The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley is a book about
the life of a religious and civil rights activist, who fought for equality and
no discrimination between people of different skin tones. During his childhood,
he loses his dad to violence, and his mom experiences mental health issues
where she is placed in a hospital. He and his siblings are separated. Malcolm
then invests in drugs and acts of robbery. Later on, when Malcolm is arrested
and sent to prison, he takes advantage of the library and improves his
knowledge. He learns about Elijah Muhammad, Islam, and decides to convert. They
start their own service and teach African Americans living in the U.S. to
convert to Islam. Soon, everyone learns about Elijah Muhammad’s affairs which
become public. This causes Malcolm X to leave the nation of Islam and stop working
with Elijah Muhammad. Later on, Malcolm X is assassinated on February 21, 1965,
at Audubon Ballroom.
Autobiographies are always interesting and very informative to read about. This book is very outstanding in the way it presents an African American point of view of living in the United States in the 1900s. Malcolm X's autobiography provides great detail and knowledge to those interested in learning about how discrimination and challenges in a person's life can affect their future. It is very impressive how Malcolm X proceeds and lives on to become an important figure in his adult life especially having gone through so many hardships as a child. It is not a very colorful and bright book for a fun read. It dives deep into relationships between siblings, friends, and elders that change his life. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about African Americans' lives in the United States and enjoys thought-provoking topics like racism, hustling, activism, and basic human rights.
Reviewed by anonymous, grade 10
Pacific Park Library
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