Alex Haley & Malcolm X's (Bn) (Z) (Bloom's Notes) by Alex Haley

by Harold Bloom

The Autobiography of Malcolm X is the focus of this title in our Bloom's Notes. Along with a collection of some of the best criticism available on his work, this text includes a brief biography of the authors, Malcolm X and Alex Haley, structural and thematic analysis, an index of themes and ideas, and more. This series is edited by Harold Bloom, Sterling Professor of the Humanities, Yale University; Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Professor of English, New York University Graduate School. These texts are the ideal aid for all students of literature, presenting concise, easy-to-understand biographical, critical, and bibliographical information on a specific literary work. Also provided are multiple sources for book reports and term papers with a wealth of information on literary works, authors, and major characters.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Literary Criticism, Social Justice, Classics

Library Binding

First published January 2, 1965

About the author

Harold Bloom was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world." After publishing his first book in 1959, Bloom wrote more than 50 books, including over 40 books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and one novel. He edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "school of resentment" (multiculturalists, feminists, Marxists, and others). He was educated at Yale University, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Reviews

[Ezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you've a really good book if you learned something from it in the end, and this was this book. Yes it was a great story but it had accurate dates, historical facts etc. This made me feel like I was being educated but also learning on of the most important stories to America's History. This is the Autobiography of Malcom X in which I learned how he got from differnt points in his life. First he was a little boy with a dad, then his dad was murderd, later he starts selling drugs, goes to jail, finds allah, goes to Mecca, makes inspirational speeches on behalf of Mohammed, becomes an enemy of Mohammed etc. The story line is so interesting. When I was younger I didnt want to read it, but now I shall read it over and over again. I learned so so many things there isn't enough space on the page. A few of the present themes in this book is love, evilness/wickedness, determination, racism, hope, helpless devotion etc. Alex Haley does a great job in setting the mood he wants his characters to feel and he writes this autobiography just as it was told to him but in a style that reflects Malcom since we can't listen to his life story ourselves. Because Malcom told barely anyone his story it is intersting for me to figure out his resoning behind his famous decisions and his period of confrontation between the religious leader he was helplessly devoted to. This book is not recommend, I am forcig you to read it. This book shouldnt be a choice, it's a book you must read to understand life!

[Melisa Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library because I wanted a book that made me think. Here we follow Malcolm X from childhood, to thug life and prison, his discovery of the Muslim religion, and then his falling out with the head of the Muslims, followed by his own revelations about life and brotherhood. The story had me feeling angry, sad, and hopeful. As a Caucasian reading this story, I felt anger inside of me when he spoke so harshly about the white culture. I think this anger comes from his accuracy as well as personal shame and wonder. I felt my emotions rise and fall throughout the book, my thoughts turning from defense to empathy, and then back and forth again. I think I fell on the defense because I wanted to say, not all whites hate other races. This general categorization he preached early on really stung. However, his vibrancy and determination are like nothing I have ever experienced. He was so intelligent and well spoken, so many of his lessons can be applied to anyone still today. I fell in love with is epiphany towards the end of his life. Brothers and sisters can come in different colors, but there is a lot of hate from the white community that still exists. While I knew how the story would end, the tears still came when I read he was murdered by fellow Muslims. My heart breaks for his wife, being a mother myself I can’t imagine witnessing my husband’s death. The author’s notes at the end give a further glimpse into Malcolm’s psyche, paranoia, heart, and desire. I feel complete in some way, reading this book was insightful and encouraging.

[3dawnyé · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why exactly are books banned from schools? Sooner or later children may be exposed to this in a kind of way. Malcom X was one of many books banned from schools. One of the reasons for this book being banned is because of the controversial lifestyle that Malcom X lived and the violence,. It started of as an auto biography but Malcom X soon died and the job was left for Alex Haley to finish. Alex Haley was accused of exaggerating the truth. Family, friends and the nation of Islam claimed that Alex Hayley lied about some of the things.

The usual reasons for books being banned sexual content, homosexuality, violence, religion, racism, and language. What appropriate age that children should be exposed to this. Is it that serious to band books from schools for these reasons when children are going to be exposed to it anyway. Children should be able to have the choice of what they should be allowed to read.

The children usualy do not have an input on rather the book should be banned or not. I think the children input is the maqin input that should count

[Brendan Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book everyone should read, especially amongst the ongoing racial and ethical problems in the US. Honesty, self criticism, and fighting for justice for a people who needed it.

[Dana Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

good job harold nice autobiography really moving

[Andrue Diaz]

This book was very interesting because it sheds light on Malcom X life and what he was going through. It also helps show his mind set on what he needed to do to fight against racism and discrimination against African Americans. This autobiography helps you understand why Malcom X did the things he did and it also helps you understand what was going on during his time. This book tells Malcom X story in a very detailed manner and gives lots of vivid details about his life and about his troubles as a young adult in america during this time. Overall this is a very good well written autobiography on Malcom X that explains why he did things and what his life was like during his time period and the troubles he went through in america during this time period.

[Andreburgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book was very meaningful because with how i can relate to it. i cant say i understand what malcom x went through because i didnt have to go through it myself but i still do live in a world with racism every single day but its not as harsh as what malcom x went through. in this book he describes all of the obsticles that he went through to make a world a better place for blacks living in poverty. Malcom x lived in a time were life wasn't equal for all people and he lead civilists movements to try and change that, and i respect him greatly for that because if it wasn't for him my life has potential for not being the same as it is now.

[Armando j abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

the autobiography of malcom x is a great book because it start said how bad he was like a kid stand and thing like than whin he gat older he start to work for this gay call west india arcah it was like coint number also he was use this think call come it make there hair like a whint person. when he when to jian he here about asbalsj he start to kept the dicther he wrint down the whone thing when gat out he meet him and jain there group he start to spear in school and then he dien spear in a shcool

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long, but rewarding read. The Islamic theories of white's being manufactured by a black scientist are just absolutely insane, but overall this is a very informative book about Malcom X. I read this book in jail, which made it seem more significant at the time- but it's definitely a book I'll always remember. I love the early years of Malcom X, during his zoot suit days. Pity he got blown away by a shot gun.


kill whitey.

[Musa707 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not yet read this book but I hope to in the near future. I am still waiting for this book in the mail so when i get it in result i will be able to read it and enjoy it. I am looking foward to reaading it because i have read some reviews by other readers and it seems like a good book in addition my sister already read it and recommeended it to me. In all i am very exciteed to get this book and read it . The book should arrive in the coming days, with god willing.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but I think that auto/biographies are not my cup of tea. I actually read this for a class, otherwise I probably never would. However, it was a very interesting read and I would recomend it to anyone who would like some insight into this era and a specific place in time. Good stuff.

[Elijah]

So far I think the book is great , it explains how african-americans were treated even after they got some rights , this book also explains malcoms struggle growing up with so many relatives (brothers and sisters) , and how he was seperated from em' when his father died , malcom always thought if you wanted something , ask for it , and in his case violence was the easier way to get attention

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never really liked Malcom X that much. I was much more a MLK Jr. fan. But Malcom Little's story is fully of interesting stories and facts about himself. Who would have thought he'd be a pimp, drug dealer, burglur, and a hustler? I never knew that...

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Others have reviewed this book much better than I could do. I will simply say that this is one of those books, that as my public library says, "should be read by the college bound." I guess I am a little behind. :) An important and relevant book.

[Nnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A necessary read for anyone interested in race politics. This book should not be read only historically, but considered a breathing critique of colonialism.Many of the conditions and injustices Malcolm X discusses have only grown since his tragic death.

[Sabina Mujanovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography flows well. You truly cant put this book down. I dont enjoy auto or biografies that much but this one really helps you see how one transforms its life, while given freedom to think while meeting the religion that recognizes no race, color or creed.

[Noli Janos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound. This book made me laugh cry angry happy inspired everything. Malcom X was a MAN. Not to mention the book made me better appreciate the severity of the black man's plight. Honestly do yourself a favor and read this.

[Alexis]

I am currently on pg. 87
so far i am very pleased with this book; like all books it gets boring sometimes but i have taken an interst to it unlike ma other choice of litterachure

[{(*CIERA*)}]

IT WAS A VERY INFORMATIVE BOOK AND IT GAVE ME A DIFFERANT VIEW OF HISTORY

[Ali · Rating 1 out of 5]

A great read. Tell's a man journey towards discovery of the Ultimate truth. and how he dies shortly after getting very close to it, or did he make it? you decide...

[Megan]

The Autobiography of Malcom X by Alex Haley (1990)

[Brandon Lee ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

i enjoyed this book so much. its a true story and i learned more about what the past was like and its very different from now. but it also shows how far we have gotten from the pass and til now

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad I read this book in terms of expanding my horizon. I do think Malcom X was a very flawed many in many respects.

[Dirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought this was a very good book. i learned a lot about how people of my color were treated a long time ago i recomend this to anyone

[Abdul Hamid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, after reading this book, it had me thinking.

[Jim McKinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading to understand just how little things have changed.

[Taaj Mccain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very insirational.

[Jane Gonzales]

Did not read this