51 pages • 1 hour read
When They Call You a Terrorist
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Book Brief
When They Call You a Terrorist
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2018257
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various Locations • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele chronicles Cullors’s early life in Los Angeles and her role in cofounding the Black Lives Matter movement. It addresses systemic racism, the criminal justice system, and police brutality, highlighting her brother Monte’s struggles with mental health and legal issues, and explores the origins and rise of Black Lives Matter post-George Zimmerman’s acquittal. This book includes references to police violence and systemic racism.
Emotional
Inspirational
Mysterious
Challenging
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
27,132 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele is a compelling memoir that poignantly chronicles the struggles and resilience within the Black Lives Matter movement. Praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, some critics noted it occasionally lacked in detail about the broader movement’s strategies. A powerful, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read When They Call You a Terrorist?
Readers who appreciate personal memoirs detailing social justice, systemic racism, and activism will be drawn to When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele. Fans of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson will find this work compelling.
27,132 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Monte Cullors
Monte Cullors
He is Cullors's older brother who, despite being nonviolent, faces frequent police targeting and legal challenges. His struggles with mental health and the criminal justice system exemplify broader systemic issues faced by Black men.
Gabriel Brignac
Gabriel Brignac
Cullors's biological father, whom she meets at age 12, struggles with cocaine addiction and the cycle of prison sentences. His story highlights the impact of systemic inequities on personal responsibility and addiction narratives.
Mark Anthony
Mark Anthony
He is Cullors's partner for much of the book and exhibits a nurturing and compassionate nature. As a healer, he aids in community self-policing and supports Cullors through emotional and relational challenges.
Cherice Simpson
Cherice Simpson
She is Cullors’s mother from a strong religious background, who demonstrates resilience and strength in the face of family and systemic challenges. Her experiences and emotions are shaped by her early family rejection and personal struggles.
257
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various Locations • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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