“I’m pushing this line. Moving it. There’s always another side. The line moves. It moves and it moves.”
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I read Malcolm X‘s autobiography a few years ago, so I had a lot of context going in. This was a very immersive and engaging first person retelling of his life up to the time he truly shifted to the person we speak of today. This also had a strong and engaging open that kept the reader on the hook as we backtracked in chronology. 

Malcolm, his siblings, and their mother were targeted and their family unit deconstructed by a racist white system of power designed to oppress them. I thought it was an incredibly powerful moment when Malcolm gave up his shoeshine job and views an earlier version of himself with condescension, unaware of the trap he and countless others are fallen into.

I liked being present for the scene with his brother in Lansing: to himself and the reader, the changes have been gradual, but the stark contrast is jarring and brings a kind of newfound awareness. I also liked the parallel between Malcolm and Laura when they ran into each other and held a mirror up for the other to recognize their unrealized dreams and goals. 

I loved that the book ended with self realization and the beginning of his journey as Malcolm X. I think this may be a series for younger audience, so I may look for the rest of it if so. 

An important story to witness, great read!