I gave a donation to our library's annual fundraiser. Very relevant to our times and our town.
tylercritchfield's review against another edition
3.0
John Lewis is amazing. I love his consistent example of nonviolent protest and his reliance on faith. I wish I had known more about him before he recently passed away.
As far as the writing goes, I'm not sure what this book wanted to be. It started out as a biography on Lewis (and that's what I was expecting) but it only covered part of his life and even that wasn't super thorough. At times it chronicled the history of the civil rights movement in general, but again it wasn't very thorough there either. Maybe it doesn't matter but I think I would have preferred more of one or the other.
As far as the writing goes, I'm not sure what this book wanted to be. It started out as a biography on Lewis (and that's what I was expecting) but it only covered part of his life and even that wasn't super thorough. At times it chronicled the history of the civil rights movement in general, but again it wasn't very thorough there either. Maybe it doesn't matter but I think I would have preferred more of one or the other.
pamiverson's review against another edition
4.0
An account of his Civil Rights work during the 1960's -- the influences from his family, his faith, and his education; impact of other leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X; his leadership and the calculated risks he took; his perspective on key events including early sit-ins, the SNCC, the March on Washington, Selma-to-Montgomery march, and others. He was such a key figure! Also interesting to hear how he stayed true to his values as the movement became more militant and less faith-based. Such an admirable person!!
blakeschltz's review
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
3.75
An inspiring and easy read of an American hero. Largely focused on the significant events of his early life, his relationship with Dr. King, and his dedication to the idea of the Beloved Community and nonviolent action.
gentleladybug's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0