The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley

I literally just closed the book, then rushed to give my review. Wow, is the first word that comes to mind. I feel ashamed as an African living in America that I waited so long to read this. I was one of those ignorant people who allowed the American school system to teach me about him. Well, that and the movie “Malcolm X” directed and co-written by Spike Lee.

I couldn’t put this book down. And while I read it, I listened along to Laurence Fishburne who narrated it. The minister’s words, with Fishburne’s voice, created a masterpiece.

Malcolm X began serving a prison sentence in 1946. While inside, he read everything possible and ended up educating himself. In prison is also where he converted to the Nation of Islam. Man, oh man, I wish that the holy city of Mecca would have taught him Islam instead.

I truly believe that Malcolm X was a sponge who was only attempting to soak up the truth. All he wanted to do was build an all black organization whose ultimate aim was to help create a society in which there could exist honest white-black brotherhood. Unfortunately, the Nation of Islam did him in. I learned plenty of things from this book, but one of them is this:

Put your trust in God, not man, because man can never be a god.

Audiobooks are not my thing but this one narrated by Laurence Fishbourne is a really amazing listen. Just perfect delivery, especially of the more problematic parts that haven't aged too well.