Book Journal: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

I think every American should read this book, whether or not they can relate with and to Malcolm X's views.


The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley

Malcolm X ends his autobiography telling Alex Haley that "all credit is due to Allah. Only the mistakes are mine." This is an incredibly fascinating account that swells with Malcolm X's world views; tighter when they are radical, flowing when they are broadened. He undergoes such ebbs and flows several times, and always offers incredibly intelligent and insightful commentary and discussion about his views.

Reading about this really brings so much into perspective, into light, about the Black community in the United States, and how much of Malcolm X's radical views do seem true--but also how, when he softens that radicalism, those broader, influenced--and perhaps less shocking--beliefs do, too. Reading about him discussing the white community will at once--especially for an open individual reading this fifty years later--will both ring true and false, as I imagine those individuals--myself included--might bristle at some of his notions against the white man, while simultaneously understanding his more radical beliefs.

I think that a lot of Americans might refer to Malcolm X as the "violent" one, the "angry" one, especially when you compare him to the other great Black activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But the book really shows Malcolm X's amazing mind--from his constant thoughts, his scribbling on napkins that Alex Haley collects and details in the epilogue, his ability to explore other world views and study them thoroughly.

There's so much to talk and discuss here. Honestly, every American needs to read this. What an amazing perspective, from an amazing man.

9/10