The Autobiography Of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
With the assistance of Alex Haley and introduction by M.S. Handler
ISBN 0345379756, Ballantine Books, New York, 1992
Malcolm X's life in collaborated authorship with Alex Haley. His evolution from prisoner driven by anger to spiritual leader. This is the inspiring story of an iconic figure. Assassinated in 1965, the man's journey is of importance, if not for his transformation, for the forces at play and conflicting elements that ended his life. Max Elbaum says that "The Autobiography Of Malcolm X was without question the single most widely read and influential book among young people of all racial backgrounds who went to their first demonstration sometime between 1965 and 1968." (source: Wikipedia)
At a time where Islam is viewed as anathema, Malcolm's spirituality and humanity helps to clarify misconceptions and is more relevant than ever. Didactic for all age groups. Historically and culturally significant.
http://www.malcolmx.com
Amistad: The Slave Uprising Aboard The Spanish Schooner by Helen Kromer
ISBN 0829812652, Pilgrim Press, Cleveland Ohio, 1997
Tells the story of 52 African slaves taken onto Spanish ship La Amistad some 160 years ago. The captive men revolted and mutinied but were tricked into heading for New England by La Amistad's crew. Cinque is leader of the kidnapped African men who must face an uncertain future and two years of a decision process deciphering whether they are free or property of their captors.
Rather fast read of historical events. Appropriate for all age groups. Illustrations included.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
ISBN 9780446310789, Grand Central Publishing, USA, 1988
An emotion evoking classic, winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Follows the trial of an unfairly convicted African American man and the morally-driven Caucasian lawyer who defends his case. Set in Alabama the book is considered an iconic work of American Literature. Suitable to adults and teenagers it often forms part of high school literary studies.
Pulitzer Prize.
Testament Of Hope: The Essential Writings And Speeches Of Martin Luther King by Martin Luther King
ISBN 9780060646912, HarperOne, USA, 1991
Documents Dr Martin Luther King's speeches, writings and political philosophy. Includes the "I Have A Dream" speech. Excellent compilation for anyone interested in history, or political and social science. Gives insight into one of the most important figures' non-violent activism approach and views of human rights.
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html
http://www.martinlutherking.org/
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
ISBN 9780241956533, Penguin Books, UK, 2011
Skeeter, the daughter of a prominent white family embarks on a mission to expose the manner in which African American house maids are treated in Mississippi during the 60s. It becomes challenging for her to befriend and encourage Aibileen and Minny, two employees to open up. It is also a dangerous venture considering the racial volatility of the times.
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
ISBN 9780007902262, Collins Classics, Harper Press, UK, 2011
The book, though an early work, originally published in 1852, is considered to be a politically and socially influential tool, encouraging opposition to slavery and contributing to philosophy as well as action that brought about the civil war in the United States.
It is very emotive and sentimental in style, perhaps something female readers can relate to more. The story traces the suffering of Uncle Tom, a kind and morally-driven slave as well as other enslaved African American people. Themes include good versus evil, love versus hatred and endurance achieved through spirituality, humility and religion.
A must-read for its significance. Uncle Tom's Cabin is said to be the highest selling novel in contemporary history and has been translated in most languages.
Roots: The Saga Of An American Family by Alex Haley
ISBN 9781593154493, Vanguard Press, USA, 2007
Highly popular literary work for its cultural, social and historical significance. The book resulted in a successful TV adaptation and is memorable for its emotive scenes. Although the author classifies his account as thoroughly researched genealogical record, with fictionalized or more accurately, recreated dialogue, scholars dispute the novel as historically improbable. They suggest that the author's resources were elderly individuals whose memory fails them. Family histories are often relied upon by spoken record however so Roots can be taken to be at least culturally important. Whatever the case, the novel captures the plight, trials and spirit of a people and it is a highly desirable piece of literature. Its reception and influence on popular culture has been of impact, understandably so.
It is without dispute an interesting and captivating account that Haley says was passed on aurally from generation to generation and covers his family's tracks from 1767 when his ancestor Kunta Kinte was sold as a slave and shipped to America out of Gambia.
Haley's language is powerful, descriptive, highly ornamental and filled with vivid imagery. As one reviewer suggests, the death rate of slaves-to-be who were forcefully taken from their fatherland and died on the ships before even reaching their destination, is enough of a shocking historical point. In the reviewer's own words Roots as a concept deals with "the history of an entire race of people whose names and identities were stolen
from them. It's hard to say if this book is fiction, history or biography, since
it reads so much like all three." The emotions Haley evokes are strong and his work should be celebrated as the endurance of the human spirit, seen in the resilience of the young Kinte and his denial to denounce his name or background.
http://www.rootsthebook.com
