Biko

Rating:
Summary: Frank talk...
Review: ...Its one thing to pump the masses with political ideology, changing the way people think is another story altogether - and for that he (Biko) paid with his life, at the hands of the ruthlessly prescient architects of apartheid.

Defining black consciousness in the South African context and working towards reversing centuries of social engineering this is Biko's story and his life - ably demonstrated by Donald Woods, his friend and confidante.

If there's just one book you read on the legacy of apartheid in South Africa, make it this one... Biko was to black consciousness what Muhammed was to Islam. Enough said.

Rating:
Summary: A must read - highly recommended
Review: Despite the dramatic shift in the political climate of South Africa since his death, Biko's words and beliefs are every bit as relevant today. His Black Consciousness movement was as much a political force against apartheid as it was an indictment of self-inflicted notions of inferiority. This book powerfully tells the story of Biko's life, his beliefs and the circumstances of living in banishment in South Africa. In the absence of any physical memorial for Biko, this book is a powerful rememberance to a man who should not be forgotten, and a tribute to an author who bravely brought us Biko's story.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book
Review: In my 9th grade global insights class, we saw the movie Cry Freedom, that I thought was boring. But after reading this book I found out how interesting Biko was.

Rating:
Summary: Start Elsewhere, but Return to Biko
Review: This is much more than a simple biography of Steve Biko, the leader of the Black Consciousness movement in South Africa and one of the seminal figures in the anti-apartheid movement, it is an insider's look and condemnation of the System. Though Biko died young and apartheid has faded into memories for most people who had the misfortune of living in it, his is an excellent example of the horroific prejudices to which people, even in these enlightened times, can be subjected. This book uses incredible detail and many essential sources to tell a lively, powerful, and important story. I watched Cry Freedom several years ago and was inspired tolearn more about the subject, and I would recommend the same path, because the movie really brings the characters and issues to life. I would caution people who only want to learn the basics about the history of apartheid or Biko, that this is a very indepth and detailed book, that can be difficult to follow if you are not familiar with the subjects, so I might recommend a slightly more elementary book for a first experience.