Malcolm: The Life of a Man Who Changed Black America

Unlike many of the other reviewers, I thought that Perry truly succeeded in this biography of Malcolm. I think that one must have read Malcolm's autobiography to appreciate this book; that said, I'm very glad to have read another source besides the Malcolm/Haley classic. This work does take a critical look into the life of Malcolm, and Perry does seem determined to cast doubt upon Malcolm X's own statements, but I don't think that this was to malign or to lessen Malcolm's credibility and accomplishments. Perry provides the reader with a well researched and backed viewpoint to allow for greater discussion and interpretation of Malcolm's thoughts. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read Malcolm's autobiography, and who would like to learn more about it.

Bruce Perry's Malcom gives an in depth analysis of one of the most controversial public figures in modern American history. Perry describes Malcom's troubled childhood in the Midwest, from his bouts with his father infidelities and his unexpected death -ruled accidental, but not certain-- to his, light skinned, mentally ill mother who was not afraid to keep her son in line by any means necessary. Living within a dysfunctional family and having no friends, Malcom finds himself wanting to leave his lonely and slow-pace lifestyle for the exciting East Coast. Moving in with his half-sister in Boston, Malcom becomes involved in criminal activities, from petty dope slinging and "runnin' numbers", to sleeping with white women and committing burglaries. Eventually he finds himself behind bars and from there Malcom X emerges. Known as Red, Malcom becomes acquainted with an inmate, a devoted follower of the Nation of Islam, who teaches Malcom that their is an alternative for black men other than a life of crime. Malcom X is introduced to classic literature, poetry, and Islam. The religion has a powerful effect on Malcom, who embraces its ways and ultimately becomes a follower. When he is released, Malcom X quickly works his way through the ranks to head minister of the most populated and successful Black Mosque in America. According to Perry, Malcom was not only a devoted minister to his mosque, but to several others as well. His superior, the honorable Elijah Muhammad, was initially impressed with the articulate, young orator. In time Malcom X rises in the movement. He grabs all of the headlines and from the media's point of view, becomes the spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Eventually, Malcom breaks from the group and starts his own, which never gets off the ground. He was shot dead during a speech in Harlem, New York in 1965. Malcom X, though poorly educated and a product of a mentally and physically abused household, nevertheless took center stage and improved the quality of life for Black America. Bruce Perry gives the reader a personal account of one of America's enigmatic and flamboyant intellectuals of the twentieth century.

Bruce Perry's Malcom gives an in depth analysis of one of the most controversial public figures in modern American history. Perry describes Malcom's troubled childhood in the Midwest, from his bouts with his father infidelities and his unexpected death -ruled accidental, but not certain-- to his, light skinned, mentally ill mother who was not afraid to keep her son in line by any means necessary. Living within a dysfunctional family and having no friends, Malcom finds himself wanting to leave his lonely and slow-pace lifestyle for the exciting East Coast. Moving in with his half-sister in Boston, Malcom becomes involved in criminal activities, from petty dope slinging and "runnin' numbers", to sleeping with white women and committing burglaries. Eventually he finds himself behind bars and from there Malcom X emerges. Known as Red, Malcom becomes acquainted with an inmate, a devoted follower of the Nation of Islam, who teaches Malcom that their is an alternative for black men other than a life of crime. Malcom X is introduced to classic literature, poetry, and Islam. The religion has a powerful effect on Malcom, who embraces its ways and ultimately becomes a follower. When he is released, Malcom X quickly works his way through the ranks to head minister of the most populated and successful Black Mosque in America. According to Perry, Malcom was not only a devoted minister to his mosque, but to several others as well. His superior, the honorable Elijah Muhammad, was initially impressed with the articulate, young orator. In time Malcom X rises in the movement. He grabs all of the headlines and from the media's point of view, becomes the spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Eventually, Malcom breaks from the group and starts his own, which never gets off the ground. He was shot dead during a speech in Harlem, New York in 1965. Malcom X, though poorly educated and a product of a mentally and physically abused household, nevertheless took center stage and improved the quality of life for Black America. Bruce Perry gives the reader a personal account of one of America's enigmatic and flamboyant intellectuals of the twentieth century.

Bruce Perry's book, for me, has been the best one to date on Malcolm. I read it a few years ago, so bear with my memory. I do believe I liked this book because he challenged Malcolm's autobiography, and in some ways questioned some of Malcolm's recollections of his past. I believe also, if memory serves me, Mr. Perry receieved alot of heat for doing so. The documentary "Make It Plain" also hints in this area that Malcolm wanted to have some control over how his life would be written about. Bruce Perry tends to speculate that Malcolm was too biased to really interpret his own life correctly. What I like about this book is that the author can back up his assertions with research. I guess that is what got under some people's skin, the one's who can't get away from the belief that whatever Malcolm said was the "truth". I believe it is this book also that first introduced me to the connection between Louis Farrakhan and the death of Malcolm. Again, for me, this is the go-to book on Malcolm X.Jon