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

Reviews tagging 'Racial slurs'

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley, Malcolm X

35 reviews

applesaucecreachur's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

4.75

If there was ever an electric revolutionary, it was Malcolm X. In this autobiography, he and Alex Haley have compiled his life into a riveting story. Having grown from a wounded and mischievous young boy to a prolific hustler (and lindy-hopper), to a scholar in lockup, to one of the most skilled orators and well-known revolutionaries of his time, Malcolm was no stranger to transformation. Through the foreword by his daughter Attallah, the Epilogue by Alex Hayley, and a gripping note by Ossie Davis, his story continues beyond 1965 and the Audubon Ballroom. The reader gets to glimpse not only how Malcolm's legacy began to unfold in the months following his death, but also how the man was behind the scenes with those who knew him personally.

Similar to my review of Revolutionary Suicide, I cannot give this autobiography a full five stars for its omission of Black women as co-victims of racism and equally vital conspirators in Black liberation. Of course, Malcolm was a product both of his time and his Muslim faith, the latter of which I particularly cannot speak to. And despite his sometimes-derogatory references to women as a group, he held individual women in high regard – namely his mother, his half-sister Ella, and his wife, Betty Shabazz. I know from other accounts, too, that his view of gender was undergoing its own transformation towards the end of his life. It's a shame that this was not more prominent in his autobiography.

Malcolm X was as complex as he was (and still is) misunderstood. In the wake of what would have been his 99th birthday, and the wake of Betty's 90th or 88th, I have to wonder what these two and their loved ones would make of the world they've left to us.

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ceci_cc's review against another edition

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informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

Insightful and extremely relevant even still today

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writingcaia's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

“I’ve had enough of someone else’s propaganda… I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” Malcolm X

A must read for all humanity, most of all Afro-American, and also, white Americans. A true account and analysis of his own life, we have one of the most candid autobiographies I’ve ever read. From poverty, racism, crime, prison, to American Islam, proper Islam, speaking with leaders of African, Arabic and Asian countries, professing in universities even when he himself, regretfully didn’t have the opportunity to study further. Aside from the very conservative and misogynistic views on women, I found this book profoundly enriching and, unfortunately, actual. I do believe if he had lived to see the second wave of feminism he would have changed his views on women’s roles. There’s so much more to say, conclusions to take from, but I for that you must read it yourself. What a powerful, strong minded, intelligent, eloquent man he was, may his words last.

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bambicat234's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

I can not recommend this book enough. Everyone should read it. It's unique in being told from two perspectives: the perspective of the man himself and the perspectives of the men who got to know him well. You can personally observe his moral, religious, and political transformations throughout his life and especially at the end of it.
Everything he says here is relevant today in some way or another.

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hiddeninbooks's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

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stephhamp's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0

I read this book once a year if i can. Every time i read it, I find something new to discover, learn, or relate to. That is a sign of an incredible book. I’m floored with every read how relevant and timeless Malcom X’s philosophies are. Much of what he thought of America’s race priblem is still relevant to the current struggles black Americans still face. Whil I don’t agree with everything that is written, particularly his thoughts about women and love, I still find myself connected to much of what Malcom X feels and thought during his time. I highly recommend everyone read, then re-read this book

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sagelikesscats's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

What a easy 5 stars. Informative, relevant, and inspiring. Read this book!!! This book will teach you about racism, classism, radical organizing, and a little bit about Islam. This book has its flaws and Malcom X was pretty misogynistic and antisemitic but still a must for all those who want to learn about racism and activism.

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