Book Review: The Autobiography of MLK Jr.

This book, edited by Clayborne Carson, was excellent! Walking through the timeline of Dr. King’s life, education, decision to move into ministry, then his conviction in the spirit of Ghandi for non-violent protest was an excellent history lesson. But it was much more, an eye-opening view of the events that shaped his life and decisions, and the many men and women who joined him and came alongside him during his life.

I truly enjoyed the sections directly written by Dr. King, especially his analysis of various types of governance, other denominations, his own doubts and ultimate conclusions regarding his faith journey. This same structure shared the natural growth of the non-violent protests from the Montgomery Bus issue to his time in the Chicago ghettos.

With the timeline summary at the beginning of each chapter, I was stunned how many important figures were assassinated during Dr. King’s lifetime. Definitely a history lesson, but so much more. The editor has done a very nice job incorporating the many documents from Dr. King’s life to form a narrative, as well as his actual writings and sermons. I recommend this book for each and every one of you! –CMW