first off i want to thank malcolm x for his thoughts on race after visiting mecca.he saw that persons of all races got together to worship and were colorblind.i will see this man in heaven he saw past racism in america to be a great christian!also i would like to give a big F to public schools in america for not teaching everything about slavery and who was involved,for example it wasn't until i went to college to major in history that i learned the truth about slavery.the white man didn't just go to africa with a big gun and round up black people as slaves,they established trade with the local tribes who traded goods with tribal leaders who had their own slaves as spoils of war and traded them with the white man as just another trade good so the tribes that traded were africans tradeing off other africans to the white's.try to find this in high school history or elementary school history,not likely.it is true that some white slave owners treated slaves horribly and i'm sure african tribes even treated some of their slaves horribly also.wrong is wrong no matter what your skin looks like!slavery is wrong!racism is wrong!!!!! ! ! "everyone" should be able to live free and should be able to worship freely and have pride in their people without being called racist! i'm guilty of being white, i love my race,does this make me a racist! no i don't think so. LOVE,RED

first off i want to thank malcolm x for his thoughts on race after visiting mecca.he saw that persons of all races got together to worship and were colorblind.i will see this man in heaven he saw past racism in america to be a great christian!also i would like to give a big F to public schools in america for not teaching everything about slavery and who was involved,for example it wasn't until i went to college to major in history that i learned the truth about slavery.the white man didn't just go to africa with a big gun and round up black people as slaves,they established trade with the local tribes who traded goods with tribal leaders who had their own slaves as spoils of war and traded them with the white man as just another trade good so the tribes that traded were africans tradeing off other africans to the white's.try to find this in high school history or elementary school history,not likely.it is true that some white slave owners treated slaves horribly and i'm sure african tribes even treated some of their slaves horribly also.wrong is wrong no matter what your skin looks like!slavery is wrong!racism is wrong!!!!! ! ! "everyone" should be able to live free and should be able to worship freely and have pride in their people without being called racist! i'm guilty of being white, i love my race,does this make me a racist! no i don't think so. LOVE,RED

I read this book along time ago and still retain alot of what I learned from it. There is no beating around the bush in this from the beginning he tells of his life as it happened. He tells of an early career in crime to his time in prison and he does not attempt to sugarcoat anything. He does explain his reasoning for having done what he had done in his youth, but he does not claim to be innocent.
He did manage to find a better way to fight his enemies during his incarceration, and anyone who has ever seen any footage of Malcolm X will understand what I mean. The man was a very acticulate and confrontational speaker. He was the spark that ignited the engine of the civil rights movement in many respects. The civil rights movement began as far back as pre-civil war and was slow to develop with minor progress for each generation. Malcolm was the man brave enough to say enough and to make his voice heard over the many voices of the nation that tried to rise over him.
Here is a man that took it upon himself to correct a society that had become accepting of the crimes of their ancestors and simply ignored them. It is only a stonesthrow back in time if you think about it and yet it is painful to imagine people could be so cruel.
I recommend this to anyone who hasn't read it as it is an excellent book and is a document of the life of a man who managed to play a pivotal role in changing the way America viewed itself.

Despite the dispiriting revelation that this book was almost totally written by Alex Haley, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" remains one of my favorite books. Which is a little strange, since his well-known struggles with civil rights, the police, Black identity, and Islam have little or no relevance to my life. Sorry.

The part of this book that affects me most deeply is where Malcolm is in prison educating himself, studying on the floor of his cell in the dim night light. I can't think of another tale about the birth of an autodidact and the rewards of reading that is as uplifting and memorable as Malcolm's. I first read this book about twenty years ago, and that's the part that always sticks with me: the power of books to change your life, regardless of who you are or what you've done. And much of the rest sticks with me too, for example the poignant case of "West Indian Archie."

I would like to advise, however, that you buy this edition: Autobiography of Malcolm X (Penguin Modern Classics), rather than the Ballantine edition, as the binding on the latter has proven unreliable, to say the least. I have gone through three different copies of the Ballantine edition of Malcolm X and the binding has fallen apart on all three of them -- to the point where the covers have come completely off, even though I don't really mistreat books. It can't just be bad luck.

Malcolm X was said to have been a formidable debater, yet it's curious to me that none of his opponents ever made the obvious, unanswerable point: that whatever crimes and horrors the West can be charged with vis-à-vis the African slave trade, those of Islam have been even more extensive and blood-soaked. They go back a lot further, and continued a lot later. In fact, it was only two years previous to Malcolm's making his Hajj to Mecca (1964) that slavery was made illegal in Saudi Arabia!

Hence jettisoning Christianity and Western culture for the supposed moral high ground of Islam was, when you think about it, a dingy move on Malcolm's part. Yet it is, unfortunately, the entirety of his position.

But you'll find this book a cracking good read nonetheless.

An excellent unflinching book about Malcolm X read for my "Understanding Religious Traditions in Multicultural America" last spring. While at times unnerving to read due to its stark honesty, it was very illuminating. As a non-American, it really helped give me further insight into how powerful and tense race is of an issue in American culture. As someone born into a Muslim family, but is a closet agnostic, the perversions I felt Elijah Muhammad perpetuated made me severely uncomfortable anyway. Several parts of this book made me cry, or be wistful I could somehow have found peace in Islam as Malcolm X did.

A very good book.

Every American should read this literature. It discusses America's most obvious flaw. More importantly it demonstrates the power of transformation, tolerance of self and of others, cooperation and the importance of hope.

Even though i didnt enjoy being referred to as a white blue eyed devil every other paragraph. This book made me think and challenged me to treat my fellow man better. After reading about malcolms childhood and how he grew up i can now understand his bitterness and why he fought so hard for equality. I now see why time magazine voted it one of the best books of the century.

The incredible journey of Malcom X is documented artfully in this classic genre-bending autobiography by Malcom X and Alex Haley. Anyone reading it, must marvel at the transformation of this human being, at the will, vision, discipline and bravery that is as rare and fleeting as Haley's Comet. Like King, Malcom X became way too powerful a figure for this country and its times and so he was murdered, assasinated.

The United States recruited among the black community for years, hiring snitchers, killers, theives among the desperate underclass. MX was not murdered by the Nation of Islam...alone.

The story of the liberation of black people in this country is an incredible one, multifaceted, multi-driven, complex. No foreign country came to rescue us--we were either going to press our case or continue to live as wretched animals.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X is, amongst many considered to be one of the defining autobiographical masterpieces in recent literary history. The story of Malcolm X is a very dramatic and awe inspiring one, from being a drug pushing pimp to being one of the biggest and most well known religious civil rights leaders of the 20th Century.

Alex Haley a well known writer with his best known work being the novel Roots which became a very popular TV mini-series. Haley became the writer of the Autobiography of Malcolm X simply as a job and he started off with Malcolm as just a guy who was writing his life story, but through the time he spent with Malcolm he became on of Malcolms closest and most trusted friends.

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little in Omaha Nebraska to Earl and Louise Helen. His father Earl was a preacher who was killed by Klansmen while Malcolm was very young, which destroyed his mothers mental stability leaving him and his brothers and sisters to fend for themselves. Malcolm grew up to become a very successful pimp and drug pusher which he was forced into to survive. Malcolm was eventually arrested along with his friend shorty and charged for multiple burglaries and sent to prison.
During his time in prison he discovers the gift of knowledge and through letters from his brother he learns about the Nation of Islam which was created by the Prophet Elijah Muhammad as a way to seperate the black man from the shackles of the white man and have them rise above the discrimination.

That's all of the story I think I really have to give you to give you an idea of how special this book really is. The story of Malcolm X gave me my interest in the religion of Islam and how it can change a person's life for the better. This story made my life a better one simply through the idea that no matter how bad your situation, you can pull yourself up to be the best that you can be.

Buy this book, I promise you wont be the least bit disappointed.

Without question The Autobiography of Malcom X as told to Alex Haley is an amazing educational experience and one of the best books I have ever read. I quickly became engrossed in this life story of such a strong, intelligent, and influential man--truly a person to be admired and celebrated for his ability to rise above his "past life", as well as his commitment to a better future for the people of our country. How lucky we are to have the opportunity to meet Malcom on a very personal level through his own words and to reassess our perceptions of him and his work.

Not only one of the best autobiographies I have ever read, but one of the best books also. Malcolm X had a phenomenal life story to tell and we are lucky that he got it down before he died.

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X, as told to Alex Haley, is not boring. That's the unspoken fear that keeps some people from reading it. If you think of yourself as an enlightened whitey, as I do, you still might think the man's going to preach at you and put you to sleep. Not at all. We have a great novelist and at least one great storyteller at work here, both unflinchingly honest, and the result is compelling, not just "important." Start reading it in a bookstore or a library, and you'll decide to take it home before you finish the first chapter. You will be correct to do so. I've seen Spike Lee's take on Malcolm X, which impressed me greatly, but this book is the other side of that story. And lemme tip my hat to the young Alex Haley, before ROOTS, for remaining true to Malcolm X's voice, uncensored. And you WILL love Alex's epilogue.

I've read quite a few good books, but this is the most POWERFUL book I've ever read. You could tell from the book that Malcolm X was very outspoken and dedicated to the well-being of the blacks. Harley certainly did an excellent job of putting down what Malcolm X wanted to say. I think the only weak part in the book is the Foreword by his daughter. I would suggest skipping it.

My sixth grade teacher assigned this book for homework, and we had a field trip to go see the Spike Lee movie when it came out. When a freelance writer and I had a discussion about Black leaders, she suggested that this book should be required reading, and I'd forgotten so much besides the most standout things that I picked up the book again. There are things that I don't agree with, such as Malcolm Little's ideas on how women should be checked and physically put in their place. There are things that I didn't agree with in Muslim religion, such as calling people White Devils. I understood where he was coming from, but after awhile, that just got old and I wanted the book to move on...quickly.

However, as with the movie, I was very interested and admired Malcolm X a great deal when he started paying attention to the world around him. It was interesting to watch the transformations he went through before he was unfortunately called to death way too soon. I'd be very interested in seeing his early notes, watching him go from not being able to tell what a verb was to writing the last word in the dictionary. Out of all of the things I respect about Malcolm X in this book and from other historical lessons I've learned is that no matter what the subject, if he wanted to talk about something or get it done, he didn't sit around waiting on someone else to do it. Every single event in this book was something he either played a part in organizing or made sure to get the ultimate results.

Favorite Quote of His: I've never been one for inaction. Everything I've ever felt strongly about, I've done something about it.

this book was my guide book to loving my race and myself as a black woman..

I read this book once about a decade ago and felt it was my civic duty to read it again. This book is the gospel truth. Reading it was deja vu. I blink once or twice feeling like I just witnessed a scene described in the book. There is nothing radical about this piece of work. It is an eye opener and often times people will put a negative slant on this story or any story of this calibre when they don't want the truth revealed/discovered. I recommend this book to every breathing human being, especial blacks, negroes and the "n-word" as we were branded. The book is personal, political, emotional and above all a forecast of the present state of America. Read and process it and pass it on!

You can't have a discussion on race in America without reading this book first. I loved the movie, but this books will leave you with a lot to think about, which I don't believe the movie does. It has totally opened my eyes. A must read!!

This book has seriously changed the way I view the world around me. As an African-American male who once led a life "in the mud" as Malcom would describe, it is inspiring to see how far one can rise. History has truly committed one of the most heinous crimes in keeping his life hidden away from mainstream society. Even if one does not agree with his thoughts, words, or actions, you have to agree with his conviction and dedication to change. This book will be a required reading for all members of my family.

Alex Haley, in his pre-"Roots" days, did a wonderful job getting the charismatic but skeptical Malcolm X to open up in the year before his assassination at the hands of other "Black Muslims." When this book first came out, I bought it because I was a white racist who was terrified of the Black Muslim movement, which was growing large in New Jersey. When I finished the book, I was a different person in some ways. Malcolm was a remarkable figure, and once he began to separate himself from Elijah Muhammed (Louis Farrakhan, on the other hand, stuck with the disgraced prophet) he became a statesman, not a bitter race-baiter. I think this is a book that all American adults interested in politics, religion and the improvement of society should read at least once. For Malcolm, becoming a true Muslim allowed him to stop hating America and Christians and whites. Compare that transformation to what we hear from Farrakhan and from Islamic radicals.

It was late and i couldn't sleep. I had tried everything, from drinking red wine to counting invisible sheep. When all else failed i went downstairs to the library and selected a book at random. The logic being that i thought books were boring and hopefully would put me to rest for the night. The random book i chose happened to be 'The Autobiography Of Malcom X" as told to Alex Haley. I knew a little bit about Malcom, ie. militant black man during the civil right struggle, and i sort of expected the book to read much like a textbook. I opened to the begining,

"When my mother was pregnant with me, she told me later, a party of hooded Ku Klux Klan riders galloped up to our home in Omaha, Nebraska, one night. Surrounding the house, brandishing their shotguns and rifles..."

It caught me off my guard how frankly the story began and so i read further. And further still, then before i knew it, i couldn't put it down. I read the whole book in that one sitting. The saga that is Malcom X's story, is much more complex and interesting than i had thought originally. To say that the civil rights movement in our country during the fifties and sixties was dynamic, would be an understatement. This volume outlines the theory behind the movement thoroughly and masterfully.

I was surprised how many comparisons to my own life i was able to draw from this book. Namely, the chapters "Harlemite" and "Detroit Red", in these parts Malcom was coming of age and moved into the city to begin exploring the women, money, music and overall glamour of the nightlife. With certain cultural differences aside, these chapters, at times, seemed to mirror my experience at the same age.
However one chapter of the book has had a profound impact on my life; "saved". While in prison Malcom discovers the wonders of reading. Here he describes the impact that books and reading have had on his life,

"i could for the first time pick up a book and read and now begin to understand what the book was saying. Anyone who has read a great deal can imagine the new world that had opened. Let me tell you something: from then until i left that prison, in every free moment i had, if i was not reading in the library, i was reading on my bunk. You couldn't have gotten me out of books with a wedge."

Its true, now, that i am the same way with books, since having devoured this one that fateful night. Now sometimes i read for pleasure and other times with a higher purpose, but I'm always reading now and it leaves me to wonder whether or not a different book would have had the same effect. Did this particular book inspire me or was the love of knowledge born in me? I can't say for certain, but it is definitely in me now.

This is the one and only political classic on one Afro-American's struggle for meaning and justice in modern American society.Eventhen the Muslim movement was growing quickly and effecting various global cultures.It's fascinating to read about his personal political conquest for freedom and social justice through embracing the muslim faith.He was a fore-runner of religious expression ,a harbinger of modern geo-politics,and a bellwether of a growing negro-arabic flock.Eventhough,I do not agree with his religious and political theories,I find his credo and his blueprints for justice quite interesting.It can became an arabic 'Mein Kampf' for non-pagan intellectuals and also for disgruntled christianised jews.Young Malcolm's fertile thoughts were fettered by an intolerant judeo-christian society,that continues to meld protestants back with the catholics.Malcolm Little's grandson has had legal troubles concerning his civic and personal conduct through his life.Yet,the elder Malcolm X foresaw a global trend that seems now realised.French christianity is still waning and Algerian-moslims are now common-place,throughout France.And the merging of tan muslims and negrose muslims is expected and predicted by many observors.Time will tell if the muslim path was a real positive step for all its followers or simply a blind submission to a monotheist non-pagan religion that leads its brethern to perdition. It's a powder-keg of social ideas ,that may backfire in the hands of a political novice.So handle with care and caution!

I would have to give this timeless piece a star from above. It was on point, a reflection on not just Malcolm but on life. It was much more thought provoking than I before thought. His mind is one that I must study. The book will change y our mind on things. must importantly on your interaction with life.

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Let us be clear about one thing from the start, whatever contradictions Malcolm X's brand of black nationalism entailed, whatever shortcomings he had as an emerging political leader, whatever mistakes he made alone the way as he groped for a solution to the seemingly intractable fight for black freedom he stood, and continues to stand, head and shoulders above any black leader thrown up in America in the 20th century. Only Frederick Douglass in the 19th century compares with him in stature. No attempts by latter-day historians or politicians to assimilate Malcolm along with other leaders of the civil rights struggle in this country, notably Dr. Martin Luther King, as part of the same continuum of leadership are false and dishonest to all parties. Malcolm X, as a minister of the Black Muslims and after his break from that organization, stood in opposition to the official liberal non-violence strategy of that leadership. His term "Uncle Toms" fully applies to their stance. And, in turn, that liberal black misleadership and its various hangers-on in the liberal establishment hated him when he spoke the truth about their role in white-controlled bourgeois Democratic Party politics. The "chickens were coming home to roost", indeed! The Jesse Jacksons, the Al Sharptons, the Obama the "Charmas" who represent today's version of that misleadership please step back, step way back.

That said, who was Malcolm X? Or more properly what did he represent in his time. At one level, given the rudiments of his life story which are detailed in the Autobiography of Malcolm X, he represented that part of the black experience (an experience not only limited to blacks in immigrant America) which pulled itself by the bootstraps and turned away from the lumpen milieu of gangs, crimes and prisons into what I call `street' intellectuals. That experience is far removed from the experience of what today passes for the black intelligentsia, who have run away from the turmoil of the streets. In liberation struggles both `street' and academic intellectuals are necessary but the `street' intellectual is perhaps more critical as the transmission belt to the masses. That is how liberation fighters get a hearing and no other way. In any case I have always been partial to the `streets'.


But what is the message for the way forward? For Malcolm, until shortly before his death, that message was black separatism-the idea that the only way blacks could get any retribution was to go off on their own (or be left alone), in practical terms to form their own nation. To state the question that way in modern America points to the obvious limitation of such a scheme, even if blacks formed such a nation and wanted to express the right to national self-determination that goes with it.. Nevertheless whatever personal changes Malcolm made in his quest for political relevance and understanding whether he was a Black Muslim minister or after he broke for that group he still sought political direction through the fight of what is called today `people of color' against the mainly white oppressor, at first in America and latter after travels throughout the `third world'. However sincere he was in that belief, and he was sincere, that strategy of black separatism or `third world' vanguardism could never lead to the black freedom he so fervently desired. An underestimation of the power of internally unchallenged world, and in the first instance American, imperialism to corrupt liberation struggles or defeat or destroy them militarily never seemed to enter into his calculations.

Malcolm's whole life story of struggle against the bedrock of white racism in America, as the legitimate and at the time the ONLY voice speaking for the rage of the black ghettos, nevertheless never worked out fully any other strategy that could work in America, and by extension internationally. A close reading of his work demonstrates that as he got more politically aware he saw the then unfolding `third world' liberations struggles as the key to black liberation in America. That, unfortunately for him, was exactly backwards. If the `third world' struggles were ever ultimately to be successful and create more just societies then American imperialism-as the main enemy of the peoples of the world-then, as now had to be brought to bay. And that, my friends, whether you agree or not, requires class struggle here. That is where the fight for black liberation intersects the fight for socialism. And I will state until my last breathe that the key to the fight for socialism in America will be the cohesion of a central black cadre leading a multiethnic organization that will bring that home. And it will not be from the lips of the Kings of today that the struggle will be successful but by new more enlightened Malcolms, learning the lessons of history, who will get what they need-by any means necessary.

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Let us be clear about one thing from the start, whatever contradictions Malcolm X's brand of black nationalism entailed, whatever shortcomings he had as an emerging political leader, whatever mistakes he made alone the way as he groped for a solution to the seemingly intractable fight for black freedom he stood, and continues to stand, head and shoulders above any black leader thrown up in America in the 20th century. Only Frederick Douglass in the 19th century compares with him in stature. No attempts by latter-day historians or politicians to assimilate Malcolm along with other leaders of the civil rights struggle in this country, notably Dr. Martin Luther King, as part of the same continuum of leadership are false and dishonest to all parties. Malcolm X, as a minister of the Black Muslims and after his break from that organization, stood in opposition to the official liberal non-violence strategy of that leadership. His term "Uncle Toms" fully applies to their stance. And, in turn, that liberal black misleadership and its various hangers-on in the liberal establishment hated him when he spoke the truth about their role in white-controlled bourgeois Democratic Party politics. The "chickens were coming home to roost", indeed! The Jesse Jacksons, the Al Sharptons, the Obama the "Charmas" who represent today's version of that misleadership please step back, step way back.

That said, who was Malcolm X? Or more properly what did he represent in his time. At one level, given the rudiments of his life story which are detailed in the Autobiography of Malcolm X, he represented that part of the black experience (an experience not only limited to blacks in immigrant America) which pulled itself by the bootstraps and turned away from the lumpen milieu of gangs, crimes and prisons into what I call `street' intellectuals. That experience is far removed from the experience of what today passes for the black intelligentsia, who have run away from the turmoil of the streets. In liberation struggles both `street' and academic intellectuals are necessary but the `street' intellectual is perhaps more critical as the transmission belt to the masses. That is how liberation fighters get a hearing and no other way. In any case I have always been partial to the `streets'.


But what is the message for the way forward? For Malcolm, until shortly before his death, that message was black separatism-the idea that the only way blacks could get any retribution was to go off on their own (or be left alone), in practical terms to form their own nation. To state the question that way in modern America points to the obvious limitation of such a scheme, even if blacks formed such a nation and wanted to express the right to national self-determination that goes with it.. Nevertheless whatever personal changes Malcolm made in his quest for political relevance and understanding whether he was a Black Muslim minister or after he broke for that group he still sought political direction through the fight of what is called today `people of color' against the mainly white oppressor, at first in America and latter after travels throughout the `third world'. However sincere he was in that belief, and he was sincere, that strategy of black separatism or `third world' vanguardism could never lead to the black freedom he so fervently desired. An underestimation of the power of internally unchallenged world, and in the first instance American, imperialism to corrupt liberation struggles or defeat or destroy them militarily never seemed to enter into his calculations.

Malcolm's whole life story of struggle against the bedrock of white racism in America, as the legitimate and at the time the ONLY voice speaking for the rage of the black ghettos, nevertheless never worked out fully any other strategy that could work in America, and by extension internationally. A close reading of his work demonstrates that as he got more politically aware he saw the then unfolding `third world' liberations struggles as the key to black liberation in America. That, unfortunately for him, was exactly backwards. If the `third world' struggles were ever ultimately to be successful and create more just societies then American imperialism-as the main enemy of the peoples of the world-then, as now had to be brought to bay. And that, my friends, whether you agree or not, requires class struggle here. That is where the fight for black liberation intersects the fight for socialism. And I will state until my last breathe that the key to the fight for socialism in America will be the cohesion of a central black cadre leading a multiethnic organization that will bring that home. And it will not be from the lips of the Kings of today that the struggle will be successful but by new more enlightened Malcolms, learning the lessons of history, who will get what they need-by any means necessary.

I had never cared for or trusted the "I have a dream" pabulum dished up in school. One day in high school detention (which was in the library), I randomly picked up this book and was soon engrossed by its message: the necessity of racial segregation, the American negro's debasement by "freedom" in "liberal capitalist democracy", and the hypocrisy of well-to-do liberal whites. It is also simply a good story, and the man's honorable character comes through clearly.

Looking through it many years later, its many weaknesses stand out, but this doesn't take away from the points above. Without question one of the few truly great "American" books.

I had never cared for or trusted the "I have a dream" pabulum dished up in school. One day in high school detention (which was in the library), I randomly picked up this book and was soon engrossed by its message: the necessity of racial segregation, the American negro's debasement by "freedom" in "liberal capitalist democracy", and the hypocrisy of well-to-do liberal whites. It is also simply a good story, and the man's honorable character comes through clearly.

Looking through it many years later, its many weaknesses stand out, but this doesn't take away from the points above. Without question one of the few truly great "American" books.

Powerful, emotionally stirring, The Autobiography of Malcolm X is riveting and by all means influential. Coming from the mind of an icon like Malcolm X, this piece is anything but mundane. This autobiography is the exemplary story of transformation, redemption, and transcendence.
The novel is serious even from the start, when his family is terrorized by white supremacist groups. Even as the story progresses there is an endless battle over racial dominance. Malcolm X places readers in his shoes and makes them face the embarrassment, frustration, and anger that he himself was so accustomed to. Malcolm X tells stirring stories from ghettos and from the street that probably would never have even been heard if not for this autobiography. The novel never ceases to amaze me in its vivid accounts of prejudice and racial discrimination. I felt the same anger with every racial slur and felt the same frustration with every belittling encounter with a man from a `higher' race. I think that this book is superb in allowing readers to experience the same torment as Malcolm X himself.
After establishing the harsh world that he lives in, he illustrates his gradual transformation from being a bitter and seemingly hostile maverick to the prominent civil rights activist that he is so commonly known for. His life story reveals the importance of having a guiding spirit or religion to help one in life. After being converted, Malcolm truly is a changed man, pledging his pacifism and dedicating his life to further help his community. Malcolm serves as a model figure as he transcends the racial tension and bitterness as he only thinks about helping his followers.
Malcolm X lives a life of two extremes and proves to humanity that anyone can change. In his youth, Malcolm was one of the worst of the worst with his involvement with drugs and gangs; however, with determination and spirit, Malcolm becomes a leader and uses his stubbornness to voice the demands of his community. The life of Malcolm X is nothing short of influential. This book is highly recommended.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X exposes the mindset of one of history's most influential and prominent civil rights activists, Malcolm X. This book outlines the details of Malcolm X's life, from his early career as a hustler to his final fight against the racists in America.

The autobiography starts with the breakdown of Malcolm's family, which has fallen victim to the racists of America. Malcolm is then forced to find a living and begins a life of crime. This part in the book is a revealing, almost shocking, part of Malcolm's life that is completely different from the African American leader that he is so well known for. Before learning about Allah and the path to a better life, Malcolm lived a life of secrecy and constant fear. Disguising himself to fit in with the people in Harlem, Malcolm loses touch with who he really is. It is not until Malcolm is sent to jail and visited by his brother that he starts studying about Allah and writes to Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm becomes a minister, a transformation quite profound. The autobiography depicts a complete change from a devilish hustler to a great religious leader.

As the novel advances, Malcolm's thoughts and perspectives of the world are revealed, an aspect of this book that separates it from other novels. Malcolm's beliefs, as detailed by Alex Haley, are presented as blunt and direct, completely honest and without any form of censorship. The style with which this book is written completely reflects the aggressive nature of Malcolm X. His anger emanates from the novel through the powerful language of the book. Malcolm's words are displayed with such force that it characterizes who he really was. Unlike his shadowy personality during his hustler years, Malcolm X, the great civil rights activists and leader that all know him for, becomes a dominant force against the racial actions in America.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X touches upon unity and the ongoing struggle to achieve such peace and harmony. Malcolm's trip to Mecca inspires in the great leader a will to unite his followers against a single cause. This novel also regards the determination of the passionate human soul, and regards the power of belief as an unlimited source of courage and confidence. The Autobiography of Malcolm X provides insight on one of history's greatest leaders and the events and motivations that gave him such an enduring reputation. Malcolm's autobiography will inspire even the weakest of cowards to stand for his or her deepest passions and beliefs.

Powerful and moving, the Autobiography of Malcolm X is by no means an ordinary book. Detailing the life and upbringing of one of the greatest civil rights leaders in America, a man who has lived life in the slums and ghettoes, as well as enjoyed the glamour of almost a celebrity, this autobiography celebrates the struggles and triumphs of Malcolm X. From his youth working as a shoeshiner and a dancer to his life as a street hustler to his prominent introduction to the world of civil rights activists, all of the life and philosophies of Malcolm X are contained in narration of his life. And what a fascinating life he has certainly led! Betrayals, street life, philosophical achievements, meetings with prime ministers... Malcolm X has really lived his life to the fullest to reach out to spread his message.
Malcolm X sees the problems of oppression in America and, at the same time, sees the solution as well. And he is just the man to lead the blacks out of slavery, as his aggressiveness nature will stop at nothing to educate the rest of his people. However, many obstacles stand in his way, and after Malcolm X ventures to the Holy Land, his will and determination only strengthens. The insight into the other cultures is significant and interesting as well, because the way blacks live in other countries are completely different, almost a reversal of roles, of the situation in America. They are not oppressed, but often are instead the leaders and hold the majority of the population. Only in America have the blacks been so oppressed and prejudiced against, and done absolutely nothing about it. Malcolm X seeks to change that, and in this book he attempts this through religion.
Malcolm X is a man of determination and will, as he self-educates himself and becomes one of the few learned African-Americans at the time. He always stresses the importance of education, of finding another world and of enlightenment through reading. I apply this to my everyday life when I read, because I realize the worth and the importance of Malcolm X's message. Overall, this book is not only entertaining but imparts the message of a great American civil rights leader, one who held a key role in leading the blacks out of oppression and towards enlightenment.

Alex Haley allows the reader to grasp an inside understanding at one of the most fascinating people in history in The Autobiography of Malcolm X. In it, the controversial leader describes a life filled with constant hardship and despair beginning from a frightening childhood without his parents, to constantly being a victim of racism during a disillusioned youth, to eventually being thrown in prison for 10 years, to say the least. By looking back at Malcolm X's background, it made the issues he fought for more personal and this whole narrative brought out the humanity within Malcolm X that so many wish to ignore. I'm glad Malcolm X and Haley force the reader away from the common view of Malcolm X as a violent racist and instead describe all blatant racism to depict oppression of different cultures around the world. I think the main thing that makes me connect with Malcolm X as opposed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is that Malcolm X takes America's issues with a global perspective. He embraced African-Americans to actually be proud of their African heritage, which is in fact what inspired Haley to write Roots. I hope that those who take advantage of this masterpiece will also understand how racism is not limited to the oppressor physically and verbally discriminating against minorities. Malcolm X is courageous enough to analyze past what is socially acceptable even today when he examines the psychological effects of racism towards African Americans down beauty and self-confidence. What I thought to be the most fascinating aspect of this novel is that Malcolm X provides the reader with a total 360 transformation from his childhood right to the very last pages of the novel. I strongly believe that everyone should be taught this book as it deeply analyzes the pure roots of racism in society and provides solutions towards how everyone has the power to move past that.

This autobiography is no ordinary story of black man lost in a white man's maze. After being lost and confused for a while in his childhood, Malcom X was able to reflect on himself and soon enough, he matured and revolutionary leader sprouted. Not only is Malcom X's life intriguing and notable, Alex Haley's writing style is flawless, as he successfully lays out Malcom X's life.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X tells the story of Malcolm X's life from his perspective. While in jail he transformed from an uneducated black man who could not read or write to a student of Elijah Muhammad's teaching of Allah and capable of reading and writing very effectively. Malcom X is a black man living in a racist America and changing his life by finding "Allah" as his savior. This is a story of a boy living in a city of racism and living without a father for most of his life. He found a new self by following the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and became a well-educated powerful speaker. Haley writes about his path and his obstacles that impeded him as he strived to become a revolutionary speaker. This account his a great source to fully understand Malcom X's personal views. Because he grew up in the ghetto, he acted accordingly - rough and immature. However, it is not until his jail experience fully transformed him. That life changing experience taught him values and principles.
I would recommend this book to everyone. If you never really liked Malcom X, you should really read this book, because it lays out his personal views and the causes and effects that you might not have understood before. If you like Malcom X, this is a great book, because it really gets up close and personal to this revolutionary figure. Though you may see his name in history books often, The Autobiography of Malcom X does a great job is including all his life time experiences as early as childhood. His journeys and travels are detailed with names of significant people in his life included.
If you feel indifferent about Malcom X, it is still a great read if you want to read excellent literature, because The Autobiography of Malcom X is written well by Alex Haley. He does a great job is creating great plot structure and sentence fluency so that he gives great detail, but still retaining the suspense and magic in the novel.
Go read it!

If you have seen the movie, you are still missing important facts about the life of Malcolm X.

Get up close and personal and have the experience of a "reading" time.

To be honest, I was not excited to read this book in the very beginning, thinking that it was just another typical autobiography. Finally, motivated by the death of my television set from overuse, I began from the beginning- the very beginning, which I suggest not to do so. Although it may just be a personal preference, the foreword and introduction did not leave any impact on me and somewhat, or so I began to think, confirmed my initial distaste for the book.
After toiling for hours to get to the actual novel, the first couple of sentences of the first chapter caught my attention instantly. Contrary to what I thought beforehand, Haley's piece is amazing, capable of capturing the true characteristics of Malcolm X. The attention grabber was definitely there; and to my surprise, so was everything else- the action, the development of complex characters, and the many emotions that Malcolm X felt throughout his life.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X first sets off with the beginning of Malcolm X's life, giving the readers background information of his family and himself. Because of this, the readers are able to follow the development of the character as he transforms himself many times, beginning as a top student in his class, changing to a full out hoodlum, and ending as an international leader. Despite the many changes, Haley does not fail to portray Malcolm X's honest and genuine want for a better world without racial discriminations. He also includes Malcolm X's motivation and reasoning for what we believe are extreme actions, correcting our misconceptions about Malcolm X and allowing the readers to view him in a whole different perspective.
The simplicity and concise style that Haley utilizes enhances the novel itself. The language does not prevent us from understanding Malcolm X's intense feelings, being put in situations he feels comfortable in and situations that he does not. Because of Haley's unique approach to writing the autobiography, it felt as though I was actually experiencing the hatred Malcolm X faced by himself during most of his political life. The reader also feels the love and support that he receives from his wife and children as well as his brothers and sisters, despite the many mistakes he makes against their liking. And finally, and in my opinion most importantly, the reader is given a chance to understand the determination and passion Malcolm X had to improve the way the world was. He was willing to sacrifice anything he had to be able to succeed in doing so, which made him act against his will at times and made me more appreciative of him more than ever by the end of the novel.
Haley's masterpiece is simply remarkable and an inspiration to everyone everywhere to fight for what they truly believe in despite the chaos that they must face. Even if you are not a history fanatic, this novel is definitely worthwhile to spend the extra time to read. It changed my entire outlook on nonfiction literature and I am pretty sure that it is going to leave an impact on you as well.

To me, this book was not only very entertaining but also gave me great insight into the life and the beliefs of one of the most influential Civil Rights activists. As expected, The Autobiography of Malcolm X is a book that is a retelling of Malcolm X's life, from the time of his birth until soon before he is murdered in 1965.
The book is set in Omaha, Nebraska but also includes the many destinations and different places Malcolm lived, from Boston to Harlem. It begins with a short description of Malcolm's father, his death, and his family's subsequent upheaval. Haley takes a simplistic approach when writing about Malcolm's life, leaving the events raw and unfettered, choosing not to weave many stories into another, and jumping from time to time. This makes for less distraction from the actual contents of the story to the style of the writing. Malcolm also gives great insight into his beliefs at the time of each event, and every small detail is revealed to the reader. The writing style and portrayal of the action are not magnificent, and the story is straightforward, blunt, and unimaginative. There are no lavish similes or metaphors with embellished language to magnify the plot. However, the characters are each fully explored and described, and everything is logical. The real merit of the book comes from its content, which explores the mind and life of Malcolm X. Through his eyes, the reader is able to better comprehend the evils and injustice suffered by him and the basis for his hatred towards all whites and his radical beliefs. None of his true feelings are concealed throughout the book, and he remains unyielding in his criticism of human nature and whites specifically. The most important aspect of the novel is Malcolm's emotions flow that as the plot progresses. As good times and bad times surface throughout, he does not hint at the upcoming tragedy or success that follows, instead staying in the ambience of the moment so that the book stays suspenseful, creating an interesting read that has both characteristics of a novel and an educational piece. Though describing his own life, Malcolm does not sugar-coat any of his previous beliefs or actions, instead presenting them exactly as they occurred, and the reader is able to empathize with his situation to some extent. His deep hatred of racism, which stems from his frequent mistreatment as a black American in the 20th century help the reader understand his plight.

"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" is unlike any autobiography, or any non-fiction book for that matter, I have ever read. I had first expected "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" to be 500 pages of the-white-man-is-evil rantings and blatant narcissism thinly veiled as self-reflection and re-evaluation. However this book contained none or a very limited amount of either, focusing solely on the changes Malcolm X goes through his life -- physically, mentally and spiritually.

Malcolm X with the help of Alex Haley, retells his life, tracing back to his beginnings in a broken impoverished home to his high life of a crime and drugs to the leader of a growing cult and finally as a religious man driven by a higher purpose. Haley does a great job of writing the life story of Malcolm X. Seldom ever letting the reader's attention drift, especially in his recounting of Malcolm X's brief life of crime and the hilariously ridiculous street language that was so popular during his time, Haley makes X's autobiography an easy read. Wat makes this book especially strong and memorable is the insight the reader is able to gain of Malcolm X and a new perspective of an alternate option in the fight for civil rights other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's. Before reading this book, I had always thought Malcolm X to be an angry violent black man; the more primitive and less graceful counterpart of MLK. After reading his autobiography I still, and will always, think Malcolm X as the angry violent black man but also a leader, as good as MLK, who devotedly attempted to further his cause for racial equality through any means necessary.

Aside from gaining a better understanding of the man Malcolm X and his efforts in civil reform, his autobiography also sheds light on the true meaning of Islam. Especially with an escalating Middle East conflict and America's War on Iraq, Islam is often distorted by the media and misunderstood by the public. Many think Islam as a religion that feeds off of hate and violence when in fact it preaches the exact opposite. It is inspirational to see Malcolm find peace within himself, evolving into a better man with a clear purpose in life.

Conclusion: A worthwhile read for anyone.

In my humble opinion, I believe that this has to be one of the most important books of the 20th century. I was very disappointed with Spike Lee's movie (although Denzel Washington does an incredible job in the lead role). The main reason I was disappointed was the fact that most people will watch the film rather than read this magnificent piece of work. The movie isn't that bad, but it doesn't do this book justice, no way, no how. Most films based on books ever do.

I never knew that much about the man until I read this. Almost everything that I had read and heard about him growing up was for the most part negative. Dr. MLK was the great emancipator and leader that we always learned about in school and heard about in the media. This man remained for the most part a mystery to me until I picked this book up eighteen some years ago. I just read it again and I implore more people to read this. It is sooooo damn important! Talk about a man of conviction and courage. His basic message was clear "if somebody hits you, hit him back!" and white America hated and feared him for this. He was tired of his people turning the other cheek only to get hit again on the other side. He did not in any way advocate violence, he wanted black people to be proud of who they are. He wanted black people to be self-sufficent and to have respect for their women, children, and most importantly themselves. It is so damn frustrating and depressing to know that Malcolm had so much more to offer this world before he was killed. He was changed man after his trip from Mecca and it's a shame that just when he was really becoming a more enlightened human being he had to be so carelessly snuffed out like so many other great people. It doesn't matter what race you are, what your political beliefs are, what religion you are, etc... everyone should read this.

This book truly changed my life when I read it as a young man (around 21). It gave me some true insight to what it is (I wish I can say 'was') like being black in America. Of course life for blacks in this country is no way like it was in Malcom's time due to people like Malcom, MLK, Ali etc... He taught me more than just understanding though, Malcolm taught me what it means to be man. A man who stands by his beliefs and will not compromise his principles know matter if it costs him his life (and eventually it did). What a great man, what a great story.

QUICK SYNOPSIS:
The book starts with Malcolm's childhood: his father dies; circumstances (losing her husband, poverty, being BLACK at such a rascist time etc), I believe, drive his mother to lose her sanity. The state decided that Malcoms's mother is not suited to take care of her children and the solution to her obvious 'Depression' is to divide the family. Malcolm stars to notice he is different and he notices others (mainly whites) noticing it, too. He moves to Boston, he loves to dance, he gets a job, hangs with the wrong crowd, moves to NY, back to Boston and then goes to jail. His brothers, converts to the Nation of Islam, tell him about a ticket out of jail (Nation of Islam).The Nation os Islam was a very distorted religion and the goal was for black people to have their own state(s). He converts and becomes a famous minister. He gets married to Betty, a muslim. Malcolm calls the white man a devil. The media is hungry for more and Malcolm always delivers with his hateful, somewhat ignorant, and ironically, intellectual speech. All people, even whites, flock to hear him speak. Elijah Muhamed, the Nations leader, gets jealous; even though Malcolm is genuinly working for him and the Nation. A scandal about Elijah Muhamed's affairs arises. This hurts Malcolms, as he had always had a good perceptions of Elijah Muhamed, but he tried to ignore it. Jealousy becomes apparent and spreads throughout the Nation. Malcolm leaves the Nation of Islam, but he is still a "Muslim". He goes to Mecca to make the Hajj (pilgrimage) and there he discovers the true Islam. He was treated with great hospitality by white skinned and blue eyed men in the middle east, and that deeply touches him. He feels no discrimination. He realizes he has been misunderstanding the religion and comes back to the states with a new outlook. He now says that not all white men are evil (in Islam collective guilt isn't acceptable) and that he is "for truth, no matter who tells it" and "justice, no matter who it is for or against." The media is disappointed in Malcolm's new calm and peaceful attitude, but he still delivers speeches full of wisdom, and people are still flocking to him. He has his own Mosque, but not enough money to even support his family. The Nation of Islam want to take away his house. He had to borrow money for pilgrimage he made. He worries about his financial trouble and about the troubles of the black men all around the world. He becomes an international figure. He says people are out to kill him, first he claims its the Nation of islam; then he says it someone else with more power. He get shot, while on stage about to speak.
MY PERSONAL OPINION:
Great book, Alex HAley did a good job of capturing Malcolm's spirit and character into words. Anyone who has felt discrimination can relate to this book. Malcolm only wanted what is best for others but they did not always want what is best for him. From childhood, all of Malcolm's experiences shaped his personality as an adult : someone who wants to be treated like a human and not a N*****. Once he called his own black people the N word and i think that shows his dissappointment in his own community. "If your own people won't support you, then who will?", I think that was his feeling. Toward the end of his life, he thought about death, and about his family being taken care of and , of course, about every black man AND white man...all humanity. WHat a great individual. Anyone can learn alot from him. Malcolm sought after the truth and truth sought after him: He delivered!

The Autobiography of Malcolm X was a phenomenal book because of the impact that Malcolm made on so many people's lives. Malcolm wouldn't be such a respected person if it weren't for the trials that he went through. In Malcolm's case, the trials didn't hurt him they just made him a better Muslim and a stronger man. We think that the book wasn't just for black people but for all races that have gone through racism and discrimination. We think that Alex Haley did a fantastic job of writing about Malcolm's life. Alex described Malcolm's life very well without twisting around Malcolm's words such as other reporters did. We recommend this book to all people but mostly to high school kids our age because it will give them some insight into how bad the world really is.

I believe that Malcolm X's life and story was put on this earth to inspire blacks all over the world to motivate themselves for equality but I also have discontent after reading this book because imagine if men like Malcom X and Dr. King were living today? Mannnn,, it feels like such a loss.....even though I was not of that time and haven't experienced blatant racism as our forefathers experienced back in the 40's and 50's, I still can feel the weight of it on my shoulders and there are no leaders like them today that inspire change, because we are content and think the struggle is over but its not, take a walk in places like liberty city and harlem and see that we're still suffereing horribly. I hated the ending because I know that it ended abruptly, just like the life of Malcom X and it left such an empty feeling inside but I understand the impact of the ending. Great book, every black person and person rather should read this book..

Mike Young obviously did not read the book. I read it 3 times and it changed my life forever. The book clearly states that it is the autobiography of Malcolm X AS TOLD to Alex Haley and if you had read the book yourself you would realize that Malcolm was simply telling the story to Alex Haley. He was too busy to sit down and write the book himself and predicted his own murder in the last pages. Maybe you, Mike Young, should take on the challenge of being a thinking human being and read it on your own with an objective mind and then come back and tell us your real thoughts.

Mike Young obviously did not read the book. I read it 3 times and it changed my life forever. The book clearly states that it is the autobiography of Malcolm X AS TOLD to Alex Haley and if you had read the book yourself you would realize that Malcolm was simply telling the story to Alex Haley. He was too busy to sit down and write the book himself and predicted his own murder in the last pages. Maybe you, Mike Young, should take on the challenge of being a thinking human being and read it on your own with an objective mind and then come back and tell us your real thoughts.

Simply, one of the most amazing stories of change ever told in the English language - and still one of the most mis-understood men in the 20th century.

Some books can change your perception, but only a few can wipe out age-old assumptions, and force you to rethink everything you thought you knew. The question of RACE is at the heart of the American society, and in this book, not only African-Americans, but Americans of all colors, black, white, red and yellow, will find themselves reassessing what racism entails, for Malcolm X life, is a poignant testimony of the black man's struggle against both individual and institutional racism.
This book has inspired many to answer the question of RACE in America on the institutional level, among them, The Black Panthers, CORE and many other Black Power movements.
Thanks to Alex Haley, Malcolm X will be remembered as a man, who stood for what he believed, who lived the word he preached, and who fought oppression, "by any means necessary."

This to me is without a doubt one of the most influental books of the past century. It exposes a misunderstood man who during the Civil Rights Movement played a vital role in voicing the opinion of Black America. It is sad to see that he still is often portrayed as a racist angry black man. That to the simple mind is the easy way to label him as, but it would not serve those who are really intent on understanding him as a person. He was a far smarter person who was caught in a time of tension between races and negative sterotypes from all people (Lets face it. If you grew up as a teenager or older during that time period, you would of had some extreme misconception or bias towards someone of a different race too. So to all these people who bash him for being anti-whitey, stop being so closed minded and place yourselves in the shoes of our ancestors.), and only grew as a person until his untimely assassination. Not only is it inspiring and filled with its own tradegies, it leaves a lot to be desired and offers the views of one of black america's most beloved heroes. I could write a essay on him here, but I would perfer for the reader to learn from him through his own readings. Read this book, but dont read it having already judged who he is or understanding the racial views of the times.

If you read the fine print this "autobiography" is actually written by Alex Haley. So who knows what parts are from Haley's life and what parts are from Malcolm X's life? HELLOOOOOO??? Like I said, nice try guys.

I just read The Autobiography of Malcolm X. I enjoyed the book and thought it was intriguing. After reading the book, I did so many web searches about the man that I never knew. The book really changed the way I think of things and the way that I perceive people. This book is REAL. Even in 2006 this book holds truth and value. I believe that it should be read by every Afro-American.

Those dumb hats went out of style long ago. Just like socalled "positive rap" with racist groups like X-clan, Brand Nubian, Public Enemy (Only in a guilt ridden decadent white world would rapping about hating and killing whitey and showing videos of brothas in "devil-horned whiteface" or wearing pigs heads be considered "positive!") And Spike Lee's movies bomb out nowadays.

So why is this silly hatefilled book still considered important? Why oh why should teenaged white kids be forced to read it? Even after his socalled "hajj to Mecca", Malcolm Jamal Warner Little x still had issues about whitefolks.
I bet he was rolling over in his grave when one of those daughters of his was on her knees worshipping that IRA gunman she was shacked with for awhile ;-)

This book is representative of the conflicts in Malcom X's own life and character. He was a talented orator, an influential thinker, a gifted leader, and a much-needed breath of fresh air in a struggle for Civil Rights that risked slipping into stagnation. Yet the book is filled with half-truths, embellishments, and self-serving statements. It clearly yet unconsciously traces his transformation from naive thug into frustrated idealist and finally into the same sort of racist and bigot he spent so many years condemning. His apparently fanatical devotion to Islam mirrors his fanatical devotion to the fate of "Africans in America," yet betrays his insecurities, his desperation and his fears of inadequacy.

It is a powerful and intriguing book, well-written and informative; however it is also frighteningly one-sided, suffused with hate-speech and hyperbole. This book is best read alongside more historically accurate, impartial and verifiable records, as together they will make for a fuller, more enriching picture of this complex and almost controversial figure. This "Autobiography" is not history, but rather a look into the mind of a human being. It is a tribute to the life, the legacy and the ego of the man known as "Malcom X."

Studying American History in high school and college, I have found one thing and argued it over and over again. It was that history has been revised from its original story and was revised to better suit the needed of those revising it. When I studied the Civil Rights movement, I realized, even in my 400-level