Curtis’s Reviews > King: A Life > Status Update
Curtis
is on page 139 of 688
Bit worried by how long its taking to get to MLK jumping into civil rights movement--its about to happen 1/4 through book. The rest must be truncated in order to fit. Too much time spent on plagiarism habit & dating history IMO. But high hopes for political aspects; Eig does fantastic job setting up segregation, specifically schooling & buses, contextualizing latter as most public humiliation site under segregation.
— Jan 29, 2026 08:14AM
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Curtis’s Previous Updates
Curtis
is on page 208 of 688
Solid, but not best use of space. Verbatim convos & addressing contrarian complaints about MLK leave things like political/strategic insights simplified. Very much a pop biography. Still learning new things; MLK's advice column interesting, especially views on women. Narrative moments like bus boycott or NAACP/MLK tensions well told. Novel-style approach keeps things easy/engaging. Just 'simpler' than expected.
— Feb 01, 2026 11:09AM
Curtis
is on page 65 of 688
Original sources are highlight: recordings of MLK Sr, childhood friends, etc, bring early years to life. Eager to see how Eig integrates declassified FBI docs and broadens MLK. Mostly refresher so far, as I've read bios on him before, including Branch's mammoth trilogy. Still happy with this 'theatrical cut.' Strong narrative trajectory & defined characters. Learned some about MLK's grandparents too. Excited!
— Jan 26, 2026 11:58AM
