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iwburg's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
bookhawk's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I grew up as a Celtics fan in the 1980s when Kareem was a Laker at the end of his career. I always respected Kareem and found him to be an intelligent, articulate, and thoughtful person despite rooting for his primary rival. I discovered this book at the remarkable Planet Word museum in Washington, DC where it was identified as an influential book that had been banned in some areas.
The book was very well written and truly provided a genuine and thoughtful perspective on how an intelligent African American viewed how his nation treated him as he grew up and through college. The book explained why he left Catholicism and converted to Islam in a respectful and reasonable manner. Kareem also discussed his relationship with John Wooden and his high school coach. The rationale behind how he viewed the civil rights issues of his day was extremely well done. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to gain an understanding of how an African American might have viewed the world growing up in the 1960s into the early 1970s.
The book was very well written and truly provided a genuine and thoughtful perspective on how an intelligent African American viewed how his nation treated him as he grew up and through college. The book explained why he left Catholicism and converted to Islam in a respectful and reasonable manner. Kareem also discussed his relationship with John Wooden and his high school coach. The rationale behind how he viewed the civil rights issues of his day was extremely well done. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to gain an understanding of how an African American might have viewed the world growing up in the 1960s into the early 1970s.
why_balloo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
buttercupita's review against another edition
5.0
Even just one chapter in, I was getting ready to press this book on everyone I know. Then, near the end, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar quotes a section from John Green's The Fault in Our Stars: "Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book." Of course, Abdul-Jabbar is talking about The Autobiography of Malcolm X, but it only added to my excitement about this book that he helped me write my Goodreads blurb. It's written for children, but it is written beautifully and the story is powerful. Just read it!
jonnywarlock's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
ensara's review against another edition
5.0
great for young readers! buddy read with the bro, and we had a lot to talk about. such a heartwarming and inspirational story.
jwinchell's review against another edition
5.0
This is an outstanding autobiography for young people of an impressive human being. Accessible, short chapters. Descriptive but succinct writing. Abdul-Jabbar paints his portrait of a young man coming of age amidst the changes and bravery of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Highly recommended.