Reviews with content warning for Racial slurs - The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Reviews tagging 'Racial slurs'

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X

35 reviews

aia_r's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

The Autobiography of Malcolm X, one of the most important books of the twentieth century, is a classic autobiography that tells the story of the Muslim leader Malcolm X. We learn about his early years as a boy in Michigan, his hustling days in Harlem, getting in prison and discovering the religion of Islam. By far one of the most informative, interesting books I have ever read. Such a great book for anyone wanting to understand the Afro-American struggle and is essential for anyone wanting to understand America.
Malcolm X's captivating perspective of the lies and limitations of the so-called "American Dream" and the racism in a society that denies its non-white citizens to dream gives a unique insight into the most pressing issues today.

"But it is only after the deepest darkness that joy can come; it is only after slavery and prison that the sweetest appreciation of freedom can come."

What I liked the most about this autobiography are its honesty, its exalted purpose and its passion. This will have a permanent place in the literature of the African-American struggle. What saddens me is that Malcolm was seen as a violent, anti-white, dangerous man filled with hate when he was only speaking the truth while being the wisest, intelligent, honest, gentle, peaceful activist that wanted freedom and basic human rights for the then 22 million black citizens in the United States that had been under slavery for four hundred years.

At the end of the book, Malcolm says;

"I know that societies often have killed the people who have helped to change those societies. And if I can die having brought any light, having exposed any meaningful truth that will help to destroy the racist cancer that is malignant in the body of America, then all of the credit is due to Allah. Only the mistakes have been mine."

This alone demonstrates what a wise, sincere and humble person Malcolm was whose life ended way too soon. Shame on those who spread false accusations against this man and tried to ruin his image. May he rest in peace.

june 1st 2023

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akvolcano's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

I have never known much about Malcom X. Everything that was spoken about him was brief and told from a white person who painted him as a villain, not as a human. I loved being able to read about him from his own words. I’ve learned about his life, work, and legacy. He did so much for Black people. And It is so important for his story to be told, for this book to be read. Read the whole book-cover to cover.

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afroheaux's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Growing up, I had this vision of Malcolm X as a troublemaker who did nothing but run his mouth and preach black supremacy. I knew he was violent. I couldn’t recall a single violent thing that he did, but I knew he was violent. Once I started learning true history as an African American Studies minor, I began to learn everything I knew was wrong. This book showed me how wrong I was.

Although Malcolm isn’t as perfect as I thought he would be, his takes are more nuanced, informed, and at many times, prophetic than I ever knew. After being in an Islamic cult, his politics about women (amongst other topics) weren’t going to be perfect and I understand that. The lessons from his life and relentless activism is what I take from this. I’m so grateful he shared himself with us and I’m so sad that he wasn’t able to continue his work. I hope his family gets justice eventually.

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historicalmaterialgirl's review against another edition

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There are so many strong parts of this book. It's easy to read while still providing incisive commentary on the civil rights movement and the emotional responses to oppression. I think this book is important to pulling back the myths of the angry Black man, especially as that figure is put onto Malcolm X. I am still thinking about some of the quotes he writes about assimilation and rage.

At the same time, it shouldn't be a secret that there are dull or boring parts of the book. There's also a fair amount of misogyny, and the same points are repeated multiple times.

I think this would be a great introduction or way into political education. I could definitely introduce and suggest it to people around me! It's not a bad book at all, it's just not for me.

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andibez's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

The audiobook, narrated by Lawrence Fishburne, was really good

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apersonfromflorida's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

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mia7's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful reflective medium-paced

5.0

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menomica's review against another edition

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informative reflective tense slow-paced

What I am trying to say is that it just never dawned upon them that I could understand, that I wasn’t a pet, but a human being. They didn’t give me credit for having the same sensitivity, intellect, and understanding that they would have been ready and willing to recognize in a white boy in my position. But it has historically been the case with white people, in their regard for black people, that even though we might be with them, we weren’t considered of them. Even though they appeared to have opened the door, it was still closed. Thus they never did really see me.

This book was. Dense. And a lot. But it did what it was supposed to do. Give an insight on the mind of Malcom X. Honestly, he’s pretty cool, when he’s not talking about women, or jewish people (dear god was that man antisemitic).

I also really loved how the book helped to give insight on the ideals of race and civil rights at the time. Seeing how multiple civil rights movements worked together and also how they disagreed.

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annmarie_g's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

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annadrinksmilk's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring slow-paced

4.75

.25 off only for sexism & antisemitism, everything else it phenomenal

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