Rating: 
Summary: Important historical book
Review: A powerful book about the life of a controversial, but important man. Illuminates the civil rights struggle, race relations in America, and the pull of the ghetto. A very important historical book to read.
Rating:
Summary: You Be The Judge
Review: Melinda R. Jones
English 230
Amazon Review - Malcolm XIf you want to know whom Malcolm X was and what he stood for, in his own words, then read The Autobiography of Malcolm X. I guarantee it will affect you and cause a reaction just like the man himself. Chapter by chapter I witnessed the many transformations that Malcolm Little went through before he became Malcolm X. His "voice" was so prominent through out the book that as I read it, I felt like I had an eyewitness account of his life. But what I found so extraordinary about this book was the intimate, honest and very personal accounts that Malcolm himself gives of his life, such as his tumultuous childhood, juvenile delinquency, subsequent incarceration, rise and fall in the Nation of Islam, and his discovery of what he called "True Islam."
Malcolm X lived the "thug life" before Tupac and others were even born. It was that type of life that sent him to prison. Malcolm Little went in, but Malcolm X came out. Instead of incarceration destroying him, it redeemed him. In prison he received the greatest education of his life, by learning his history and where he came from. That changed him and helped to prepare him for the great man/leader that he would become. He disciplined himself and rid of himself of all forms of vice and educated himself on history, philosophy, science and other subjects. Two qualities that I admired about Malcolm X were his capacity to change and his desire and thirst for knowledge. It was also in prison that he first learned of Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. The Nation of Islam and Elijah Muhammad seemed to come at a time in Malcolm's life when he needed them most, and upon release from prison he immediately joined and became Minister Malcolm X. While reading I couldn't help but feel the love that he felt for Elijah Muhammad and the great respect and sense of loyalty that he had for him, until he witnessed the false prophecy and hypocrisy of Elijah s teachings. What a crushing blow that must have been for him. His final transformation takes place after he leaves the Nation of Islam and takes a pilgrimage to Mecca. There he discovers that what the Nation of Islam taught was not the true Islamic religion, and he meets fellow Muslims from blue-eyed blonds to the darkest African, and that had a profound effect on previous views that he held regarding race relations in America. It is so much I want to tell, but I don't want to summarize his story. It is important to take the journey for yourself and find out just whom Malcolm really was. If you read this book with an open mind, it will clear up many misconceptions about him. His daughter Atallah Shabazzz's beautiful foreword clears up many myths and misconceptions about her father as well. If you want to find out what he really meant by the often misquoted and misunderstood statement, "by any means necessary," and other statements he made, go to the source and let Malcolm tell you.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing autobiography!!!
Review: The Autobiography of Malcolm X was an intriguing autobiography that portrayed the challenges that African American men faced in the middle of the twentieth century. This book was written as told to Alex Haley. It began at the start of Malcolm's life and time lined his life until his death.
In the context of the autobiography it tells the story of a young black man struggling to find himself in a world of racial injustice. While in the turmoil of rediscovering his values, he tells a brilliant story that made me fascinated the whole time I was reading it.
I highly recommend this book for somebody to read. I honestly didn't think I would enjoy it when I was required to read it for multi-ethnic literature course at my university. I was very astonished to see how much I ended up liking it. The novel is empowering, moving, and very easy to read. I also think that people of all races, religions, and backgrounds can and will enjoy this autobiography. Now that I have read, discussed, and studied this novel, I have noticed that anybody I have spoken to about the novel have also enjoyed it as much as I have.
I was very surprised at how much I learned by reading this book. I learned a lot about the Muslim religion, something I was completely ignorant about before, and I have had a yearning to keep on learning more about this religion and the culture that surrounds it. I also learned much about the real life of African-Americans from this time period. The words give you an up-close, real-life, look at how society was in the nineteen twenties to the nineteen sixties.
Again, I can say I highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys learning and reading. I will personally guarantee that you will walk away from the experience a much more full-filled and knowledgeable person.
Rating:
Summary: Malcolm X
Review: Before reading "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" I had a skeptical attitude toward autobiographies. I did not appreciate this form of prose because of their oftentimes poor and uninteresting content. This one, however, is not an average set of events of a popular person. Richness and multitude of events in Malcolm X's life could easily fill out the stories of lives of a few people.
The story does not leave a reader indifferent to the main character of the book. On one hand, it makes some identify with him because of his painful experience and struggle throughout his life. It can also leave a reader content that Malcolm had become noble and outstanding person, even though all had indicated that he was condemned to suffer at the margin of the society. On the other hand, Malcolm's views can generate rejection and antipathy for his extreme and radical views on American society and the white race in general. Nevertheless, a reader cannot go past without any reaction to the views of Brother Malcolm.
What makes this persona stand out among other civil right activists and public life figures? First of all, his personality - he was above the average, pretentious, never willing to give up. Secondly, his passion to fight for his opinions and his peoples' rights with all his effort regardless of circumstances. His passion so intense like the red color of his hair. What made me admire him was his non-compromising attitude toward his opponents and enemies. He was open-minded and eager to learn others' views. The more he learned the more he realized how hypocritical and full of lies the people around him were. Whatever the price was, he never abandoned his ideals. He knew that for what he stood for he would pay the highest price. Knowing that, he still did not allow fear and resignation from his fight for justice to overcome him. He did not let the slightest thought cross his mind that would allow him to make a deal that could undermine his credibility. He held conformist people in contempt. He would point out their mistake of following any leader without giving their actions a second thought, and their lack of incentive to make a positive change in their life. And the very same people that he addressed his speeches to loved and admired him. Some opposed him, but they respected him for his charisma, and ability to control the moods of the masses.
With the precision of a surgeon he would point sharply to the illnesses of the society he unfortunately had to live in and that had been developing like cancer in the American society for centuries. He would do extensive research on the causes of this illness whose effects he would experience repeatedly throughout his life. He set a correct diagnosis and worked out a treatment, which appeared to be a shock therapy for most people. He used his tongue as a scalpel to cut it out. And, he managed to conduct the operation with good results. Nevertheless, the operation would take years to complete. Although there were several complications along, he would never give up hope that he would succeed. It only would take a man of strong will, determination, and unconditional and infinite belief in his views, and even self-negation to be able to fight for a higher purpose. Unfortunately, he would not have he opportunity to finish the fight.
His story of life and legend that followed have been passed from one generation to the other. It has ignited a spark in others to make a difference, and to believe that one is capable of making things change for the better. It only takes one's total devotion and sacrifice at any cost and unshakeable belief in what is true and right. "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" might be a useful guidebook showing what one can expect on his or her way leading to the truth.
Rating:
Summary: Find out who Malcolm X really was...
Review: There really wasn't anything I didn't love about the Autobiography of Malcolm X as told by Alex Haley. First of all, it gave this greater than life figure a humanistic quality. The read was very smooth considering it felt as if Malcolm X himself was sitting down to a cup of coffee explaining his life to me personally. The book is able to convey the progression of a human being through his own eyes.
The book starts out with a foreword written by Attallah Shabazz, Malcolm X's oldest daughter. Shabazz provides great insight into what is about to come, clarifying many misconceptions people have of Malcolm X today. She explains many things in the book before they happen from the perspective of his little girl, attaching a softer side to the complexion of Malcolm X.
M.S. Handler writes the introduction to this autobiography. Handler describes X from his own perspective. Personally I appreciated the honesty with which he describes his first encounter with the great Malcolm X. He writes about the awkwardness of their first encounter and the strangeness with which her perceived X at the beginning of their relationship, and later he spoke of the strength he associated with X by the end of their relationship even comparing X to a black panther. Simply put, Handler is able to portray the progression of a human being through the eyes of an outsider.
Past the Foreword, and through the introduction we come to the actual content featured on the cover, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As told by Alex Haley." I was so engrossed in this book that I was writing down profound quotes, scribbling down little ideas as I read, not being able to part from the text. Malcolm X has incorporated life lessons such as, "Anytime you find someone more successful than you are, especially when you're both engaged in the same business, you know they're doing something you aren't." He was a smart business man who had a bit of politician in him when he would express concerns much like this one, "Crime existed only to the degree the law cooperated with it...in the country's entire social, political and economic structure, the criminal, the law, and the politicians were actually inseparable partners."
It was incredibly fascinating to be able to peer into the mind of another human being with little to no inhibitions from the truth. The autobiography allows for one to see a scared Afro-American boy, a confused teenager, a violent hustler, an angry prisoner, a minister for the Nation of Islam with blind faith, and last but not least the person Malcolm X had become and the person he should be remembered for being.
As I first began reading, it is simply the story of a young African American man who grew up in Lansing, Michigan. The tragedies that Malcolm X faced in his youth were incredibly heart wrenching. The death of his father, the splitting up of their family, his mother being taken to the asylum are all of a few horrible events carried out by white men he experienced at a young age. This of course gives insight into his early adult years in which he expressed a disdain for all white people.
The amazing thing to me was that Malcolm was great at whatever it was that he wanted to do. In the early years in school he was a spectacular student but sadly discouraged by his white teacher. His later years as a hustler proved him to be vulnerable and susceptible to societies maladies, but he stood out in the business because he was smart.
As times goes on, my one sided conversation with Malcolm even sometimes angered me. The way that he jumped to so many different philosophies throughout his life without a second thought irritated me. For someone so smart, why didn't he just think for himself? He was obviously more than capable. I questioned why he is depicted as a leader, but it all fell into place upon the completion of this book.
When Malcolm X was in jail for quite sometime, he was able to put his incarceration to a productive use by reading everything and anything he could. This was commendable because how many people are able to get over themselves and look beyond the present and far into the future.
The ability of X to point out, admit, and regret his mistakes was gracious and very down to earth. He showed remorse for his hustling days, and explains his naiveté when he was involved with the Nation. I only wish that I had lived in a time period to be able to witness the intensity in which Malcolm X felt for the African American people.
The many personal thoughts and insights given by X into the behavior within the African American society at the time opened my eyes to so many things.
The love to lindy-hop, the indecisiveness, the many child like urges made me like the persona of Malcolm X even more. At the end of the book I was disappointed that my time with Malcolm had come to an end. The movie did not do this piece of literature justice. I would recommend that anyone who is capable of literacy to read this impeccable story of a great charismatic figure, but more importantly a human being.
Rating:
Summary: Good book.
Review: This is a good book and is much better than the movie. Read it, but don't be too offended by what Malcolm is saying in the beginning. His heart changes and so might your heart.
Rating: 
Summary: Malcolm X
Review: Malcolm X When I first found out all the books I was going to have to read for my Multiethnic Literature class, I thought I was in for a run. Don't get me wrong. I love reading. It wasn't the reading it at all; it was the type of books. I have trouble reading things I hadn't chosen to read myself, and on top of it we were starting off with The Autobiography of Malcolm X. So I started reading, and reading and soon I found that I couldn't put the book down. It pulled my curiosity in deeper and deeper with every page I read. To tell you the truth I never had a full understanding of Malcolm X so this book filled in all the missing pieces.
Before I started to read this book, I knew I was dealing with a very heated topic, so I dove in with an open mind. I believe the middle of the book is the most difficult to read. This is where Malcolm finds himself and starts making his speeches about how the white man is the reason for all the African-Americans hardships. Sometimes I had to stop and take a breath because of some of things said in it, but I went on and kept reading to see other views in it and I did. It gave me the ability to sympathize with Malcolm's feelings because I now understand why he felt the way he did and why he said the things he said. This book makes you take a second look at the people you trust and believe twice more in the people you care for. It shows that people can change and some cannot.
The way the book starts is really what grabbed and pulled me in. There is no 'nice opening setting' or other basic story line starters. This is the cold, hard truth of what it felt like for African-Americans to live in this country back then. This opened my eyes to the way the white people were and how cruel some people could be. I am glad that I didn't have to live in those times because I wouldn't have made it. It made me upset to see that the white people back then had no sympathy for African-Americans. For example, when Malcolm was doing well in school no one encouraged him to go farther, not even his teacher whose job it is to do so. This type of behavior from the white people is what contributed to his downfall.
I am very glad that I read this autobiography for two reasons. One, I now have a better understanding of the hardships the African-Americans faced in that day and age. Two, I have an increased appreciation for Malcolm X and his family. Overall I highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone who is able to read. It definitely makes you take a step back and look at the racial issues in a bigger light and get a full understanding of why things went the way they did.
Rating: 
Summary: The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Review: If you have wondered who or what Malcolm X was about, you need to read The Autobiography of Malcolm X. However, after reading the book, you may still be wondering why he is considered a leader, and why he is still celebrated to this day. The book is told by Malcolm X, but written by Alex Haley. The autobiography starts with Malcolm at a young age and ends with his final days. Almost every single aspect of Malcolm's life is depicted in the book; from his mother's sickness, to Malcolm X's beginning feelings of first meeting his wife. However, if you are looking for information about Malcolm X's wife or daughters, this is not the place to look. The book is solely about Malcolm X. Very little is told about his wife and children. This leaves the reader wondering about Malcolm X's dedication towards them. Yet, the reader sees every feeling and emotion Malcolm X felt throughout his lifetime.
The reader must read Alex Haley's Epilogue for several reasons. First, he describes Malcolm X's murder and funeral. This is helpful to a reader, like myself, who did not know too much about Malcolm X. Since the story is told by Malcolm X, without the Epilogue the reader would be left wondering how and when Malcolm X's assassination took place. In the Epilogue, the reader also gets an outsider's view on Malcolm X's life by someone who had a close but unbiased relationship to Malcolm X. Unlike the biasness in the foreword by Malcolm X's daughter, Atallah Shabazz. She describes her pride and love for her father. Although her sincerity is touching, it is biased because it is Malcolm X' daughter. Since he is her father, Atallah only sees Malcolm X as a hero. A lot of the foreword discusses the stamp that her father had recently been placed on. It is very apparent from the foreword that Atallah Shabazz is Malcolm X's number one fan.
Throughout the autobiography, there are a lot of happy and sad moments. This is because Malcolm X had a lot of ups and downs. In his lifetime he faced several difficulties. Like most African Americans, Malcolm X faced numerous hardships and discrimination. However, in his autobiography, Malcolm X seems to forget that African Americans were not the only race or culture that has faced similar hardships and discrimination. The best aspect of the autobiography is Malcolm X's honesty. He told his life story to Alex Haley, straight from his heart. The downfall of the autobiography was Malcolm X's constant chip on his shoulder and his self-pity. Throughout his life, he blamed several things for the tragedies he faced. Amongst these include, America and Christians. Mostly, however, Malcolm X put a lot of responsibility and anger onto the entire white race. In fact, throughout the autobiography, Malcolm describes the white man as "the devil." As a result, there is a lot of prejudice in the book. The reader needs to be open-minded and look past Malcolm's racist views. This at times can be difficult. At times, getting through an entire chapter can be trying. It is hard to accept that a man who is looked upon as a leader and major role model to many people, spread so much hate against the white race. It is an ironic twist that someone who faced such discrimination, as Malcolm X, did not learn from it but instead spread the same hateful ideals. The open-minded and hopeful reader can only hope the beginning changes that were seen in Malcolm towards the end of his life would have continued. Hopefully, his racist views would have completely vanished and he would have spread love and humanity to all races. Since his life was taken, nobody will ever know if they these changes would have taken place.
Rating:
Summary: a must have, a must read
Review: This is easily one of the best books that I have ever read. Malcolm X was one of and still continues to be one of the most misunderstood Americans in history. Upper class whites as well as upper class blacks thought him to a danger and a menace to the Civil Rights movement. This book demonstrates that he was in fact to not only the Civil Rights movement, but to the rest of American history as well. This book allows you to see Mr. X as he truly was; brave and strong. This book allows you to see how brave he was to tell what he really thought about America; what he thought was the truth about America, America's darkside at a time when blacks were not givent the platform to truly speak their minds. When Mr. X spoke about how racist America really was at the time that he was alive, many people regarded him as spewing hate rhetoric. This book will allow you to see that Mr. X did not speak from the tutalidge of blind emotion. You will see that history and experience were the only teachers that he really learned from. This book will also allow you to see how strong he was when it came time to change. Mr. X constantly evaluated his beliefs and when he discovered that they were wrong or were no longer practical, he did not shy away from changing them. I highly recomend this book to anyone, whether they are black or white. This is the story an extraordinary American.
Rating:
Summary: wow
Review: I really don't know where to start with my "review" of this book, since it is actually impossible to "review" someone's life story. Also, just about everything that can be said about how well-written, suspensful and eye-opening this book is has already been said. So the only point I'm going to try and lay across in this review is that this is perhaps the most important piece of literature of last century, nay, any centuries in which racism was as dominant as it was in the last. Malcolm X's insight into racism, the reasons for it, and the ways to battle it are so incredibly insightful and simply true that it boggles my mind that they were never seen before. Any person who has ever been discriminated agianst because of their race, whether black, brown or white MUST read this book. It will change you. On the other side of the coin, anyone who is racist should be forced to read this book. It will change them as well. Getting back more to the book, Malcolm X is one of the more intelligent and captavating men in recent times and anyone who keeps an open mind will be enthralled and permanently changed. Honestly, after reading this book, I had to just sit back and meditate and contemplate upon what I had just read. It's simply amazing. BUY IT NOW!!!!
|
