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Malcolm X  By  cover art

Malcolm X

By: Manning Marable
Narrated by: G. Valmont Thomas
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Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, History, 2012

Years in the making, this is the definitive biography of the legendary black activist. Of the great figures in 20th-century American history, perhaps none is more complex and controversial than Malcolm X. Constantly rewriting his own story, he became a criminal, a minister, a leader, and an icon, all before being felled by assassins' bullets at age 39. Through his tireless work and countless speeches, he empowered hundreds of thousands of black Americans to create better lives and stronger communities while establishing the template for the self-actualized, independent African American man. In death, he became a broad symbol of both resistance and reconciliation for millions around the world.

Manning Marable's new biography of Malcolm is a stunning achievement. Filled with new information and shocking revelations that go beyond the Autobiography, Malcolm X unfolds a sweeping story of race and class in America, from the rise of Marcus Garvey and the Ku Klux Klan to the struggles of the civil-rights movement in the 50s and 60s. Reaching into Malcolm's troubled youth, it traces a path from his parents' activism through his own engagement with the Nation of Islam, charting his astronomical rise in the world of Black Nationalism and culminating in the never-before-told true story of his assassination.

Malcolm X will stand as the definitive work on one of the most singular forces for social change, capturing with revelatory clarity a man who constantly strove, in the great American tradition, to remake himself anew.

©2011 Manning Marable (P)2011 Penguin

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What listeners say about Malcolm X

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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars

Long but good

The first half of the book is hard to get through. Malcolm is often unkind and treats women poorly, and the story is read dryly. If you get through that there is a lot of good information. The author does a good job trying to tell an unbiased story of Malcolm's life.

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1 person found this helpful

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Illuminating

I was 10 years old when Malcolm X was killed. I remember hearing about it, but his significance was lost on me. Throughout high school, college, and beyond, Malcolm X’s story was never discused in any forumthat I was exposed to. In the past few years I have developed a serious interest in that American history that was not taught when I was in school. This book sheds tremendous light on the life of a man who continues to impact our society fifty years after his death. A fascinating and very engaging story.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Decent read.

This book has provided some unknown incidents of Malcolm X's life. However, some of the content is diluted by the author's personal perception of said incidents.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Boring and Tedious

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

You might like this if you're more familiar with the era. Coming into this I knew nothing about Malcolm except for what I'd heard, and I guess I was expecting more. I didn't really find Malcolm to be an interesting guy at all based on how he was presented in this book.

What was most disappointing about Manning Marable’s story?

The book just seemed to be filled with boring minutia about Malcolm instead of what made people so enthralled with him, which is what I was more interested.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Even though I didn't like the book the Narrator was pretty good and I would listen to him again.

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Farrakhan's interview

I loved the book with the exception of irresponsible assumptions made that no historian should be guilty of, such as claiming Rudy didn't exist & it was really Malcolm engaging in a form of homosexual prostitution.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brother Malcom

For me more than a book. Yes the Biographer was excellent and yes the performance was stellar. I suggest you listen to the autobiography too, Then listen to some of the speeches.. if you’re black in America get to work.. not enough has changed. If your white or other in America look around not enough has changed.. get to work.. A blueprint for discipline and growth.

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I learned so much!

Enjoyed the narrator. I felt like I learned SO much from this book, about Malcolm and world/us history. Did not find it too academic, despite the length and depth of the content. I would recommend to anyone willing to pick it up!
I started with this book first before his autobiography and it mentions the creation and process of his autobiography a lot. I’m glad I did them in this order.

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Classic listen

Awesome book…. Rest in peace Malcolm X….. A story that needs to be heard still

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The truth shall be spoken

"Malcolm X: A Life Beyond the Shadows" by Manning Marable offers a raw, straightforward look at the civil rights leader's life. The author's honesty makes it a standout among other books on the topic. The 1992 movie "Malcolm X" could have benefitted from using this book as a point of reference, as Marable's work avoids romanticizing its subject, presenting Malcolm X with all his contradictions and complexities. A highly recommended read for a truly grounded view of this important figure.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting

I would recommend this book to any who loves history. I enjoyed learning new things about Malcolm X. However, I was frustrated with a few accusations regarding sexuality and infidelity because there is no proof. No facts to back it up, Not one person to confirm. Just the author’s opinion/gossip.

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