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cat_book_lady's review against another edition
4.0
4.5-5 stars. Here me out. John Lewis and I have very different political views, but I also like to listen to other perspectives, so I decided to give this a shot, and I AM SO GLAD I did. He is one of the most inspirational, courageous, spiritual people next to the lines of MLK Jr and Billy Graham I have ever read. He taught me how to be humble, to fight for what's right, to stand up for all people no matter race, color, ethnicity, sex, you name it. He chose peaceful protest to help change the world, and he refused to fight back even when put in prison, beaten, spit on, taunted, harassed, whipped - you name it. To hear his journey and what it took to cross a bridge in Alabama staring down the barrel of a rifle and thinking you would die that day...I am beyond stunned. To hear him regale stories of these black men and women risking their lives to be considered equal - this made me feel incredibly naive and wholly unknowledgeable of what was happening in our country...it just made me feel very weak in comparison.
The movement started with ministers, not politicians, and therein lies the struggle for truth, dignity, and the soul of humanity. He talks so much about his faith and how this was their lifeline, knowing that they could touch his body but they couldn't destroy his mind. I had no idea what a strong Christian man he was, and while this should not have shocked me, it did because I too have been caught up in the you vs. me mentality without considering we are all part of the human race.
This entire book was one significant quote after another, so it's impossible to pick just one.
Why not 5 stars with such a glowing review? Well, at times he did repeat himself and quite often, and I got the message a few chapters ago. Not that it doesn't beat repeating, but I wanted more on his experiences and a little less preaching. I get why he was overjoyed to see Obama elected into the White House - the true epitomy of decades of pure struggle and a symbol that they started with fighting to sit on a bus with white people, and now they have a black man as president. Only critique here is that it seemed that's who Obama was - a symbol of victory overcoming injustice, but Lewis never talked about whether he was actually the right man for the job, but emphasized that he was the right color for the job.
But if you want your kids to know what heroism looks like, consider this book. The man has left a veritably unparalleled legacy in the civil rights movement.
I am a richer person for having read this book.
The movement started with ministers, not politicians, and therein lies the struggle for truth, dignity, and the soul of humanity. He talks so much about his faith and how this was their lifeline, knowing that they could touch his body but they couldn't destroy his mind. I had no idea what a strong Christian man he was, and while this should not have shocked me, it did because I too have been caught up in the you vs. me mentality without considering we are all part of the human race.
This entire book was one significant quote after another, so it's impossible to pick just one.
Why not 5 stars with such a glowing review? Well, at times he did repeat himself and quite often, and I got the message a few chapters ago. Not that it doesn't beat repeating, but I wanted more on his experiences and a little less preaching. I get why he was overjoyed to see Obama elected into the White House - the true epitomy of decades of pure struggle and a symbol that they started with fighting to sit on a bus with white people, and now they have a black man as president. Only critique here is that it seemed that's who Obama was - a symbol of victory overcoming injustice, but Lewis never talked about whether he was actually the right man for the job, but emphasized that he was the right color for the job.
But if you want your kids to know what heroism looks like, consider this book. The man has left a veritably unparalleled legacy in the civil rights movement.
I am a richer person for having read this book.
mrs_v's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I woukd teach this in a government oe English class in high school or college. So many great ideas to make changes and how to live in harmony!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
mertic2's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
s_sheppard18's review against another edition
5.0
This book has changed my entire perspective. A wonderful read.
socal_bookgirl's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.25
teravannoy's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely wonderful read. I stumbled upon this small book, bared of its dust jacket, at a local bookstore. I am familiar with the name and life of John Lewis, but not his words, thoughts and reflections. An honest and yet hopeful read for those seeking guidance in the pursuit of social equality and social justice.
bmpicc's review against another edition
5.0
I have so much love for this man. Why is it always after a person leaves us that we realize how much we love and appreciate them? Countless passages spoke directly to me and I was honestly sad when it was I closed it.
annemariep68's review against another edition
4.0
This was an audio book and while John Lewis didn’t narrate, Keith David did a very good job. Interesting look into the path that took Lewis to the bridge and beyond - and the lessons from that era that still hold true today. Very worthwhile- recommend.