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jvmilks's review against another edition
3.0
Insider's view into the tumultuous last year of King's life. His passion and perseverance are truly remarkable.
"I've been in the struggle a long time now... and I've conditioned myself to some things that are much more painful than discourteous people not allowing you to speak, so if they feel that they can discourage me, they'll be up here all night." (p. 191)
"I've been in the struggle a long time now... and I've conditioned myself to some things that are much more painful than discourteous people not allowing you to speak, so if they feel that they can discourage me, they'll be up here all night." (p. 191)
ronntaylor's review against another edition
5.0
Straight and to the point: excellent book that has inspired me. I wish others would read it. Not so much to learn anything new. Just to ponder the last days of a prophet. This has been an inspiring read.
rich2023's review against another edition
informative
reflective
5.0
This was a great book. The writing was easy to read. I like how the author gave us an insight into the struggles that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr faced during his last year. It was received opposition from the press, the government, and even his own organization. One thing I can say that I loved how he stood firm on his beliefs. He was unwavering. When he should have taken a rest, he kept pushing on. I also think he knew that he was going to die and that’s why he kept going in-spite of being depressed and tired. I think this a book that everyone should read.
bryan8063's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fascinating read as MLK is challenged by other black leaders in his last year of life. A must read to get a fuller picture of MLK.
michael_kelleher's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed learning more about MLK, but realized that I don't know anything about the supposed revisionist version of MLKs final year & how this is different. I appreciated learning more about the civil rights movement and the issues close to MLK's heart.
marcy_kelleher's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed learning more about MLK, but realized that I don't know anything about the supposed revisionist version of MLKs final year & how this is different. I appreciated learning more about the civil rights movement and the issues close to MLK's heart.
missjonesreads's review against another edition
2.75
Interesting read, learned more about MLK Jr.’s end of life politics and struggles but the end was abrupt and I did not like the choice of epilogue.
greenblue22's review against another edition
3.0
Like the joke about the movie, "Titanic," a few years back, you know how this story is going to end, yet the book is quite a page-turner anyway.
Smiley does a thorough job of expressing the exhaustion, both mental and physical, of Dr. King after he began opposing the Vietnam War and as the civil rights movement morphed from themes of nonviolence to black power. What he does less well is provide a balanced view of King, warts and all. He glosses over the extramarital affairs and the fact that King's children play almost no role in his life, at least as portrayed here. King also must have had confidants, but it felt as if none were interviewed, only quoted briefly from other research. Some photographs would have been helpful as well.
Despite dwelling more on the surface of the events (such as the travel itinerary), the book is compelling and I learned things I never knew, since King died before I had any firsthand memory of him. People who already studied Dr. King will find little new here. For others, like me, it's worth a read.
Smiley does a thorough job of expressing the exhaustion, both mental and physical, of Dr. King after he began opposing the Vietnam War and as the civil rights movement morphed from themes of nonviolence to black power. What he does less well is provide a balanced view of King, warts and all. He glosses over the extramarital affairs and the fact that King's children play almost no role in his life, at least as portrayed here. King also must have had confidants, but it felt as if none were interviewed, only quoted briefly from other research. Some photographs would have been helpful as well.
Despite dwelling more on the surface of the events (such as the travel itinerary), the book is compelling and I learned things I never knew, since King died before I had any firsthand memory of him. People who already studied Dr. King will find little new here. For others, like me, it's worth a read.
dougsasser's review against another edition
3.0
This was a Good Reads give away. Smiley looks at King's focus on poverty, racism and militarism during his final year. His stance against the Vietnam War made him very unpopular. Younger activist were also challenging King's method of non-violence. Smiley also looks at King's struggles with depression, alcohol abuse and infidelity. Despite this King is portrayed as a humble man and an admirable historic figure. Smiley gives a very personal and tender look at King's life using his own worlds and reflections of those close to him.
cepfaeffle's review against another edition
5.0
had to read for my history class, gave great insight into the last year of MLK's life. It helped me to understand his last year and the misunderstandings that the general public held against him in that last year. The struggles and hardships he went through only strengthened my respect I held for MLK.