Rating: 
Summary: This is one of the best books I have read.
Review: Malcolm X lived a very interesting life. Yes, this was a book I was assigned to read for a class. When I first picked up the book the length intimidated me, but after reading through the first few pages I was relieved. The language and style of writing was simple and easy to understand. Malcolm X was a very influential person to many people. Malcolm's street life was very exciting and enjoyable to read about. Malcolm was a hustler on the streets of Harlem, and had many pimps, drug addicts and dealers for friends. Malcolm was latter caught for and charged for 14 counts of crime. Malcolm served 10 year in prison. While in prison Malcolm gained faith in the god Allah, and became a follower of Elijah Muhammad. The middle of the book was my least favorite because of all the preaching Malcolm would do, some parts of the preaching was interesting though. Malcolm became a Muslim, and he grew great hate for the "blue eyed, blond hair, devil white man". Malcolm's love and beliefs in the religion were very strong, and eventually changing. This book gave me a new view on who Malcolm X really was, and how he became who he is today.
Rating: 
Summary: Do NOT underestimate X
Review: Knowing Malcolm X for a colored person is a prerequisite to being socially aware. Time Magazine calls this one of the top ten non-fictions ever. The reasons are clear. This is the most comprehensive, dauntingly honest, transcending account of X. No one energized the colored community with such "self respect" on a mass-level as Brother Malcolm. Malcolm X's charismatic influence as a genuinely intellectual, and intensely thought-provoking leader remains unmatched. The greatest aspect of Malcolm X was his committment to his very own thoughts and thus, speaking his mind. He didn't necessarily say what America's majority wanted to hear. That is why he was so phenomenal, so radical, so involving. His teachings on self-defense, "freedom by any means necessary", true Islam (after the Mecca trip); his urgency in creating forums for colored people, oppressed people world-wide; and his logical prioritizing of human rights before civil rights, are evidential of his deep/complex understanding of race and human nature. The latest version of the book includes a very special message by X's eldest daughter, A. Shabazz. She gives a personal insight into her father's life, goals, and philosophies. But most importantly, she clarifies the misconceptions surrounding X. "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" is top-notch. Frantz Fanon's scholarly writing, "The Wretched of the Earth" probably comes second.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Teresa Y. McCall
English 230
January 21, 2004The Autobiography of Malcolm X According to Webster, review means to view again, to reconsider, to write a critical notice to inspect. At this writing I am reconsidering and viewing again The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
I started reading this book years ago, but never finished this book. This is the first time I actually read this book to the end. I always felt that Malcolm X was too controversial and racist and that wasn't my platform. In reading his book, I became aware of the fact that his message was misinterpretted, even by myself, an African American woman. I interpretted his book by the quote, "by any means necessary", meaning that even if it takes violence to achieve any political or social goal, achieve it even if it is accomplished by violence. I thought that his main foundation was violence, but it wasn't. His life shows, that in the midst of adversity, there is always triumphant hope. We've all had pivotal points in our life when someone said something that touched our hearts, positively or negatively, a certain "turning point." One turning point in Malcolm's life was a teacher who discouraged him from being who he wanted to grow up to be. This became a turning point, because he realized the teacher's true feelings about black people. I would recommend this book for all readers to get a real understanding of Malcolm X, the man. He lived his life recklessly, but had to finally get to the point in his life where he had to give up control, because he had no choice. He learned self-control and submission, something he never would adhere to. But, even at this turning point, he began to learn, to further his education, by copying the dictionary. He had a certain drive to succeed, whether a positive destiny or negative destiny. Sometimes we are forced (and sometimes voluntarily) into positions in life where we feel destitute, with no hope and no will to move forward. There is a saying, "there is always someone worse off than you." Once you read this true story, you will be encouraged to move forward to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. I had the opportunity to rent the video tape and to see the movie Malcolm X. Though it was a good summary of his life, it really doesn't capture the details of his life. This book is very thorough depiction of his life. Malcolm started many of the temples in the Muslim religion and the newspaper, Muhammad Speaks. In spite of all that he had accomplished, jealousy was the vindictive angle that costs him his position with the Muslims. He went to Mecca to experience the purity of the religion of Islam.. Upon his return, he began to change his message. He had, finally, found his purpose in life. As I read this book, it has become so personal that I can see myself and others in some of the situations. It helps us to delve deeper into the plans and purposes of our own lives, and to always know that there is hope and a purpose and plan for our lives. We just have to pursue our dreams until they become that satisfying reality.
Rating:
Summary: An American Story
Review: Almost twenty years after I first read this, it remains the most compelling story I've ever read. If you've never studied Malcolm's life, you've missed a startling bit of American history. Malcolm Little was a bright Nee-grow child, class president, wannabe lawyer. His dreams were shattered like his father's manhood and life, and by his teacher's suggestion that he seek a more Nee-grow profession - like table washer or 'coon wrangler or something of the sort. Unfortunately for Malcolm, but (as God's will) fortunately for America, he believed his teacher. He entered a spiral that took him from dish washer to a conked-out "Detroit Red" -- petty thief, pimp, small-time gangster. Malcolm was much more honest in the book that Spike Lee was in his movie. "Red" was not a nice brother - he was a result of America's deepest crime - the rape of hope, the prostitution of spirit. The books lays out life in the streets in the 40's: Lindy-hopping, conks, and secret black-white liaisons. It's a history you won't read in the classroom. It's real, it's American, it's Boston's underbelly, it's every American city. Red met his 1st salvation in prison, and through this you can understand the appeal of the Nation Of Islam. Malcolm takes you through his growth, and his carrying the NOI to its apex on his back. You will cringe with him, as Pharoh-con and others plot against him. You will weep as he is gunned down, "... get your hand out my pocket..." But none of this makes this an American story, does it? What does is that he died as El Hajj Malik El Shabbaz. Itwas his second salvation that makes him an American hero. He learned for the first time the lies of racism. He plans to help his people become economically independent as other immigrant communities have. And he embraces the true Islam, with a God of peace, not of nationalistic hatred like Elijah Muhammed's or and hatred and lies like Usama bin Lying. It is his triumph over all obstacles, most notably himself, and the discovery of the American dream that this story tells. Spike Lee never got the point, poor soul.
Rating:
Summary: a great American life
Review: I am not a racist in any form whatever. I don't believe in any form of racism. I don't believe in any form of discrimination or segregation. I believe in Islam. -Malcolm X This was the final triumph of Malcolm X and the resolution that makes his life story into a classic American tale: that in the end, he was able to move beyond the chrysalis of his racial hatred and emerge an integrated enlightened being. I'm sure most everyone has either read this book or seen Spike Lee's excellent biopic, so we need not rehash the story too thoroughly. Anyway, what matters are the essentials. Malcolm Little was a street punk when he was exposed to the Nation of Islam in prison. This exposure, and the racial pride and anger that went with it, lead him to educate himself and get involved with the Nation, where he became one of the most effective spokesmen and organizers. A confrontational proponent of racial separatism and black self-reliance, during the Civil Rights struggle, he was yin to Martin Luther King's yang (or as I read somewhere, he was the Old Testament figure, King was a figure from the New)--the constant reminder to whites that if King's nonviolent methods failed to produce results, millions of righteously resentful young black men were waiting in the wings. But, when Malcolm X made a hadj to Mecca, he discovered that there were Moslems of all races, worshipping together peacefully, and that racism played no part in traditional Islam. And so, in the closing days of his life, he split from the Nation of Islam, adopting true Islamic beliefs and practices and earning the enmity of Nation leaders who had him assassinated. The arc of this story--from the gutter, to a redemptive anger, to a cleansing understanding, to violent death--is like something from Greek myth or Shakespeare, but it is a uniquely American tragedy. I remember, as a kid, it was truly this easy: Martin Luther King was a good black guy; Malcolm X was a bad black guy. Upon reflection, I think that, even at his most inflammatory, Malcolm X defied this easy categorization. Who is to say that if he & the Black Panthers hadn't been willing to hold out at least the threat of violence, that whites would have moved to solve the Civil Rights issues as quickly (relatively speaking) as they did? More importantly, suppose the shoe was on the other foot, if you were a young black man in 1960's America, whose message would have had more appeal, Martin's or Malcolm's? Actually, I have often wondered if black America might have been better served by a more violent tone to the struggle. Civil disobedience works precisely because it depends on the fundamental decency of the oppressor and the certainty that he will yield. But one result of the yielding party's giving in, is that they can end up imbued with a sense of their own magnanimity and sink into a deceptive mood of self congratulation. It might be better for the oppressed if there was more of a sense that they had taken what was theirs, rather than that it was given to them. I don't truly know. Of course, the ultimate historic irony is that King, the peacemaker and accommodationist, was gunned down by a racist white man, while Malcolm, the rabble rouser and confrontationalist, was killed by rival blacks. Reading his life story, it is hard not to believe that Malcolm X's career was really just beginning. It seems possible, even likely, that the inner peace he had found in the true Moslem religion would have given him the moral and spiritually grounding which, combined with his oratorical gifts and incisive intellect, might have lead him to accomplish great things. Martin Luther King is justly celebrated; he is an easy hero for white America to embrace. Malcolm X is more problematic, he has sharper edges, but is no less deserving of admiration and honor. His life story belongs on the shelf with Benjamin Franklin and Booker T. Washington and Whittaker Chambers and the other handful of great American autobiographies of self made men. GRADE: A+
Rating:
Summary: He is THE MAN!!
Review: I just finished reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X. As I approached the end of the book, I was also approaching the sad story of the end of his life, of his infamous assassination. It is sad that Malcolm X had to die in such a violent way, it is sad that his father was also a victim of violence. It is sad that his family was separated, that his mother was no longer able to uphold. It is sad that he was part of a society that forced him into taking narcotics, stealing, robbing, and prostitution. Most often he was criticized for the changes in his attitudes and philosophies. A man that is steadfast in his unfaltering ways, unable to see his wrong and make changes, is a foolish man. Malcolm X was not. He was constantly evaluating, challenging, and speculating. Hence, this should be not taken as a criticism, but rather, a compliment. Tears came to my eyes as I read the last pages of this book. I have never felt superior to any African American, but after reading this book, my feelings towards African Americans has changed. I feel inferior. They have struggled for so many years in a country that has created a social structure that has handicapped them, to say the least. They suffered tribulation after tribulation. They are fortunate to have Malcolm X as one of them, and for that I love them more.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Teresa Y. McCall
English 230
January 21, 2004 The Autobiography of Malcolm X According to Webster, review means to view again, to reconsider, to write a critical notice to inspect. At this writing I am reconsidering and viewing again The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
I started reading this book years ago, but never finished this book. This is the first time I actually read this book to the end. I always felt that Malcolm X was too controversial and racist and that wasn't my platform. In reading his book, I became aware of the fact that his message was misinterpretted, even by myself, an African American woman. I interpretted his book by the quote, "by any means necessary", meaning that even if it takes violence to achieve any political or social goal, achieve it even if it is accomplished by violence. I thought that his main foundation was violence, but it wasn't. His life shows, that in the midst of adversity, there is always triumphant hope. We've all had pivotal points in our life when someone said something that touched our hearts, positively or negatively, a certain "turning point." One turning point in Malcolm's life was a teacher who discouraged him from being who he wanted to grow up to be. This became a turning point, because he realized the teacher's true feelings about black people. I would recommend this book for all readers to get a real understanding of Malcolm X, the man. He lived his life recklessly, but had to finally get to the point in his life where he had to give up control, because he had no choice. He learned self-control and submission, something he never would adhere to. But, even at this turning point, he began to learn, to further his education, by copying the dictionary. He had a certain drive to succeed, whether a positive destiny or negative destiny. Sometimes we are forced (and sometimes voluntarily) into positions in life where we feel destitute, with no hope and no will to move forward. There is a saying, "there is always someone worse off than you." Once you read this true story, you will be encouraged to move forward to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. I had the opportunity to rent the video tape and to see the movie Malcolm X. Though it was a good summary of his life, it really doesn't capture the details of his life. This book is very thorough depiction of his life. Malcolm started many of the temples in the Muslim religion and the newspaper, Muhammad Speaks. In spite of all that he had accomplished, jealousy was the vindictive angle that costs him his position with the Muslims. He went to Mecca to experience the purity of the religion of Islam.. Upon his return, he began to change his message. He had, finally, found his purpose in life. As I read this book, it has become so personal that I can see myself and others in some of the situations. It helps us to delve deeper into the plans and purposes of our own lives, and to always know that there is hope and a purpose and plan for our lives. We just have to pursue our dreams until they become that satisfying reality.
Rating:
Summary: You Must Read This!!!
Review: The Autobiography of Malcolm X is a book that definitely must be read by everyone from every race and every culture. It's amazing how much one can learn from this book. In life, we all try to identify ourselves and find our purpose as well as who we are. However, it's hard to identify yourself when you don't know exactly where you came from. In this book, Malcolm X raises questions that we all should ask ourselves on our quest to finding out who we really are. He even raises questions that perhaps some have not even considered. Malcolm X encourages all to find their own path in life and not to accept a path that is given to us. Throughout his life, Malcolm X strived to help people of all colors come together in unity. He wanted each person to become a true person within theirselves, regardless of race or nationality. He also praised the black race and encouraged blacks to reach for the stars. He also set quite an example himself, that proved no matter how hard one falls or how often one falls, the most important thing is to get up and keep going until your goal is reached. Malcolm X completely turned his life around and he will forever be remembered for the changes that he made during his lifetime. He also continues to change the lives of many through his written and spoken word that will never be forgotten. I highly recommend this book to all.
Rating: 
Summary: Malcolm X, An Eye Opening Story
Review: The Autobiography of Malcolm X, is an eye opener, to say the least. For anyone who dislikes Malcolm X, or finds him to be contraversial, this book is for you. This autobiography shows Malcolm in a way that is sometimes glorious, sometimes harsh, but always truthful. Alex Haley gives a very honest portrayal of the man that Malcolm really was. This book takes, the very popular, Malcolm X and shows him as an average everyday person. It really makes the man that everyone either loves or hates, more understandable. By following Malcolm through his childhood and tracing his trials and struggles as a young boy one can learn why he sees the world in the way that he does. The reader can begin to see that Malcolm has done more then his fair share of suffering and that it is because fo his sordid childhood that Malcolm has the racist views that he is most known for.
The autobiography also shows Malcolm's late teen years in a brutally honest way. Malcolm allows Alex Haley to thell the truth about his early adulthood, this is remarkable because this was a very corrupt time in his life. The reader can see the downward spiral that Malcolm's life was on and the false values and beliefs that he had at this time in his life. We can sense the rage from his childhood and the racist views that he got from growing up in the way that he did.
One of the most interesting sections of the book is when Malcolm is in jail and begins to turn to the ways of Elijah Muhammed. At first, it seems that Malcolm is finally out of his self destructive ways and on to something better. The absolute racism in this section is impossible to ignore and for those people who dislike Malcolm, this is a section that fuels that dislike. There are shocking moments where Malcolm's hatred for white people becomes outrageous and it seems as if he is so far off into the world of Elijah Muhammed that he will never return.
It is at this time that the reader begins to realize just how impressionable Malcolm really is. This is the third or fourth phase that we see him go through and it shows how he jumps head first into anything and everything that he is exposed to. The reader gets to watch Malcolm go through many changes in lifestyle and attitude throughout the book. During most of the book his hatred for white people seems to grow and grow and it is not until the end that we see that final transformation where Malcolm has really become a good person. The reader has to wonder if his fight for equality has finally come to a want for true equality for everyone or is Malcolm just into another phase. Unfortunatly, his death puts an end to his new found beliefs. The Autobiography of Malcolm X must be read with an open mind. It will not make haters of Malcolm love him but it will offer a better understanding of a man who's views are too often comfused with ideas of violence and hate. It is a very honest look at who Malcolm X really was. I would highly recomend this book, especially to skeptics and critics of Malcolm X as a way to gain a little more understanding about a man that they may not know all that much about.
Rating:
Summary: Bloody Perfect
Review: Wow. This one left me sleepwalking for the next few weeks, just thinking about it. Malcolm experienced the lowest of lows, and the highest of highs. From criminal, to Elijah Muhammad's right hand man, to founder of te NAACP, to martyr. He is wrongly viewed as a counter-racist. First of all, he had good reason, and second, he changes after his pilgrimage to Hajj. This is a must read to a student of El Hajj Malik El Shabaaz, a student of the the civil rights movement, or a student of history. I recommend this for anybody. Anyone in search of a good read. The epilogue alone is worth the price of the book. Haley proves that journalists can make great biographers.
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