shieldbearer's review against another edition
5.0
A must read for every American. The Reverend Doctor King's words are eloquent. Even today, some of the things he says would be considered 'scandalous' or 'sacreligious' by many. However, the Reverend Doctor's words are never more relevant than they are in this day and age, and there's more than enough material here for an American to engage with and learn from.
justkellyann's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
alisarae's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to the audio version, which I highly recommend, because it has original recordings of Dr. King's speeches and introductions recorded by their original writers (for the most part). We read snippets from these speeches, but of course they are much more powerful in context. Dr. King's commitment to peaceful action and love for your enemies is still so necessary to hear today. Super encouraging.
worldlibraries's review against another edition
5.0
It's obvious this man had a touch of the divine. Each sermon is on a great moral question that needed attention - on issues that haunt America to this day: racism, inequality, dignity for citizens, excessive militarism.
During our current absence of moral leadership at the presidential level, I suggest my fellow citizens substitute these addresses for our current leadership vacuum.
The optimum way to experience this set of sermons is to listen to the audio while you read along. His voice reaches right down to your soul. It's fascinating to listen to his cadence, resonance, and crescendos.
An added bonus is various civil rights leaders give great context in introductions to each speech.
This man is America at her finest.
During our current absence of moral leadership at the presidential level, I suggest my fellow citizens substitute these addresses for our current leadership vacuum.
The optimum way to experience this set of sermons is to listen to the audio while you read along. His voice reaches right down to your soul. It's fascinating to listen to his cadence, resonance, and crescendos.
An added bonus is various civil rights leaders give great context in introductions to each speech.
This man is America at her finest.
oliviastormyeadon's review against another edition
4.0
five stars for dr. king's speeches, but four stars overall for the editors. first of all...why would you add your thoughts on his speeches in there? should've been half the pages without your thoughts and opinions. and second of all...why would you keep [applause] in the book every time people applauded dr. king? no need to transcribe that. anyway, i've been to the mountaintop was my favorite.
stillanunfinishedperson's review against another edition
5.0
Read for the history, but oh so relevant to today. The struggle is real, yall, and continues.
avid_read's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
myc_w's review against another edition
5.0
A Call to Conscience is a near perfect collection of the transcripts from some of MLK’s most important and influential speeches. It functions both as a literary text and historical record (complete with audience responses and interjections). Highly recommended. I would encourage literally anyone to consider picking this up. The introductions to each speech offer insights and contextualizations that are valuable and the speeches are mostly as relevant today as they were when first spoken.
jmarryott23's review against another edition
4.0
These collections of speeches say a lot about MLK as the masterful orator he was as well as the types of messages he spread. Non-violence is a main theme of every speech he gave. He spoke at great personal risk and ultimately lost his life way too young.
FYI - I read the book like a transcript of the speeches. I can imagine the audiobook gives a totally different vibe and looking up the speeches on YouTube as a companion might be a good idea. I could have done without the frequent audience additions (“yes sir”) but minor quibble.
FYI - I read the book like a transcript of the speeches. I can imagine the audiobook gives a totally different vibe and looking up the speeches on YouTube as a companion might be a good idea. I could have done without the frequent audience additions (“yes sir”) but minor quibble.