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John Lewis: A Life
A comprehensive, authoritative biography of Civil Rights icon John Lewis, “the conscience of the Congress,” drawing on interviews with Lewis and approximately 275 others who knew him at various stages of his life, as well as never-before-used FBI files and documents.
Born into poverty in rural Alabama, Lewis would become second only to Martin Luther King, Jr. in his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He was a Freedom Rider who helped to integrate bus stations in the South, a leader of the Nashville sit-in movement, the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, and the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which he made into one of the major civil rights organizations. He may be best remembered as the victim of a vicious beating by Alabama state troopers at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he nearly died.
Greenberg’s biography traces Lewis’s life through the post-Civil Rights years, when he headed the Voter Education Project, which enrolled millions of African American voters across the South. The book reveals the little-known story of his political ascent first locally in Atlanta, and then as a member of Congress. Tapped to be a part of the Democratic leadership in Congress, he earned respect on both sides of the aisle for the sacrifices he had made on behalf of nonviolent integration in the South and came to be known as the “conscience of the Congress.”
Thoroughly researched and dramatically told, Greenberg’s biography captures John Lewis’s influential career through documents from dozens of archives, interviews with hundreds of people who knew Lewis, and long-lost footage of Lewis himself speaking to reporters from his hospital bed following his severe beating on “Bloody Sunday” in Selma. With new details about his personal and professional relationships, John Lewis: A Life is the definitive biography of a man whose heroism during the Civil Rights movement helped to bring America a new birth of freedom.
Born into poverty in rural Alabama, Lewis would become second only to Martin Luther King, Jr. in his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He was a Freedom Rider who helped to integrate bus stations in the South, a leader of the Nashville sit-in movement, the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, and the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which he made into one of the major civil rights organizations. He may be best remembered as the victim of a vicious beating by Alabama state troopers at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he nearly died.
Greenberg’s biography traces Lewis’s life through the post-Civil Rights years, when he headed the Voter Education Project, which enrolled millions of African American voters across the South. The book reveals the little-known story of his political ascent first locally in Atlanta, and then as a member of Congress. Tapped to be a part of the Democratic leadership in Congress, he earned respect on both sides of the aisle for the sacrifices he had made on behalf of nonviolent integration in the South and came to be known as the “conscience of the Congress.”
Thoroughly researched and dramatically told, Greenberg’s biography captures John Lewis’s influential career through documents from dozens of archives, interviews with hundreds of people who knew Lewis, and long-lost footage of Lewis himself speaking to reporters from his hospital bed following his severe beating on “Bloody Sunday” in Selma. With new details about his personal and professional relationships, John Lewis: A Life is the definitive biography of a man whose heroism during the Civil Rights movement helped to bring America a new birth of freedom.
704 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
February 12, 2025
4.5 Stars!
"I just think there comes a time in the life of a country and the life of a people that you stand for something. And you don't stand for it because of a party or because of a particular man but because it's right. "
The late great John Lewis is an icon. He was a preacher. A student. And a humble man.
We didn't deserve him. He was nearly beaten to death because he believed that America could be a better place. He was a patriot who loved this country. He fought for his entire adult life for a better America. Unfortunately, all his work was in vain.
I love John Lewis. I don't tend to care when people I don't know die but I was genuinely upset when Congressman Lewis passed away. He was one of the rare politicians to actually have true faith and beliefs. He was bought by anybody. I didn't agree with him on everything but I respected all his positions even if I wished he was further Left.
I wish he was still with us for many reasons but the #1 reason is we need fighters. The Democrats don't care to fight back but I know John Lewis wouldn't have ever thrown up his hands and said " What leverage do we have. We're not in charge" like that like bitch Hakeem Jefferies did.
A Must Read for History Lovers!
"I just think there comes a time in the life of a country and the life of a people that you stand for something. And you don't stand for it because of a party or because of a particular man but because it's right. "
The late great John Lewis is an icon. He was a preacher. A student. And a humble man.
We didn't deserve him. He was nearly beaten to death because he believed that America could be a better place. He was a patriot who loved this country. He fought for his entire adult life for a better America. Unfortunately, all his work was in vain.
I love John Lewis. I don't tend to care when people I don't know die but I was genuinely upset when Congressman Lewis passed away. He was one of the rare politicians to actually have true faith and beliefs. He was bought by anybody. I didn't agree with him on everything but I respected all his positions even if I wished he was further Left.
I wish he was still with us for many reasons but the #1 reason is we need fighters. The Democrats don't care to fight back but I know John Lewis wouldn't have ever thrown up his hands and said " What leverage do we have. We're not in charge" like that like bitch Hakeem Jefferies did.
A Must Read for History Lovers!
February 1, 2025
“Exhaustively researched and dramatically told, with new details about his personal and professional relationships, John Lewis: A Life is the definitive biography of a man whose heroism during the civil rights era helped to bring America a new birth of freedom.”
I knew a decent amount about John Lewis before listening to this audiobook, but Greenberg’s level of research is impressive and there is a lot of information about Lewis’ time as a Congressman, post-Civil Rights era activism, as well as his personal life. With the life he had, there’s still something new for everyone to learn.
Among his relentless dedication to doing the right thing and creating good trouble, I’ve always admired Lewis’ down to earth humbleness. I appreciated the anecdotes Greenberg included about his relatability — Lewis loved the Nordstrom sale and he took a staff member shopping for a suit at Dillards. When he visited Dallas on a work trip, he ate at Jason’s Deli and stopped at Half Priced Books.
John Lewis: A Life is a recommended read for Atlantans, Georgians, and well, everyone else too!
I knew a decent amount about John Lewis before listening to this audiobook, but Greenberg’s level of research is impressive and there is a lot of information about Lewis’ time as a Congressman, post-Civil Rights era activism, as well as his personal life. With the life he had, there’s still something new for everyone to learn.
Among his relentless dedication to doing the right thing and creating good trouble, I’ve always admired Lewis’ down to earth humbleness. I appreciated the anecdotes Greenberg included about his relatability — Lewis loved the Nordstrom sale and he took a staff member shopping for a suit at Dillards. When he visited Dallas on a work trip, he ate at Jason’s Deli and stopped at Half Priced Books.
John Lewis: A Life is a recommended read for Atlantans, Georgians, and well, everyone else too!
May 12, 2024
A thorough, fair, and well-written account of this remarkable man’s life. If you aren’t inspired by reading this, John Lewis would still love you, but you need to do some soul searching.
August 11, 2024
Like many Americans, John Lewis’ casket coming across the Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 2020 evoked tears in me. He was one of the last great leaders of the 1960s civil rights movement to die. With the Black Lives Matter movement in the streets, the baton had been passed to a new generation. I grew up a white Republican in conservative South Carolina and did not knew who John Lewis was until much later in life. I’ve learned to appreciate him deeply and have studied his life in detail through books. I’m glad to add this book to my list. In fact, I continually slowed myself down during the last two chapters because I had to read through tears of appreciation for this great man. I wanted to proceed – such was the strength of David Greenberg’s portrayal – but I also wanted my heart to continue to explore the depths of Lewis’ character. I wanted to carry it into my life today.
This book attempts to create the first great posthumous biography of Lewis’ life. It wants to become “the book” to go to on his life for future historians to plum through. For what my vote is worth, I think it succeeds. Although Lewis’ life was surrounded by politics, its portrayal is relatively balanced and even praises Lewis’ opponents at times. Thus, it avoids potential pitfalls of petty partisanship that make it a reliable account of Lewis’ deep character. I’m grateful for the author’s work and for the many collaborations that made this work possible. I hope it will prove a market success while preserving critical history for the ages.
As long as people struggle against bigotry’s ignorance, the spirit of John Lewis will live on. As long as the paths of nonviolence and love receive priority over raw power, the spirit of John Lewis will triumph. His life deserves 700 pages to chronicle it, and though the time investment is heavy, readers’ spirits will benefit from collaborating with John’s spirit. I could feel his personality – his humor, his dancing, his resolution, his decency – coming through the pages as I sought to learn from his strength. His vision of the “beloved community,” now sadly fading in America’s consciousness, will continue as long as people read this book and those like it.
This book should receive a large, diverse audience among thoughtful citizens. I hope young people, disillusioned with the shortsightedness of some current political leaders, will take the time to read it. I hope college classes and church groups will take the opportunity to meditate on his magnanimity. In a world that seems to quickly diverge instead of converge, I hope this book offers a vision of unity and common humanity that John Lewis represented. And I hope more people will be moved to tears like me because that means that John’s life will continue to teach us all.
This book attempts to create the first great posthumous biography of Lewis’ life. It wants to become “the book” to go to on his life for future historians to plum through. For what my vote is worth, I think it succeeds. Although Lewis’ life was surrounded by politics, its portrayal is relatively balanced and even praises Lewis’ opponents at times. Thus, it avoids potential pitfalls of petty partisanship that make it a reliable account of Lewis’ deep character. I’m grateful for the author’s work and for the many collaborations that made this work possible. I hope it will prove a market success while preserving critical history for the ages.
As long as people struggle against bigotry’s ignorance, the spirit of John Lewis will live on. As long as the paths of nonviolence and love receive priority over raw power, the spirit of John Lewis will triumph. His life deserves 700 pages to chronicle it, and though the time investment is heavy, readers’ spirits will benefit from collaborating with John’s spirit. I could feel his personality – his humor, his dancing, his resolution, his decency – coming through the pages as I sought to learn from his strength. His vision of the “beloved community,” now sadly fading in America’s consciousness, will continue as long as people read this book and those like it.
This book should receive a large, diverse audience among thoughtful citizens. I hope young people, disillusioned with the shortsightedness of some current political leaders, will take the time to read it. I hope college classes and church groups will take the opportunity to meditate on his magnanimity. In a world that seems to quickly diverge instead of converge, I hope this book offers a vision of unity and common humanity that John Lewis represented. And I hope more people will be moved to tears like me because that means that John’s life will continue to teach us all.
June 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ John Lewis by David Greenberg
I’ve been under the weather the past few days with a bacterial infection, and I decided to use the downtime to tackle this 700-page biography of John Lewis by David Greenberg. Boy, am I glad I did! This book is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful and moving reads I’ve ever encountered.
Greenberg’s biography is a triumph—beautifully written, deeply researched, and emotionally riveting. There were moments that drove me to tears, and others that left me fuming in anger over the horrific injustices and violence John Lewis and so many other African Americans endured during the Civil Rights Movement. Greenberg doesn’t just tell the story of Lewis—he honors his spirit, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice and love.
Before this, I had read Jonathan Eig’s King and was moved by that portrait of MLK. But John Lewis made me realize that Lewis was far more than just a supporting figure in the Civil Rights Movement —he was the man. His story stands on its own as a testament to moral clarity, deep compassion, and an unshakable belief in the power of nonviolence. What struck me most was how Lewis never let hatred consume him, even in the face of brutal racism. His heart was full of love, and he worked tirelessly to share that love, even with those who hated him simply because of the color of his skin.
This book isn’t just a biography—it’s a call to action, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of what true courage looks like. Greenberg has written an emotional page-turner that honors one of America’s greatest heroes. I finished it wanting to do a John Lewis happy dance—what a life, what a legacy, what a book.
I’ve been under the weather the past few days with a bacterial infection, and I decided to use the downtime to tackle this 700-page biography of John Lewis by David Greenberg. Boy, am I glad I did! This book is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful and moving reads I’ve ever encountered.
Greenberg’s biography is a triumph—beautifully written, deeply researched, and emotionally riveting. There were moments that drove me to tears, and others that left me fuming in anger over the horrific injustices and violence John Lewis and so many other African Americans endured during the Civil Rights Movement. Greenberg doesn’t just tell the story of Lewis—he honors his spirit, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice and love.
Before this, I had read Jonathan Eig’s King and was moved by that portrait of MLK. But John Lewis made me realize that Lewis was far more than just a supporting figure in the Civil Rights Movement —he was the man. His story stands on its own as a testament to moral clarity, deep compassion, and an unshakable belief in the power of nonviolence. What struck me most was how Lewis never let hatred consume him, even in the face of brutal racism. His heart was full of love, and he worked tirelessly to share that love, even with those who hated him simply because of the color of his skin.
This book isn’t just a biography—it’s a call to action, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of what true courage looks like. Greenberg has written an emotional page-turner that honors one of America’s greatest heroes. I finished it wanting to do a John Lewis happy dance—what a life, what a legacy, what a book.
October 12, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a copy via LIbrarything giveaway.
If you have read Lewis’ graphic memoir March, you may be wondering why you should this biography. Well, if you are, here’ the answer: Greenberg’s massive biography adds layers to Lewis’ own memoir, giving us not only Lewis’ view of himself, but the way others viewed him.
Greenberg’s prose is engaging. It doesn’t feel like a long book. Even when he is relating events that people should know, such as Selma, he does so that keep the reader engaged. He also makes Lewis, who despite his elder statesmen image always seem approachable, even more approachable.
However, Greenberg, who clearly admires and even loves Lewis, has not written an hagiography. Unlike say, Chernow’s Alexander “Can Do Wrong” Hamilton biography (where he blames Eliza for Hamilton’s affair), Greenberg presents warts. They might not be big warts, but there are warts. Greenberg’s book is largely based on interview not only with Lewis but with people who knew him, even those who had issues or felt a sense of betrayal by some of his actions. This include how Julian Bond felt about Lewis and the 1986 Congressional Election. The fact that Greenberg includes such views is important and gives weight to the biography. Furthermore, Greenberg notes places where Lewis’ memory might have shifted or weakened as well as differences between memories of various people.
The book does mostly focus on Lewis the Civil Rights and public figure. Yet there are touches - there are good descriptions about his marriage as well as his love for shopping and art. The story about Lewis making a driver stop so he could browse a used bookstore speaks to any reader. The fact that Lewis went to Statutory Hall and gave impromptu tours to groups, in particular school children is something that more politicians should aspire to.
The image that Greenberg paints might not be that of a perfect man, but it is one of a principled man who tried to, and did, stay true to his beliefs.
If you have read Lewis’ graphic memoir March, you may be wondering why you should this biography. Well, if you are, here’ the answer: Greenberg’s massive biography adds layers to Lewis’ own memoir, giving us not only Lewis’ view of himself, but the way others viewed him.
Greenberg’s prose is engaging. It doesn’t feel like a long book. Even when he is relating events that people should know, such as Selma, he does so that keep the reader engaged. He also makes Lewis, who despite his elder statesmen image always seem approachable, even more approachable.
However, Greenberg, who clearly admires and even loves Lewis, has not written an hagiography. Unlike say, Chernow’s Alexander “Can Do Wrong” Hamilton biography (where he blames Eliza for Hamilton’s affair), Greenberg presents warts. They might not be big warts, but there are warts. Greenberg’s book is largely based on interview not only with Lewis but with people who knew him, even those who had issues or felt a sense of betrayal by some of his actions. This include how Julian Bond felt about Lewis and the 1986 Congressional Election. The fact that Greenberg includes such views is important and gives weight to the biography. Furthermore, Greenberg notes places where Lewis’ memory might have shifted or weakened as well as differences between memories of various people.
The book does mostly focus on Lewis the Civil Rights and public figure. Yet there are touches - there are good descriptions about his marriage as well as his love for shopping and art. The story about Lewis making a driver stop so he could browse a used bookstore speaks to any reader. The fact that Lewis went to Statutory Hall and gave impromptu tours to groups, in particular school children is something that more politicians should aspire to.
The image that Greenberg paints might not be that of a perfect man, but it is one of a principled man who tried to, and did, stay true to his beliefs.
January 27, 2025
Now is a good time to pick this one up. I’m itching for some good and necessary trouble!
January 31, 2025
It was the appropriate moment for me to read about someone who was such a light for the country through hard times, as we are again in a time of darkness. I knew a lot about Lewis’s civil rights era activities but knew less about his work as a congressman or his work on lgbtq+ rights and combating anti-semitism. It was interesting to learn and I hope our next John Lewis is out there to restore hope and get us closer to the beloved community. Because of John Lewis, I can have hope, even now. What an inspiring legacy he left behind; may he rest in peace now.
July 27, 2025
Good trouble. Such a beautiful tribute and detailing of a full, selfless life dedicated to equality and standing up for what is right.
“It is only through examining history that you become aware of where you stand.” Thank you, Mr. Lewis.
“It is only through examining history that you become aware of where you stand.” Thank you, Mr. Lewis.
October 15, 2024
I had read other books about John Lewis, the Congressman, Civil Rights Movement figure, etc. I loved seeing him cosplay himself at a Comic Con (as he also has a graphic novel that tells his story) although obviously he has a storied career and life beyond that and thought it might be interesting to read a biography of him.
This is, as it says on the cover, a biography of his life. From growing up extremely poor and feeding his chickens to growing up, his involvement with the CRM, his political career, etc. If you've read the graphic novel, watched the movie 'Selma' (among other works), you'll have an idea of his story, but obviously this is way more in depth and detailed.
Although this was definitely useful and good for learning more about Lewis that you won't see in either his graphic novel (which is actually a series but I consider them multi-parts for one big story), and understandably so. Stuff like the tensions within the CRM, where maybe there are conflicting accounts due to memories, perceptions, other issues, etc. are also detailed here.
Overall, though, this was really, really boring. It could be that I am not an expert and therefore the knowledge from stuff like his 'March' series and other "light" pop culture versions are enough but this was a slog. Which was disappointing because Lewis had a really fascinating life but I'm not sure Greenberg does genuine justice to its telling. It could also be that as both a journalist and professor, he has a style that just doesn't click with me (I find books written by either often tough to get through, so I was totally unsurprised he was formerly a journalist and is now a professor).
I would recommend it and it is an important part of history. But ultimately if you are a layperson who is only mildly interested and doesn't need all the nitty gritty, you might be fine with reading his graphic novel (March, which is a series) and watching movies like 'Selma'. If you are still interested and want more, though, it certainly would not hurt to pick this up. Would definitely a good purchase if you need it as a reference to have on hand.
This is, as it says on the cover, a biography of his life. From growing up extremely poor and feeding his chickens to growing up, his involvement with the CRM, his political career, etc. If you've read the graphic novel, watched the movie 'Selma' (among other works), you'll have an idea of his story, but obviously this is way more in depth and detailed.
Although this was definitely useful and good for learning more about Lewis that you won't see in either his graphic novel (which is actually a series but I consider them multi-parts for one big story), and understandably so. Stuff like the tensions within the CRM, where maybe there are conflicting accounts due to memories, perceptions, other issues, etc. are also detailed here.
Overall, though, this was really, really boring. It could be that I am not an expert and therefore the knowledge from stuff like his 'March' series and other "light" pop culture versions are enough but this was a slog. Which was disappointing because Lewis had a really fascinating life but I'm not sure Greenberg does genuine justice to its telling. It could also be that as both a journalist and professor, he has a style that just doesn't click with me (I find books written by either often tough to get through, so I was totally unsurprised he was formerly a journalist and is now a professor).
I would recommend it and it is an important part of history. But ultimately if you are a layperson who is only mildly interested and doesn't need all the nitty gritty, you might be fine with reading his graphic novel (March, which is a series) and watching movies like 'Selma'. If you are still interested and want more, though, it certainly would not hurt to pick this up. Would definitely a good purchase if you need it as a reference to have on hand.
December 30, 2025
John Lewis: A Life by David Greenberg (2024) stands as the definitive, richly researched biography of the civil rights icon and longtime U.S. Congressman John Lewis. Drawing on extensive interviews with Lewis himself (conducted before his 2020 death), hundreds of associates, rare archival materials, and newly declassified FBI files, Greenberg delivers a panoramic and deeply human portrait of a man whose life embodied persistent moral courage.
The book traces Lewis’s extraordinary arc: his rural Alabama childhood under Jim Crow, where he was denied basic access like a library card; his emergence as a young leader in the Nashville sit-ins and Freedom Rides; his role as SNCC chairman and one of the “Big Six” speakers at the 1963 March on Washington; the skull-fracturing violence of Bloody Sunday in Selma; and his decades in Congress as the “conscience of the House,” advocating tirelessly for voting rights, reconciliation, and justice. Greenberg handles the material with balance—acknowledging Lewis’s stubbornness, political pragmatism, and moments of growth—while celebrating his unwavering commitment to nonviolent discipline and the vision of the “beloved community.”
Beyond one life, the biography illuminates America’s enduring duality: a nation of profound ideals shadowed by systemic exclusion, from the brutal realities of segregation to the mid-1960s paradox of LBJ’s Great Society ambitions clashing with Vietnam’s escalation. Lewis’s final public words in 2020—praising the multiracial George Floyd protests as “good trouble” while reaffirming nonviolence, even as he battled terminal pancreatic cancer—carry bittersweet power. In an era of fractured media, institutional resistance, and generational impatience, his steadfast belief in moral suasion feels both inspiring and distant, a poignant reminder of how much the struggle has evolved.
Meticulously factual, thoughtfully balanced, and profoundly moving, John Lewis: A Life is essential reading. It reminds us that the arc toward justice remains long, unfinished, and urgently human.
The book traces Lewis’s extraordinary arc: his rural Alabama childhood under Jim Crow, where he was denied basic access like a library card; his emergence as a young leader in the Nashville sit-ins and Freedom Rides; his role as SNCC chairman and one of the “Big Six” speakers at the 1963 March on Washington; the skull-fracturing violence of Bloody Sunday in Selma; and his decades in Congress as the “conscience of the House,” advocating tirelessly for voting rights, reconciliation, and justice. Greenberg handles the material with balance—acknowledging Lewis’s stubbornness, political pragmatism, and moments of growth—while celebrating his unwavering commitment to nonviolent discipline and the vision of the “beloved community.”
Beyond one life, the biography illuminates America’s enduring duality: a nation of profound ideals shadowed by systemic exclusion, from the brutal realities of segregation to the mid-1960s paradox of LBJ’s Great Society ambitions clashing with Vietnam’s escalation. Lewis’s final public words in 2020—praising the multiracial George Floyd protests as “good trouble” while reaffirming nonviolence, even as he battled terminal pancreatic cancer—carry bittersweet power. In an era of fractured media, institutional resistance, and generational impatience, his steadfast belief in moral suasion feels both inspiring and distant, a poignant reminder of how much the struggle has evolved.
Meticulously factual, thoughtfully balanced, and profoundly moving, John Lewis: A Life is essential reading. It reminds us that the arc toward justice remains long, unfinished, and urgently human.
October 8, 2024
Summary: How do you summarize a life like John Lewis'?
I am not new to the story of John Lewis, but this was the first full-length biography I have read about John Lewis. I have previously read the graphic novels (The March Trilogy and Run) and the short biography by Jon Meacham, as well as watching the documentary Good Trouble. And Lewis figures prominently in many biographies, memoirs, and Civil Rights era histories. But I had not read a full-length biography.
David Greenberg has previously written biographies of Nixon and Coolidge and two books about the presidency. This is a biography that used hundreds of interviews and personal papers. And I think perhaps most interesting to me is that the biography was only half finished when Lewis was ousted from SNCC. The main difference is that everything I have previously watched or read primarily focused on Lewis' early civil rights work prior to leaving SNCC.
Part of what has always previously struck me about Lewis was how young he was when he was thrust into leadership. He was a leader of the Nashville Student Movement before he was 20. He was one of the speakers at the 1963 March on Washington when he was 23. Stokley Carmichael replaced him as chairman of SNCC when Lewis was 26. Everything I had previously read about Lewis was how his orientation toward a belief in nonviolence as a principle, not just a strategy paired with his maturity as a young man. He was not inclined to date or drink or parties, but he did draw people to him.
That early fame did not just lead to an easy later life. He successfully led the Voter Education Project for seven years. Under his leadership, VEP registered more than 4 million people. He also served for short periods for a foundation and then in the Carter administration supervising the VISTA program. Eventually, he moved back to Atlanta after a time in New York and Washington DC.
A bit over two years after leaving SNCC Lewis married Lillian Miles. Lillian was a librarian and an important figure in his later life. But they spent significant time apart. Lewis was used to traveling with his work for SNCC and continued to travel for his various jobs. In 1977, Lewis first ran for Congress but lost the primary. Over the next year, there were many changes. He had resigned from the VEP to run for Congress. The couple had adopted a son in May 1976. In June, he was offered a job as Associate Director for ACTION, an umbrella agency that included Peace Corps, VISTA, and other programs. In July he was confirmed by the Senate. Lillian and their son did not move to Washington DC with him.
Lewis did not agree with Carter on many issues and resigned before the end of Carter's term and ran for Atlanta city council. The city council job was officially part-time with part-time pay. And they lived mostly on Lillian's salary as a librarian. Lewis served in the city council for seven years, primarily acting as a conscious against corruption and against development projects that would break apart communities. This included opposition to the original plans for the Carter Center.
In 1986, Lewis again ran for the 5th Congressional District, this time against Julian Bond, one of his friends from SNCC days. That was a brutal campaign, one that split the friends for the rest of their lives. But Lewis won and served the rest of his life in Congress rising to senior leadership within the Democratic delegation.
Part of what I appreciate is that while Lewis is honored in the book, he is not lionized inappropriately. He had weaknesses. He maintained his position as conscious of Congress, he took difficult stands, and not all of them were wise stands looking back on history. He had weaknesses as a leader and manager. But he was not prone to some of the ways that leadership, power, and money tend to become a problem for many. He was still largely an everyman, even as his fame grew in later years.
The March Trilogy and earlier books that he worked on (usually with a secondary author who primarily did the writing) increased his fame. Because so many civil rights era figures passed away young, either from violence or health issues that were often impacted by stress and violence, Lewis became not just a figure of history for the civil rights movement, but also a visible symbol of the movement. Lewis' work to commemorate the Selma March, including bringing annual delegations from Congress to the march, and his work to get the African American History Museum approved and built were some of the most significant work he did while in Congress. Lewis used his history to remind Congress and the country of the struggle for equality that was not so long ago.
I think the most significant weakness of the book was a lack of attention to his faith and the way it shaped his life and thinking. Greenberg does not ignore Lewis' faith, but it isn't a significant theme of the book. I think Lewis would be a good subject for Eerdman's Library of Religious Biography series.
This review was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/john-lewis/
I am not new to the story of John Lewis, but this was the first full-length biography I have read about John Lewis. I have previously read the graphic novels (The March Trilogy and Run) and the short biography by Jon Meacham, as well as watching the documentary Good Trouble. And Lewis figures prominently in many biographies, memoirs, and Civil Rights era histories. But I had not read a full-length biography.
David Greenberg has previously written biographies of Nixon and Coolidge and two books about the presidency. This is a biography that used hundreds of interviews and personal papers. And I think perhaps most interesting to me is that the biography was only half finished when Lewis was ousted from SNCC. The main difference is that everything I have previously watched or read primarily focused on Lewis' early civil rights work prior to leaving SNCC.
"Lews found himself, at age 26, with no job, unmarried and unsure what to do with his life. The movement to which he had devoted his adult life was veering away from the ideals that had animated it. To remain in the struggle, he would have to find another path."
Part of what has always previously struck me about Lewis was how young he was when he was thrust into leadership. He was a leader of the Nashville Student Movement before he was 20. He was one of the speakers at the 1963 March on Washington when he was 23. Stokley Carmichael replaced him as chairman of SNCC when Lewis was 26. Everything I had previously read about Lewis was how his orientation toward a belief in nonviolence as a principle, not just a strategy paired with his maturity as a young man. He was not inclined to date or drink or parties, but he did draw people to him.
That early fame did not just lead to an easy later life. He successfully led the Voter Education Project for seven years. Under his leadership, VEP registered more than 4 million people. He also served for short periods for a foundation and then in the Carter administration supervising the VISTA program. Eventually, he moved back to Atlanta after a time in New York and Washington DC.
A bit over two years after leaving SNCC Lewis married Lillian Miles. Lillian was a librarian and an important figure in his later life. But they spent significant time apart. Lewis was used to traveling with his work for SNCC and continued to travel for his various jobs. In 1977, Lewis first ran for Congress but lost the primary. Over the next year, there were many changes. He had resigned from the VEP to run for Congress. The couple had adopted a son in May 1976. In June, he was offered a job as Associate Director for ACTION, an umbrella agency that included Peace Corps, VISTA, and other programs. In July he was confirmed by the Senate. Lillian and their son did not move to Washington DC with him.
Lewis did not agree with Carter on many issues and resigned before the end of Carter's term and ran for Atlanta city council. The city council job was officially part-time with part-time pay. And they lived mostly on Lillian's salary as a librarian. Lewis served in the city council for seven years, primarily acting as a conscious against corruption and against development projects that would break apart communities. This included opposition to the original plans for the Carter Center.
In 1986, Lewis again ran for the 5th Congressional District, this time against Julian Bond, one of his friends from SNCC days. That was a brutal campaign, one that split the friends for the rest of their lives. But Lewis won and served the rest of his life in Congress rising to senior leadership within the Democratic delegation.
Part of what I appreciate is that while Lewis is honored in the book, he is not lionized inappropriately. He had weaknesses. He maintained his position as conscious of Congress, he took difficult stands, and not all of them were wise stands looking back on history. He had weaknesses as a leader and manager. But he was not prone to some of the ways that leadership, power, and money tend to become a problem for many. He was still largely an everyman, even as his fame grew in later years.
The March Trilogy and earlier books that he worked on (usually with a secondary author who primarily did the writing) increased his fame. Because so many civil rights era figures passed away young, either from violence or health issues that were often impacted by stress and violence, Lewis became not just a figure of history for the civil rights movement, but also a visible symbol of the movement. Lewis' work to commemorate the Selma March, including bringing annual delegations from Congress to the march, and his work to get the African American History Museum approved and built were some of the most significant work he did while in Congress. Lewis used his history to remind Congress and the country of the struggle for equality that was not so long ago.
I think the most significant weakness of the book was a lack of attention to his faith and the way it shaped his life and thinking. Greenberg does not ignore Lewis' faith, but it isn't a significant theme of the book. I think Lewis would be a good subject for Eerdman's Library of Religious Biography series.
This review was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/john-lewis/
January 1, 2026
Truly an inspiration. When its feels like democracy and American politics are falling apart, John Lewis' life reminds us to commit to fight for what's right and commit to the long haul. This biography is long and exhaustive, but Lewis accomplished so much in his 80 years. So interesting to see how the country has morphed from when Lewis was a kid dealing with segregation in the movie theaters to endorsing a Black President. We see Lewis on the front lines for the Civil Rights Movement alongside Martin Luther King, being beaten almost to death during Bloody Sunday, fighting for voting rights for his entire career, serving for decades in Congress, believing in a bipartisan coalition, and embodying what it means to be a public servant. His bravery, his courage, his integrity, and more truly him an hero.
December 10, 2025
Thank you @simonandschuster #historybuffsbookclub for my gifted copy
JOHN LEWIS: A LIFE by David Greenberg
✨ Pulitzer Prize Finalist ✨
This sweeping, deeply researched biography chronicles the late great John Lewis’s journey from his childhood in rural Alabama to his pivotal role in the civil-rights movement and his long career in Congress. Greenberg paints a vivid portrait that honors Lewis’s moral courage while also exploring the setbacks and political complexities that shaped him. At over 700 pages, with hundreds of primary sources, this book is arguably the most comprehensive John Lewis biography to date. Insightful, balanced, and deeply moving, John Lewis: A Life is more than just one man's story -- it's a necessary reminder to make good trouble. Rest in Power, John Lewis. 💗
📌 available now!
JOHN LEWIS: A LIFE by David Greenberg
✨ Pulitzer Prize Finalist ✨
This sweeping, deeply researched biography chronicles the late great John Lewis’s journey from his childhood in rural Alabama to his pivotal role in the civil-rights movement and his long career in Congress. Greenberg paints a vivid portrait that honors Lewis’s moral courage while also exploring the setbacks and political complexities that shaped him. At over 700 pages, with hundreds of primary sources, this book is arguably the most comprehensive John Lewis biography to date. Insightful, balanced, and deeply moving, John Lewis: A Life is more than just one man's story -- it's a necessary reminder to make good trouble. Rest in Power, John Lewis. 💗
📌 available now!
April 15, 2025
Whew! It's done. This was a long read. John Lewis' life was magnificent. Having read his memoir prior, I was familiar with the events of his early life. However, this biography fleshed out the final two-thirds of his life, including his long political career as a Georgia congressman. Compared to the "action" of the Civil Rights Movement, I found the politics part less scintillating. Yet it was still a fascinating, detailed read. Lewis is one of my heroes. His deep, sacrificial commitment to love of neighbor, nonviolence, justice, perseverance, and hope are enduring necessities for American society today.
September 8, 2025
A thorough biography of an inspiring American hero.
December 15, 2025
Well written, very informative! What an amazing person!
A very scholarly read.
A very scholarly read.
October 25, 2024
After reading this masterful account of John Lewis' life, I felt like I knew him. The author beautifully conveyed the commitment of Mr. Lewis to the civil rights movement as one with a sole purpose to create an inclusive benevolent country. Mr. Lewis' courage in harrowing situations ie. jailed and beaten, yet remaining non-violent and forgiving, was remarkable. This book has an optimistic tone as it denotes progress concerning integration and voting rights. I'm so impressed to read that Mr. Lewis was a regular person, but also known as purist leader and the 'conscious' of Congress and other civil organizations that uplift people. I also enjoyed reading about his family and other famous civil rights associates. From reading this account, I can now understand how three presidents viewed him as a very close friend. This book is well written and easy to absorb that I just want to keep reading about this incredible man. Truly a masterpiece.
October 10, 2024
You can also see this review, along with others I have written, at my new blog, Mr. Book's Book Reviews.
Thank you Simon & Shuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished John Lewis, by David Greenberg.
The book does an excellent job tracing Lewis’s entire career. The author had access to Lewis, as well interviewing about 250 people who knew him. Greenberg also obtained valuable FBI files and documents while researching this book. It is an extremely thorough look at Lewis’s entire life.
One of the many highlights of the book was the discussion on the march on Washington in 1963. There was plenty of good information on what was going on behind the scenes and of all of the preparations. Lewis was the youngest speaker at the event, which of course included King’s I Had a Dream speech. The book’s treatment of the march on Montgomery, which included the infamous incident of Lewis being beaten in Selma, was also excellent.
One of the great things about history books is all of the little tidbits that one learns throughout the book. One good example from this book was the Johnson administration had invited Lewis to attend the signing ceremony for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But, Lewis turned them down, since he was too busy with his work in Mississippi, as part of the Freedom Summer, at the time.
The book gives good coverage of Lewis’s relationships with people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Julian Bond and Bill Clinton. And speaking of Clinton, the book’s discussion of Lewis switching his support from Hillary to Obama was another one of its very many strengths.
Prior to reading this book, I had read two of this author’s previous books. I gave each one of them A’s. But, this one outperformed the others It got an A+, which means I have inducted it into my Hall of Fame. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
After I finished this book, I also preordered the audiobook version so I will be able to enjoy it again when it is released on October 8 (same date as the print and Kindle versions).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews.
Mr. Book originally finished reading this on June 5, 2024.
Thank you Simon & Shuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished John Lewis, by David Greenberg.
The book does an excellent job tracing Lewis’s entire career. The author had access to Lewis, as well interviewing about 250 people who knew him. Greenberg also obtained valuable FBI files and documents while researching this book. It is an extremely thorough look at Lewis’s entire life.
One of the many highlights of the book was the discussion on the march on Washington in 1963. There was plenty of good information on what was going on behind the scenes and of all of the preparations. Lewis was the youngest speaker at the event, which of course included King’s I Had a Dream speech. The book’s treatment of the march on Montgomery, which included the infamous incident of Lewis being beaten in Selma, was also excellent.
One of the great things about history books is all of the little tidbits that one learns throughout the book. One good example from this book was the Johnson administration had invited Lewis to attend the signing ceremony for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But, Lewis turned them down, since he was too busy with his work in Mississippi, as part of the Freedom Summer, at the time.
The book gives good coverage of Lewis’s relationships with people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Julian Bond and Bill Clinton. And speaking of Clinton, the book’s discussion of Lewis switching his support from Hillary to Obama was another one of its very many strengths.
Prior to reading this book, I had read two of this author’s previous books. I gave each one of them A’s. But, this one outperformed the others It got an A+, which means I have inducted it into my Hall of Fame. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
After I finished this book, I also preordered the audiobook version so I will be able to enjoy it again when it is released on October 8 (same date as the print and Kindle versions).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews.
Mr. Book originally finished reading this on June 5, 2024.
November 30, 2024
Y'all. WOW.
What can I say about this book [and the man] that hasn't been said before [and better than I could ever say]? I am still [days later] blown away by what I read. Wowsers.
John Lewis was an amazing man who overcame so much to do SO MUCH for so many - to heard the stories from those who knew and loved him was just so heartwarming and reminded me why I miss him and his fighting spirit so much right now [especially in times like we are currently experiencing].
Written and researched by someone who clearly liked and respected Mr. Lewis, this is a deep-dive into Mr. Lewis' life and his amazing work over the years. I learned things I never knew and my love and respect for this man just grew page by page. I so wish I had had the opportunity to meet him.
I know when I was finished [after having a good ugly cry], I was ready to 'fight' again and get in some "Good Trouble". As we all fight the fight for democracy, freedom, Civil Rights and everything else that is going to come at us, let us all remember the spirit of John Lewis and do him proud. Lets ALL get into some Good Trouble and get it done.
Thank you to NetGalley, David Greenberg, and Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say about this book [and the man] that hasn't been said before [and better than I could ever say]? I am still [days later] blown away by what I read. Wowsers.
John Lewis was an amazing man who overcame so much to do SO MUCH for so many - to heard the stories from those who knew and loved him was just so heartwarming and reminded me why I miss him and his fighting spirit so much right now [especially in times like we are currently experiencing].
Written and researched by someone who clearly liked and respected Mr. Lewis, this is a deep-dive into Mr. Lewis' life and his amazing work over the years. I learned things I never knew and my love and respect for this man just grew page by page. I so wish I had had the opportunity to meet him.
I know when I was finished [after having a good ugly cry], I was ready to 'fight' again and get in some "Good Trouble". As we all fight the fight for democracy, freedom, Civil Rights and everything else that is going to come at us, let us all remember the spirit of John Lewis and do him proud. Lets ALL get into some Good Trouble and get it done.
Thank you to NetGalley, David Greenberg, and Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2024
John Lewis is a treasure to humanity.
If you're knowledgeable about his accomplishments, the book will help you appreciate the strength and authenticity of the man.
If you're not familiar with Lewis, this book is a great opportunity to meet a remarkable leader who has shaped history.
Well written and well researched. Mr. Greenberg, you had a difficult task in writing this book and doing justice to such an amazing man. You certainly rose to the occasion!
If you're knowledgeable about his accomplishments, the book will help you appreciate the strength and authenticity of the man.
If you're not familiar with Lewis, this book is a great opportunity to meet a remarkable leader who has shaped history.
Well written and well researched. Mr. Greenberg, you had a difficult task in writing this book and doing justice to such an amazing man. You certainly rose to the occasion!
March 24, 2025
First two fourth's of the book of the book: 5 stars.
Third portion of the book: 4 stars.
Last fourth of the book: 1 star.
Well-written, informative, and encouraging biography on John Lewis; would love to have met him before his passing!
Was a little disappointed, but prepared, for the ending to turn into a bitter-toned, political opinion piece. Political views do not make or break a book; what makes the ending sad = his entire life, or the way his life was portrayed in this biography, painted John Lewis' legacy as a courageous peacemaker. The last part of the book tainted that vision of his legacy by making him out to be a bitter, trend-following activist...not saying that's not what happened towards the end of his life, necessarily, but he was portrayed throughout the first 3/4 of the biography as the exact opposite. Namely, John's enduring qualities were compassion and wisdom in listening over speaking.
Based on other research + the majority of this biography on John, I would have liked to meet him and experience the real legacy I believe he did leave: one with a strong, enduring belief in the intrinsic value of a human life, regardless of race.
Third portion of the book: 4 stars.
Last fourth of the book: 1 star.
Well-written, informative, and encouraging biography on John Lewis; would love to have met him before his passing!
Was a little disappointed, but prepared, for the ending to turn into a bitter-toned, political opinion piece. Political views do not make or break a book; what makes the ending sad = his entire life, or the way his life was portrayed in this biography, painted John Lewis' legacy as a courageous peacemaker. The last part of the book tainted that vision of his legacy by making him out to be a bitter, trend-following activist...not saying that's not what happened towards the end of his life, necessarily, but he was portrayed throughout the first 3/4 of the biography as the exact opposite. Namely, John's enduring qualities were compassion and wisdom in listening over speaking.
Based on other research + the majority of this biography on John, I would have liked to meet him and experience the real legacy I believe he did leave: one with a strong, enduring belief in the intrinsic value of a human life, regardless of race.
October 20, 2024
interesting man, book wayyy to detailed and long
January 28, 2025
Fascinating biography of John Lewis and his passion, unfaltering faith, and his eternal hope of a an America void of segregation. From his humble beginnings as a son of a large sharecropping family, his unique spiritual calling led him to stand up (or sit-in) for inclusion and culminated in the Equal Voting Rights Acts in 1965, although diminished by the Supreme Court in 2013. He led the young and showed us all to believe in nonviolence as a way to enact change within the Civil Rights Movement even if that nonviolence cost him numerous arrests, time in jail, and multiple brutal beatings to near death on the Road to Selma whereby the nation awoke and took notice.
As Lewis matures his quiet reflective nature pushes his heart to stay true to his belief in the virtue of fairness, and later in life becoming the nation's moral compass. Always living in the present moment, eager to stop and engage whether you were a garbage collector, a teacher, or a child. He was destined to find his way in political campaigning one person at a time. I found myself walking along his steps, meeting his friends and rivals, and hearing his pep talks, his preaching and eventually awaiting his beloved fiery speeches at the Capital. He is a voice of hope, an unstoppable 18+ hours a day workaholic destined to make a difference through faith and prayer in action.
I found various aspects of his personality come alive and they fed me:
-his reflective soul that transformed action by a living leadership;
-his consistent heart in humanity's future - synonymous with being a "hope" emblem;
-his need to engage with anyone at any time in what we today call living in the present moment, but in his day it was known as "Lewis time."
-and, his full days which included ever growing hobbies and interests- a quality I admire in many truly well lived lives.
As every historical book does, this one is no exception. History is a fluid backward and forward movement, and so is the Civil Rights Movement. Thank God our heroes are visionaries that can persistently focus on a better future, the unceasing hope, and the fulfillment of the dream through action.
His full life is a history in that lesson, and that is why he is a hero, and a saint.
As Lewis matures his quiet reflective nature pushes his heart to stay true to his belief in the virtue of fairness, and later in life becoming the nation's moral compass. Always living in the present moment, eager to stop and engage whether you were a garbage collector, a teacher, or a child. He was destined to find his way in political campaigning one person at a time. I found myself walking along his steps, meeting his friends and rivals, and hearing his pep talks, his preaching and eventually awaiting his beloved fiery speeches at the Capital. He is a voice of hope, an unstoppable 18+ hours a day workaholic destined to make a difference through faith and prayer in action.
I found various aspects of his personality come alive and they fed me:
-his reflective soul that transformed action by a living leadership;
-his consistent heart in humanity's future - synonymous with being a "hope" emblem;
-his need to engage with anyone at any time in what we today call living in the present moment, but in his day it was known as "Lewis time."
-and, his full days which included ever growing hobbies and interests- a quality I admire in many truly well lived lives.
As every historical book does, this one is no exception. History is a fluid backward and forward movement, and so is the Civil Rights Movement. Thank God our heroes are visionaries that can persistently focus on a better future, the unceasing hope, and the fulfillment of the dream through action.
His full life is a history in that lesson, and that is why he is a hero, and a saint.
July 4, 2025
The first half of this book is absolutely inspiring and illuminating. The most enlightening view of the civil rights movement is told through the lens of John Lewis' life. I never realized how committed Lewis, MLK and other Black civil rights, anti-segregation activists were to peaceful protest, or how deeply tied they were to teachings of Jesus and Gandhi. The second half of the book, however, is bogged down by tedious details, showing Greenberg to be an excellent researcher but not a particularly gifted storyteller. His prosaic language doesn't seem to convey the full, rich, tragic, poetic or gritty texture of Lewis' experiences. The book also needed some serious editing in the second half. Greenberg paints a portrait of Lewis during his years in Congress without unearthing the fascinating or quirky stories that most certainly occurred at that time. Instead he mostly summarizes Lewis' somewhat unremarkable tenure in Congress as a legislator, history-textbook- style. Greenberg also doesn't seem willing to examine Lewis' flaws, such as his post- 9/11 vote for war or how he ended up in a 10 bedroom mansion filled with expensive art including originals by Romare Bearden. Lewis went from Atlanta City Council and nonprofit work to Congress without working in the private sector....how did he acquire this wealth? Greenberg doesn't explore that question at all. In the end, I'm glad I read it and consider Lewis one of my new heroes. Lewis' style of "love thy enemy" but engage in "good trouble" in the face of injustice and authoritarianism, is a style all activists should emulate. Especially now.
July 17, 2025
John Lewis came from humble beginnings in Alabama to lead the Civil Rights Movement as a student in 1950's Alabama. Intelligent, courageous, observant, hard working boy that he was, he knew early on that he did not want to stay on the farm. He bristled at the unfairness he saw in his rural life. As his world broadened, first at a Baptist Seminary, then at Troy, and in interaction with students at Fisk he became involved in testing the law re. the integration of inter-state travel. And he never looked back.
David Greenberg's deeply researched, detailed account shows the day in and day out dedication required to make changes in the political arena. All the major political figures, on both sides of the fight for change figure in this account. And the thousands of participants in protests, demonstrations
and showing up to vote, often at significant personal cost are chronicled here.
This is a biography for our times.
David Greenberg's deeply researched, detailed account shows the day in and day out dedication required to make changes in the political arena. All the major political figures, on both sides of the fight for change figure in this account. And the thousands of participants in protests, demonstrations
and showing up to vote, often at significant personal cost are chronicled here.
This is a biography for our times.
January 10, 2026
Few biographies have moved me as much as John Lewis’s. I was drawn to his story because he came across as such an earnest and genuinely committed activist. Leading with love and a nonviolent approach he was leading or participating in the marches, sit-ins and demonstrations of the movements he believed in.
It’s rare to learn about a politician who doesn’t pander. John Lewis definitely didn’t. He had conviction in his beliefs and constituents and I learned a lot about his fight for minority rights, including LGBTQ+ communities, Jewish and Latin American communities, and, impressively (especially for the time), environmental causes as well.
The writing is very detailed and well researched (there are 100+ pages of references). There are many emotionally charged events that made me put the book down for a few minutes to reflect on what life for African Americans must have been like, particularly in the South.
Greenberg does a nice job of focusing on the elements of change, and the writing feels balanced overall; he didn’t write about his subject in a single-faceted way. The book likely could have benefited from some trimming, but it still felt meaningful to read about every era of John Lewis’s life and I enjoyed it. After finishing this book, I felt genuinely inspired. And it made me wonder…as this generation of leaders like Lewis begins to pass, who will be the next great champions of humanity?
It’s rare to learn about a politician who doesn’t pander. John Lewis definitely didn’t. He had conviction in his beliefs and constituents and I learned a lot about his fight for minority rights, including LGBTQ+ communities, Jewish and Latin American communities, and, impressively (especially for the time), environmental causes as well.
The writing is very detailed and well researched (there are 100+ pages of references). There are many emotionally charged events that made me put the book down for a few minutes to reflect on what life for African Americans must have been like, particularly in the South.
Greenberg does a nice job of focusing on the elements of change, and the writing feels balanced overall; he didn’t write about his subject in a single-faceted way. The book likely could have benefited from some trimming, but it still felt meaningful to read about every era of John Lewis’s life and I enjoyed it. After finishing this book, I felt genuinely inspired. And it made me wonder…as this generation of leaders like Lewis begins to pass, who will be the next great champions of humanity?
November 30, 2024
Wow. Just wow.
John Lewis was a giant, a hero, a beautiful human being. Mr. Lewis was courageous, principled, compassionate, and steadfast in his belief that every person is valuable and important. He believed to his core that non-violent action was the only way to change the country and people’s hearts and minds.
David Greenberg’s book comprehensively covers the life of John Lewis from his origin as a child of sharecroppers in rural Alabama, to his activism as a young student in Nashville and his courage in the face of beatings including famously Bloody Sunday in Selma, his long congressional career, to his death in 2020 of pancreatic cancer. I love this book and was genuinely sorry when I reached the last page.
Are you discouraged by the tone of public discourse and the direction we seem to be going? Try this book out. It might inspire you and provide a little light and hope.
John Lewis was a giant, a hero, a beautiful human being. Mr. Lewis was courageous, principled, compassionate, and steadfast in his belief that every person is valuable and important. He believed to his core that non-violent action was the only way to change the country and people’s hearts and minds.
David Greenberg’s book comprehensively covers the life of John Lewis from his origin as a child of sharecroppers in rural Alabama, to his activism as a young student in Nashville and his courage in the face of beatings including famously Bloody Sunday in Selma, his long congressional career, to his death in 2020 of pancreatic cancer. I love this book and was genuinely sorry when I reached the last page.
Are you discouraged by the tone of public discourse and the direction we seem to be going? Try this book out. It might inspire you and provide a little light and hope.
September 16, 2025
John Lewis: A Life
David Greenberg
★★★★
A sweeping, deeply human biography that does justice to the man who never stopped getting into “good trouble.” Greenberg’s portrait of John Lewis is rich with archival detail, emotional nuance, and historical weight. It’s not hagiography—it’s better. It’s a reckoning with the cost of conviction, the quiet persistence of moral clarity, and the long arc of a life spent bending history toward justice.
Lewis emerges here not just as a civil rights icon, but as a complex, evolving figure: a boy with a speech impediment and a fear of thunder, a young man who faced down troopers in Selma, and a congressman who never lost his belief in the power of nonviolence.
Greenberg’s prose is measured—deliberate in pace, restrained in tone, and respectful of its subject’s gravity. He doesn’t dramatize or editorialize; he lets Lewis’s life unfold with quiet authority. One chapter, in particular, resonated with me: the account of Lewis’s congressional run against Julian Bond, a longtime friend and fellow activist. Years ago, I happened to cross paths with Bond and his wife outside Landmark E Street Cinema in D.C.—a fleeting moment, but one that made the emotional complexity of that chapter land differently. Greenberg handles it with care, showing Lewis not as flawless, but as someone who carried the weight of hard choices and lasting consequences.
In an age of noise, Lewis’s life is a lesson in the power of quiet conviction—and Greenberg knows when to step back and let the story speak.
David Greenberg
★★★★
A sweeping, deeply human biography that does justice to the man who never stopped getting into “good trouble.” Greenberg’s portrait of John Lewis is rich with archival detail, emotional nuance, and historical weight. It’s not hagiography—it’s better. It’s a reckoning with the cost of conviction, the quiet persistence of moral clarity, and the long arc of a life spent bending history toward justice.
Lewis emerges here not just as a civil rights icon, but as a complex, evolving figure: a boy with a speech impediment and a fear of thunder, a young man who faced down troopers in Selma, and a congressman who never lost his belief in the power of nonviolence.
Greenberg’s prose is measured—deliberate in pace, restrained in tone, and respectful of its subject’s gravity. He doesn’t dramatize or editorialize; he lets Lewis’s life unfold with quiet authority. One chapter, in particular, resonated with me: the account of Lewis’s congressional run against Julian Bond, a longtime friend and fellow activist. Years ago, I happened to cross paths with Bond and his wife outside Landmark E Street Cinema in D.C.—a fleeting moment, but one that made the emotional complexity of that chapter land differently. Greenberg handles it with care, showing Lewis not as flawless, but as someone who carried the weight of hard choices and lasting consequences.
In an age of noise, Lewis’s life is a lesson in the power of quiet conviction—and Greenberg knows when to step back and let the story speak.
January 9, 2025
Such a remarkable man!! John Lewis has always been an icon for me, so I eagerly awaited this new biography. It did not disappoint, well-researched, well-written, comprehensive without being boring or bogged down in unnecessary detail. Well-balanced between Lewis’s early life, his civil rights activism and his years in Congress. Excellent audio narration.
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