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The Autobiography of Malcolm X

By: Malcolm X, Alex Haley
Narrated by: Laurence Fishburne
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Publisher's summary

One of Time’s 10 most important nonfiction books of the 20th century.

Experience a bold take on this classic autobiography as it’s performed by Oscar-nominated Laurence Fishburne.

In this searing classic autobiography, originally published in 1965, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and Black empowerment activist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Human Rights movement. His fascinating perspective on the lies and limitations of the American dream and the inherent racism in a society that denies its non-White citizens the opportunity to dream, gives extraordinary insight into the most urgent issues of our own time.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X stands as the definitive statement of a movement and a man whose work was never completed but whose message is timeless. It is essential for anyone who wants to understand the African American experience and America as a whole.

©1965 Alex Haley and Malcolm X, © 1965 by Alex Haley and Betty Shabazz (P)2020 Audible, Inc.
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Featured Article: Classic Literature from Black Writers, Performed by Black Narrators


Despite the many great works of literature by great Black writers, Black voices have had a hard time entering "the canon." Worse, there have been times when Black words were miscast and read by narrators who didn't connect with the spirit of the authors. To help rectify this, we offer our careful selection of classics by Black authors performed by gifted Black actors that truly deserve to be recognized, celebrated, and savored.

What listeners say about The Autobiography of Malcolm X

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it's Nearly perfect

one of my favorite books of all time.. only problem is that the preface is missing.... I think Laurence Fishburne did a great Job channelling Malcolm... only person that might have done better is Denzel in the 90s... only reason I'm not giving it 5stars is because it's missing a Preface... (Alex Haley's part about meeting Malcom X) and the Epilogue..(the Death of Malcolm X and the events leading up too)... Those parts are equally important to me and I remember them from the physical copy..

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92 people found this helpful

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Sadly this was written in 1964...

We did not listen then and we are not really listening now. Too many foxes and not enough wolves in powerful positions. You will have to listen/read the book to understand my comment. Malcolm X is insightful, articulate and self aware; Alex Haley is a skillful writer; and Laurence Fishburne’s narration is excellent.

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64 people found this helpful

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Best book On Audible

This is such an important book. I knew that I’d love reading Malcolm X’s life through his own words. The men associated with this book make it that much better. The narration by Fishburne adds to powerful words of Malcolm. Thank you Malcolm for your life. Thank you Alex Haley for writing. Thank Laurence Fishburne for lending your voice.

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1 person found this helpful

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A Dose of Reality

People today talk about "systemic racism," "white privilege" and "Jim Crow." In the early 1960s, these were real things. Blacks were not hired for many jobs, could not buy houses in many neighborhoods, were barred from voting by poll taxes and literacy tests, and were looked down on as inferior by most whites. Malcolm X called these things out. As a spokesman for the Nation of Islam, he called the white man "the devil" and "the enemy." Later, in his journey to a more orthodox version of Islam, he embraced the brotherhood of men of good faith, recognizing that race was not determinative. He still condemned the actions of whites but was willing to accept that not every white person was responsible for slavery or other discrimination. Laurence Fishburn does a stellar job of projecting Malcolm's words and attitude. A lot of this may be hard to hear but this man was a major American force whose voice should be heard today.

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Life Changing

Every black man in America needs to read this book! I learned so much from the great Malcolm X.

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Enlightening, invigorating..

I loved the vivid characters that fishburne conveyed. Most of all I am grateful for the experiences and intellect that Malcom X shared!

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Beautifully Performed and Critically Relevant

I inhaled this book, thanks to the amazing performance. So many of the takeaways are still relevant for the race issues today, particularly if one is willing to look beyond the media-created caricature of Malcolm X and listen to the heart of man that goes through a series of life transitions, sharing with us his lessons and learnings.

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Superb.

Best audiobook of 2020. Curiosity and open-mindedness are necessary for personal and intellectual growth. As with Dr. King, the FBI knew Malcolm was going to be assassinated and failed to prevent it to America’s everlasting shame.

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WORTH IT!!!

Mr Fishburne sounds just like Minister Malcolm X sounds like im listening to to him directly...

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This book is needed now!

I am asking and pleading that anyone no matter what affiliation or race you are or associate with purchase this audiobook.

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