The Autobiography of Malcolm X

As Told to Alex Haley

by Walter Dean Myers

Paperback, 527 pages

English language

Published Feb. 21, 1965 by Ballantine.

ISBN:: 978-0-345-37671-8
OCLC Number:: 25168661

(20 reviews)

Through a life of passion and struggle, Malcolm X became one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century. In this riveting account, he tells of his journey from a prison cell to Mecca, describing his transition from hoodlum to Muslim minister. Here, the man who called himself "the angriest Black man in America" relates how his conversion to true Islam helped him confront his rage and recognize the brotherhood of all mankind.

An established classic of modern America, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" was hailed by the New York Times as "Extraordinary. A brilliant, painful, important book." Still extraordinary, still important, this electrifying story has transformed Malcom X's life into his legacy. The strength of his words, the power of his ideas continue to resonate more than a generation after they first appeared.

24 editions

tippy bottom reviewed The autobiography of Malcolm X by Walter Dean Myers

Review of 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

malcolm has a phenomenal way with words, that much is obvious. this book is as autobiographical as they come, and it's clear to see how the way his childhood/adolescent experiences informed his politics and unwavering morals in his later years. he's a misogynist though.

also really appreciated alex haley's epilogue, very much needed, especially the fucking NoI meeting they had with elijah shitting on malcolm. very wtf moment. you can tell alex had a lot of respect for malcolm, this epilogue was a sort of like gone but never forgotten salute send off to a hero.

chadkoh reviewed The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Walter Dean Myers

Review of 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

There is nothing I can say that can measure up to what people before me — more informed, closer to the time or geography or experience, American, Black — have already said about this book. I can only add my voice as a human to the chorus. READ THIS BOOK. I couldn’t put it down. Written 55 years ago, it captures generations and generations of pain. 55 years later and… unfortunately much more pain, pain that Malcolm X predicted. Hindsight. Justification. We must look at now with a hard eye and sharp tongue, like HIM. Especially in today’s media environment. If he had a podcast/newsletter I totally would have subscribed... Today, I think this new generation is doing it and I will support them how I can. #BLM

Anyways, I digress…

Alex Haley did a wonderful job as a writer. I really like how he constructed the book. It did its job, projecting Malcolm’s voice naturally, with an engaging narrative, even though we all know the end of the story.

While reading I also listened to the original audio by Joe Morton who also was excellent (normally I listen to audiobooks at 1.5 or 2x speed, but this one I kept at 1x since Joe Morton sounds excellent). I look forward to the upcoming Lawrence Fishburne release in the fall, but I would say you don’t have to wait for it.

I have the Spike Lee film queued up for a rewatch and am looking for a follow up on Malcolm for my next book. Any recommendations?