245: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X (Penguin Modern Classics)

Summary via Wikipedia:

"The Autobiography of Malcolm X is an account of the life of human rights activist Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little (1925–1965). It begins during his mother's pregnancy and describes his childhood in Michigan, the death of his father under questionable circumstances, and his mother's deteriorating mental health that resulted in her commitment to a psychiatric hospital. Little's young adulthood in Boston and New York City is covered, as is his involvement in organized crime that led to his arrest and subsequent eight- to ten-year prison sentence, of which he served six-and-a-half years (1946–1952). The book addresses his ministry with Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam (1952–1963) and his emergence as the organization's national spokesman. It then documents his subsequent disillusionment with and departure from the Nation of Islam in March 1964, his conversion to orthodox Sunni Islam, his pilgrimage to Mecca, and his travels in Africa. After Malcolm X was assassinated in New York's Audubon Ballroom in February 1965, the book's coauthor, journalist Alex Haley, summarizes the last days of Malcolm X's life, and describes in detail their working agreement, including Haley's personal views on his subject, in the Autobiography's epilogue."

Why this is progressive/liberal: Malcolm X was one of the most important voices of the Civil Rights movement. He was also a complicated and contradictory man. This book has elicited scores of critical responses, condemning and praising the collaboration between X and Alex Haley. It has been labeled one of the most important autobiographies in American letters, and been dismissed as a complete fabrication. Regardless of the critical interpretation it remains significantly influential.