In this account of the struggle for civil rights in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, and assessment of the work ahead to bring about full equality f...
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Feb 15, 2011
Amber
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I think that every American should read this book. MLK, Jr. was an amazing man who was in love with God and who had a heart for people. He had an amazing understanding of what Jesus Christ would do and, I believe, was a great example of what a Christian should be. As I re-read "Letters From a Birmingham Jail", I was reminded how loving and forgiving of a man he was, even to the people who despised him the most. He had a vision of a world where everyone was treated equally, no matter w
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Apr 03, 2010
Walter
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This is one of the - if not the - best of King's books, as it details the crucial Birmingham campaign and features at its heart the incredible Letter from Birmingham Jail. Although always positive in tone, it deals with the realities of a campaign that is now viewed as pivotal to the success of the American Civil Rights Movement but that was anything but assured in its own time. That King acknowledges this reality while placing it in a constructive context all the while advancing his positive,
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Sep 28, 2011
Vincent
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In Why We Can’t Wait Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gives his account of the Birmingham campaign, which sought to dissolve the Jim Crow status quo. From the outset of his campaign, however, tensions were present not only within the black communities, but also with whites who supported their cause. When he began to plan his strategy for nonviolent demonstrations he found that “there was tremendous resistance to [their] program from some of the Negro ministers, businessmen, and professionals in the
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Dec 27, 2010
Dchavez06
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Post-"I have a dream" and pre-Civil Rights act of 1964, this book is a powerful call to action for equality. It has obvious and incredibly strong parallels to gay rights today. I was inspired by MLK's statement about how one should not be "grateful" for advances in obtaining "the same basic rights owed to one's birthright as an American and a member of the human community." I now have a hard time accepting the mainstream, centrist view that advances in civil unions
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Dec 06, 2011
Christopher
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When I first began to read this book, I didn't know what to expect. I am unfamiliar with most of the Civil Rights movement's history and I was somewhat unfamiliar with Dr. King's work and ideals. What I found in this book was not just a history of the Civil RIghts movement in 1963, I found a manifesto of freedom. I am so impressed with this book that I can't even think of a criticism as Dr. King shot down any that I had as soon as it came into my mind. Everyone must read chapter 5, which has Dr.
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Apr 09, 2011
Eric
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A great look into a remarkable man leading an inspirational group of people. Having done some research on the marches in Birmingham, the book was especially interesting to me. His perspective on the issue is priceless and the fact he was able to record such an event before his tragic death is especially wonderful. Some of the aspects of the book that I found especially interesting were his references to the events that took place as part of a "revolution" and not a movement and his
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Jan 10, 2010
Leroy
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This is a great book, and I was especially moved by reading (again?) the fifth chapter, "Letter from Birmingham Jail," written in April 1963.
The book is mostly about "the Negro Revolution" that centered in Birmingham in 1963. What we know now that King didn't know when he wrote the book, is that his and others' actions in 1963 led to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which did much to overcome racial segregation in this country.
As we celebrate Ma More...
The book is mostly about "the Negro Revolution" that centered in Birmingham in 1963. What we know now that King didn't know when he wrote the book, is that his and others' actions in 1963 led to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which did much to overcome racial segregation in this country.
As we celebrate Ma More...
Jul 03, 2007
Kylos
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afterwards, some things are just better understood.
and other things are infinitely more depressing.
and other things are infinitely more depressing.
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Aug 09, 2011
A fantastic book about a sad and yet inspiring period of American history. Martin Luther King describes, in his own words, what happened in Birmingham, AL in 1962-3, what they were trying to achieve, and why it was so imperative that the momentum continue. Relative to reading history books on the topic in class, this account gives you a true sense for how amazing and brave those who took part in this movement are. Despite the massive injustice of the period, these inspiring people, held fast
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Sep 01, 2008
Anoud
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Wow ..I am totally fascinated by dr. king, words …
In this book dr. king, the leader of the civil-rights movement, talked about the conditions and the social, political, religious and economic circumstances that crystallized the birth of the new Negros' revolution, and how things started in Birmingham 1963.
He described the extreme oppression and injustice that they used to face. While I was reading this book, my mind just couldn't stop picturing an endless series of scene More...
In this book dr. king, the leader of the civil-rights movement, talked about the conditions and the social, political, religious and economic circumstances that crystallized the birth of the new Negros' revolution, and how things started in Birmingham 1963.
He described the extreme oppression and injustice that they used to face. While I was reading this book, my mind just couldn't stop picturing an endless series of scene More...
Jan 29, 2008
Todd
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Obviously an important book, although I think it's not the best introduction into the Civil Rights movement because MLK references so many people, places, and events that it can be hard to keep everyone and everything straight.
The beginning of the book deals with "tokenism" and general attitudes of the time, especially segregation. Secondly, MLK deals with the non-violent approach to his struggle. Third, "Letter From Birmingham Jail" takes up an entire chapter, as More...
The beginning of the book deals with "tokenism" and general attitudes of the time, especially segregation. Secondly, MLK deals with the non-violent approach to his struggle. Third, "Letter From Birmingham Jail" takes up an entire chapter, as More...
Oct 14, 2009
Alyssa
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Basically a description of the civil rights movement in 1963. Chapters 3-6 are the heart of the "action" and the other chapters are the introduction and the "what will happen next" sections. Written only a year after the events described, the vision of the future is fairly limited. Not a comprehensive civil rights book, but an amazing look into breaking down the barriers in one of the most segregated cities in America. I also liked hearing about Martin Luther King Jr's day to
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Jan 18, 2009
Kei
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I read this book in high school at a time when I was just beginning to truly understand the Civil Rights movement. This book changed my life. I don't care if that sounds cliche or whatever, but there is no way a person can read a book like Why We Can't Wait, and experience Dr. Martin Luther King's more than deeply profound rhetoric of freedom and equality and then turn around and aim for mediocrity. I have a lot more to say but I shall save my thoughts and pour them into action.
Dec 07, 2010
Megan
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I was just dazzled by MLK's gift for inspiring and condemning...It's so clear reading this that he was trained as a pastor/preacher. I wish I'd have read this when I was still teaching MLK. I think my entire civil rights unit would have been structured differently. Beautiful writing, and just very compelling. I think everyone should read this. Of course, the Letter from Birmingham Jail was a masterpiece, which is one of the parts we often study in school, but intertwined in the book, it was even
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Feb 19, 2010
Sara
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It’s easy (at least for me) to pigeon-hole Dr. King’s ideas into the one phrase ideology of “I have a dream”. Before reading this book I thought of Martin as a somewhat passive activist, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear his tone of intensity.
Sure, King will never be the revolutionary Malcolm X was, but he’s also not the peaceful fellow preached in our public schools. Great short read. Definitely recommend.
Sure, King will never be the revolutionary Malcolm X was, but he’s also not the peaceful fellow preached in our public schools. Great short read. Definitely recommend.
Jul 24, 2010
Theophilus
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Someone had to take the the first step. The process of removing segregation and racism from American society. Why were school children involved? Why subject young people to the violent backlash of violent racist backlash? Dr. King explains the strategies of the civil rights movement. its goals. and the ultimate beneficiaries of the struggle in this short, concise book.
Jul 30, 2011
Carlos
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Plain and simple; read this book. Arguably MLK's greatest work. We all know what a great man MLK was and the great accomplishments he made in his life. These letters just solidified what we all knew and gives the reader a look within MLK's thoughts, ideas, and wants.
I say pick this up and read it. You won't regret it.
I say pick this up and read it. You won't regret it.
Oct 14, 2011
Del
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How can you review brilliance and passion such as this? I have nothing to add that would make this book stand out even more than it does on its own.
As America still struggles with its cultural identity and inherited prejudices, this book is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Every American should read this book.
As America still struggles with its cultural identity and inherited prejudices, this book is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Every American should read this book.
Mar 26, 2011
Lora
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This should be mandatory reading for everyone. The truths King espouses are no less true today, and should be taught to everyone.
More than politics, King's oratory and written power are absolutely phenomenal. While "I Have a Dream" is what everyone knows, I think this book is more important.
More than politics, King's oratory and written power are absolutely phenomenal. While "I Have a Dream" is what everyone knows, I think this book is more important.
Jan 15, 2009
Serena
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Talk about a relevant read for our current times....I read it long ago and think it may be time to pick it up again. If you haven't read his works, you should. Reading them is humbling, thought provoking, and should be required in school. With February upon us it cannot hurt.
Nov 10, 2009
Marcus
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It took me years and years (I was slackin', I know) but I finally read this classic work by Bro. Rev. Dr. King. His words are so moving, especially in the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." If you haven't read, it's definitely time to read it!
Dec 04, 2009
Everton
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Dr King tells the story of the Birmingham campaign, and why 1963, the hundredth anniversary of the Emacipation Proclamation, was a pivotal year in US history. Includes the brilliant Letter from Birmingham Jail.
Aug 18, 2011
Kristi
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This book encourages you to become that someone you had dreamed about when you were a kid. It tells the importance of loving all mankind and treating them with the knowledge that we are all God's children.
Nov 14, 2011
Nelly
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I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I know MLK is known for being a great speaker but he was also an amazing writer. I'd recommend this book to anyone, especially "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
Jul 28, 2010
Read this after visiting Birmingham, including the 16th Street Baptist Church and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Embarrassed that I was around in 1963, certainly not pre-literate, but I wasn't really paying attention to these fundamental changes in American life.
Jan 13, 2010
Yonnibardavi
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This is a remarkable book. A total and delightful read. Dr. King's ability to lay out the Negro's case is unquestionably the best I have read to date. No other writer or author speaks so boldly and yet so timely about the destiny of Slave and Free.
Apr 05, 2010
Barry
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Prior to reading this book, I had not realized what a skilled writer MLK was. Great to understand the context of his Letter from a Birmingham Jail.
Jun 22, 2011
Johan
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An account and insider travails of MLK's civil obedience organized protests. Good background material for the era/event.
Feb 25, 2011
Jane
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A bit "dated" but the universal principles are there.
You can "hear" Dr King as you read!
You can "hear" Dr King as you read!
Sep 17, 2009
Helen
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the u.s. civil rights history you never learned in school and just how relevant it is today.
