Malcolm X

A Life of Reinvention

By: Manning Marable

Narrated by: G. Valmont Thomas

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

Very thorough, but also a bit tedious.

Would you consider the audio edition of Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention to be better than the print version?

This is the 1st and only work I have read about Malcolm X. l recently became interested in his life after hearing some of his speeches and life history in short podcasts during Black History Month.
The print version of this book may be a better option than audio because it is easier to skim or skip repetitive or tedious parts of the book. A significant part of the book is spent refuting details of Malcolm's autobiographical work with Alex Haley.The author recounts copious details of events and encounters, recalling factual interactions between Malcolm and multiple people in the Nation of Islam, without really giving depth to the non-Malcolm characters in the book. The interactions between Malcolm and the supreme leader seem especially repetitive and lack emotional context. One is left wondering why Malcolm is so devoted to the man who manipulates, shames, abuses, and takes him for granted, while simultaneously living a life of greed and adultery. I am still slogging through part 3 right now.

Would you recommend Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention to your friends? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this book to anyone other than someone looking for a thorough, academic recounting of facts. Surely there is some more concise work that captures this compelling personality in a more dynamic way.

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of Malcolm's death at the beginning of the book is very powerful and masterful storytelling.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I always find that the more I learn about civil rights era America, the more appalled I am at what people of color have had to endure and how foolish we are to believe we live in a

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.

A Controversial Description of Malcolm X

Most of this book was quality. But there was some bullshit as well. Calling Malcolm a homosexual with no legitimate sources was foul!

A life lived

This was as an in depth look in to the life of, in my opinion, one of Black American's greatest activist. The thing that held me most was how this man worked so diligently. He never stopped moving, striving, evolving. I appreciated seeing his growth and evolution. I was kind of shocked to see how naive he seemed to the oppositions he faced at times. Overall good insight on a life well lived but cut way to short.

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.

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.

Careful detail

Excellent reader and setting the biography in the larger context of the times and public figure.

Compelling

Good story with clumsy narration. How you tell it can make an enormous difference. I would love a redo.

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.

Great and detailed book

I loved the book.
The narrator did an excellent job really taking me into X's life.
The book has triumph, tragedy, and perseverance.