Book #35 - Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention

One of the things I have enjoyed most about this reading project is how much there is to learn about everything.  From ancient Egypt and Greece, to current day situations in the Middle East, I realize more and more the paucity of my historical  knowledge.

The 1960's are no exception in this.  And Malcolm X?  I knew he was black and maybe a figure for black supremacy.  I'm not sure I had even connected him with black rights' figures like Martin Luther King. 

Manning Marable's Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention was an eye opener.  It extensively covers Malcolm X's life.  I never seriously considered the historical baggage that simple comes with being born an African American.  Or the ways the American government has failed them as a people. (This isn't the author's point, it is a conclusion I have drawn). Or some of the crazy religious sects out there - the Nation of Islam for example.

I'm glad I read this book.  I don't know what to do with the information, but it was amazing.  Malcolm X was a fascinating person, and many people have taken different things from him.  I'm also not sure how the slant of this book plays out in reality*, but it definitely gives one lots to think about.

*Some commentors on Amazon insist that Marable has pulled up alot of gossip, innuendos, and changed the real meaning of the man, and some acclaim the author.