92 pages • 3 hours read
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1965466
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 20th Century
1965
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley chronicles Malcolm X’s journey from a challenging childhood and life of crime to his transformation into a leading civil rights activist after his conversion to Islam in prison. It details his involvement with, and subsequent break from, the Nation of Islam, and his evolving views on race and society. Sensitive topics include racism, violence, and substance use.
Informative
Contemplative
Emotional
Challenging
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The transformative journey chronicled in The Autobiography of Malcolm X receives widespread acclaim for its profound insight into race, identity, and resilience. Readers commend its powerful narrative and historical significance. Some critique the pacing and editorial choices, yet overall, it stands as an enduring testament to Malcolm X's complex legacy.
Who Should Read The Autobiography of Malcolm X?
Readers who would enjoy The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley are often interested in social justice, civil rights history, and transformative personal narratives. Similar works include Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow and Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom.
Alex Haley
Alex Haley
An American journalist who collaborates with Malcolm X on his autobiography, providing guidance and capturing Malcolm's life story.
Elijah Muhammad
Elijah Muhammad
The leader of the Nation of Islam during Malcolm X's involvement, known for his teachings that blend Black nationalism and Islam.
Betty X/Betty Shabazz
Betty X/Betty Shabazz
Malcolm X's wife who becomes involved with the Nation of Islam and supports Malcolm throughout his life.
466
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 20th Century
1965
Adult
16+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.