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ameenahlauren's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
This was my first written introduction to Mumia. Walking through his spiritual progressions was an intriguing perspective and lens to the isolation of monotheistic practices per identity. (the irony of mono. values and morals vs. rhetoric and actions towards the oppressed) And the parallel/contrast to his solitary confinement informing a personal and expansive concept of beliefs — A universal “religion of life”
Similar contradictions within politics and social action encouraged reflection on ‘caring vs complacency’ and challenging systemic institutions perpetuating injustice.
I wished there was more depth to his insights and role in his experience. It was a light and quick read, and I know there must be a lot more to be said. I actually found the Appendix most insightful, and with the context of his internal life, there was more to be considered on the hypocrisy and corruption during his legal case. His spiritual convictions reflected His resilience against the court’s and govt undermining, and revealed more about how damning the U.S. justice system is.
Similar contradictions within politics and social action encouraged reflection on ‘caring vs complacency’ and challenging systemic institutions perpetuating injustice.
I wished there was more depth to his insights and role in his experience. It was a light and quick read, and I know there must be a lot more to be said. I actually found the Appendix most insightful, and with the context of his internal life, there was more to be considered on the hypocrisy and corruption during his legal case. His spiritual convictions reflected His resilience against the court’s and govt undermining, and revealed more about how damning the U.S. justice system is.
rodions_hatchet's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
5.0
To begin with Mumia Abu-Jamal did not recieve anything near a fair and just trial, and the concluding report by Amnesty Internationa raises so many glaring concerns it's almost unbelievable this case wasn't thrown out. Almost unbelievable but unfortunately true. One hopes the racism, corruption, opportunism, and politicking that represents some of the worst tendencies of the state would be left out or at least toned-down when a man's life is on the line. Not at all. The death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment and its speaks volumes about how backwards and bloodthirsty the USA is, the country with the most people in prisonn per capita, the country who exploits those prisoner's labors for abysmally low wages in terrible working conditions, the country whose white supremacist roots remain as strong as ever, just hidden more effectively.
Abu-Jamal is an incredible and engaging writer, reading his prose inspired me to write more. His attitude and philosophy/outlook are beautiful and heroic especially given his circumstances, a dedicated and principled revolutionary. Mumia is still with us, despite the racist police and guards, the physical, emotional, and mental suffering imposed on him, an unjust Judicial system, and the oxymoronic "correctional" prison-industrial complex Mumia is still with us.
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal! Long Live Mumia Abu-Jamal! Your strength and resilience are inspiring, you are one of the brightest star the US government cannot extinguish. I hope to see the day when you are released, until then, stay strong friend.
Abu-Jamal is an incredible and engaging writer, reading his prose inspired me to write more. His attitude and philosophy/outlook are beautiful and heroic especially given his circumstances, a dedicated and principled revolutionary. Mumia is still with us, despite the racist police and guards, the physical, emotional, and mental suffering imposed on him, an unjust Judicial system, and the oxymoronic "correctional" prison-industrial complex Mumia is still with us.
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal! Long Live Mumia Abu-Jamal! Your strength and resilience are inspiring, you are one of the brightest star the US government cannot extinguish. I hope to see the day when you are released, until then, stay strong friend.
vinnyb123's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75
cleale's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
If you've read some essential/foundational Leftist texts, not much in here will surprise or further your political & theoretical understandings, but that's ok; that's not necessarily what this book is about. His essays on the carceral state & religion are most interesting, although the latter can sometimes get repetitive. Still - an interesting & crucial source
terramay's review against another edition
4.0
Good, short read. I enjoyed the poems, essays, analysis, everything tbh. There were some questionable lines that made me rate this a 4 instead of a 5. But overall a great book!
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