Malcom and Me

by Ishmael Reed

In 1960, Ishmael Reed, then an aspiring young writer, interviewed Malcolm X for a local radio station in Buffalo, New York. The encounter cost Reed his job and changed his life. In Malcolm and Me, Reed, acclaimed author of such classic novels as Mumbo Jumbo and winner of a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship, reveals a side of Malcolm X the public has never seen before, while exploring how the civil rights firebrand influenced his own views on working, living, speaking out, and left a mark on generations of artists and activists.

Malcolm X was one of the most influential human rights activists in history and his views on race, religion, and fighting back changed America and the world. Reed gives us a clear-eyed view of what the man was really like—beyond the headlines and the myth-making. Malcolm and Me is a personal look at the development of an artist and a testament to how chance encounters we have in our youth can transform who we are and the world we live in.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, History, Memoir, Biography, African American, Politics

98 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 30, 2020

About the author

Ishmael Scott Reed is an American poet, essayist, and novelist. A prominent African-American literary figure, Reed is known for his satirical works challenging American political culture, and highlighting political and cultural oppression.

Reed has been described as one of the most controversial writers. While his work has often sought to represent neglected African and African-American perspectives, his energy and advocacy have centered more broadly on neglected peoples and perspectives irrespective of their cultural origins.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Malcolm and Me by Ishmael Reed was free and I just finished watching the series of Malcolm X on Netflix so I was excited to get into this. Although I am in my 60's, school never discussed Malcolm X when I was in high school. I did study him on my own and found him facinating. This book didn't have the author and Malcolm but rather the author with an occasional Malcolm mention.
The book seemed to ramble and had no timeline. It got very confusing. I would suggest watching the series on Netflix if you want to learn more about Malcolm. I am glad this was free.

[Faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t what I was expecting. It is a disjointed autobiography about a man I had never heard of. There is very little about Malcolm X.

[Alan (The Lone Librarian) Teder · Rating 3 out of 5]

November 20, 2022 Update Reinstated a previously deleted review from the days of the GR "Not a Book" i.e. "NABers", before the GR policy was updated to accept Audible Originals as a book. I had a backup copy of my 2020 review saved at LibraryThing. I chanced on this when Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo (Orig. 1972/Audio 2020) was listed as today's Audible Daily Deal and I checked my listing of Reed's books.

Ishmael Reed's memoir of Malcolm X
Review of the Audible Original audiobook edition (January 30, 2020)

This is really more of a memoir/autobiography of Ishmael Reed himself, as he only met Malcolm X twice in his younger days while working at a radio station. I still found it interesting though as it does show how that early influence went on to effect Reed's writing and career. There are also interesting anecdotes and trivia such as the information about Alexander Hamilton which Reed has incorporated into his recent play. See the trivia link below for more on that.

Malcolm and Me was one of the free Audible Originals made available to members for February 2020. It was available as of January 30, 2020 to the general public for a standard price.

Trivia and Link
For those who can't afford or are unable to get tickets to Hamilton, there is the consolation of Ishmael Reed's recent play The Haunting of Lin Manuel Miranda which uses the plot-line of Dicken's A Christmas Carol and has the Hamilton writer visited by ghosts of the past who debunk the myths perpetuated by the rap musical.

[Jeff Koeppen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Malcolm and Me was worth listening to but not what I expected. The title drew me in (it refers to a radio interview the author had with Malcolm X) but it really was about the life of author Ishmael Reed and less about Malcolm X. I was already familiar with Malcolm X from his autobiography and I thought this book might give provide new insights but I gleaned no new information about him from this audiobook.

Ishmael Reed had an interesting life as a prominent African-American writer, poet, editor, etc., I found him to be an interesting person, one I might want to learn more about. This was a short Audible production and the author read it. He seemed to struggle a bit with the narration.

[Larry Bassett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This special audible presentation I think it is somewhat misnamed as it covers a very broad range of black history and black personalities only periodically touching on Malcolm X. The narrator is not someone who was previously known to me but as an 81-year-old he tells the story of many efforts in his life to expand awareness of black history. It is something of a autobiographical Tour of his life. He not only covers his own personal experiences but expands to cover a wide range of black historical events and personalities.

[Ardyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting reflection by Reed on how Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam influenced his life in ways both casual and profound.

Reed doesn't shy away from what he sees to be Malcolm's personal flaws, nor from the incredible degree to which his understanding of both world and self was expanded as a result (sometimes direct, sometimes indirect) of Malcolm's public persona. He talks about Nation of Islam tenets and how they differ from Muslim traditions around the world. He talks about how smallish things like a group of young writers are touched by big world events.

I don't imagine I'll listen to this again, thus the three stars -- but it's worth one time through. Definitely recommend to anyone interested in 20th century history, teen and up.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This did not live up to the hype. I was expecting so much more insight - I didn’t learn anything new about Malcolm.

[Debabrata Ghosh · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I am appalled by the way the story was narrated and the title was presented. The hotchpotch of ideas and characters to course-correct the omitted history of blacks seemed like a directionless ramble. I was deeply attracted by the premise of knowing Malcolm X and Ismael Reed's other works but this felt like a waste of time except for knowing some characters that I'll have to look up to know more about the history of human rights activism.

[LindaJ^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the free Audible Originals I get for being an Audible member. It was not long. I was unfamiliar with the author (and narrator) and will need to check out what books he has written. I was drawn to the book by the "Malcolm" part of the title, as Malcolm X is a historical figure I would like to know more about. The author met Malcolm when he interviewed him for, I think, radio. That was about the extent of their personal connection. But, the author discusses himself and Malcolm in connection with the turbulent 60's and 70's and more about himself in later years. While interesting, it was more a mini-autobiography and collection of thoughts than personal recollections of the author and Malcolm X together.

[Byrdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very recent recording (it references the show "Watchmen"), and I found it quite educational not only about Malcolm X, but about African American History in general. Reed's reading style isn't theatrical, but I could certainly see myself enjoying a lecture of his, or attending one of his readings.

I tried a few of his fiction books since "Mumbo Jumbo" and haven't been all that gripped. Maybe I should look into more of his non-fiction.

[Jude · Rating 2 out of 5]

More appropriately named "Me...and Occasionally Malcolm (When I Need to Justify The Title)"

[Dawn Todhunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really struggled with this very short read. It's very stream of consciousness. Just a real jumbled mess that could have been a great memoir with some decent editing.

[Derek Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hard look through the eyes of another and the difference seen/felt/experienced by the difference of the color of our skin.

[Brittany Zimmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fine, quick listen about Malcolm X with some nice facts, but nothing too fancy. I did enjoy it though!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent vignette.

[Meg GlitteryOtters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly about Ishmael Reed, not so much about Malcolm. However, I felt that I should have known more about Reed, so was glad to learn. I'll be reading some of his poetry, probably not his novels.

The narrative was a little disjointed, but it didn’t bother me much.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Ishmael Reed's poetry and writing, so I wanted to know more about him and Malcolm X. Perhaps it was because I was listening at 1.6 speed, but it felt a little disjointed. Still I found things to admire about both men.

[Saravanan Mani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected this to be more about Malcolm X and was a little disappointed. Because this is partly an autobiography that intersects with some influences on the author. Some ideas were very compelling - the question of cotton patch history in particular. But by the end of the book, the ideas are still in a foggy haze.

[S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would be a 2 except the author makes a statement about his mother allegeding his father raped her early on which stayed with me (potentially evidence of the literary execution issues later described). He also brings up other allegations of rape which for which he provides *at least* some limited context. Each rape is brought up with the implication of disbelieving the allegations - however, the only framework he provides for his mother's allegation is that 1) she made it and 2) his father is dead and Native American so we'll never know the truth. The implication being his mother is motivated to make a false allegation of rape against his father because he was Native American. With no other context his implication of a false rape allegation is extraordinary problematic. To say nothing of the idea that the alleged perpetrator would provide clarity - with no other information there is no reason to believe father over mother or the opposite.

The writing is disjointed - tied together by neither theme nor a linear timeline. It is more about the author's life.

At best, I felt like I was listening to an interview with all the questions cut out. I learned a smattering of things - but again, no context. At moments, I heard his strong word craft before he dropped from the narrative thread.

At worst, I felt I was listening to an author read his own introduction before he gives a commencement speech.

[Reuben · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a poor book, unfortunately. It is incoherent, rambling, and uneven. I'll give it a second star, as it may provide limited primary source information for the serious Malcolm X aficionado or researcher. If you don't fall into one of those categories, give this a miss.

On the whole, "Malcolm and Me" reads like a bad stream-of-consciousness memoir for the author. Note that - as it bounces from one disconnected anecdote to the next - only a small portion of the book directly pertains to Malcom X.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fascinating - left me wanting more. Ishmael Reed is an accomplished author and has amazing stories to tell from his life as a writer in NY and the west coast. Among those stories in this short 90-minute audiobook memoir, he had some fresh perspectives on Malcolm, some that were hard to hear.

The other reviews are annoying. Who cares if it wasn’t all about Malcolm, there are 2 massive biographies, plus his autobiography. Go read those.

[Zac Stojcevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh too short introduction to black history by an eye witness to pivotal moments in US history. As an Australian, large tracts of this book are unfamiliar to me, as a citizen of the world - it is essential to understand the context of the egocentricity of Western Eurocentric biases in history and culture. I am humbled by my ignorance, and grateful for being able to start seeing in another plane.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, loved the narration! Thought I knew a lot about Malcolm X, listening to this book made me realize there is still much to learn. Author did a fantastic job of weaving the story in such a way that you could plant yourself in the midst of all that was going on. His relationship and journey with Malcolm is one to treasure; I can understand why he wrote this book.

[Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revising “Cotton Patch” African American History

Malcom and Me (2020) is Ishmael Reed’s concise memoir of his time in the early 1960s trying to make a living in NYC while trying to become a writer in the rich cultural milieu for African Americans then and there, particularly as all of the above were influenced by Malcom X.

Reed has searing things to say about race relations and black history as lived and taught in the USA (“cotton patch history” as Malcom X called it or “We were taught that we had no history or culture” as Reed puts it), about the Nation of Islam (and its core creation myth), about police brutality in NYC, about the media’s depiction of Malcom X as a hater even after his post-Mecca transformation and assassination, about the divisions within the black community then as to whether to integrate with white culture or to separate from it, about the Europeanization of many African American writers and artists and activists in the 20th century, and so on. He recalls and recounts what forces drove many black people in the 60s to embrace Malcom X’s pre-Mecca, Nation of Islam messaging: “We wanted revenge” for a hundred years of white hate, brutality, rape, murder, and experimentation on black bodies.

Here and there Reed does some name dropping, but it’s usually in the service of his memoir, and it’s good to learn the names of influential African Americans that one (from a position of white ignorance) doesn’t know about. And some name-dropping he does in the epilogue turns harrowing and inspiring as Reed introduces two of the original targets and unsung heroes of the appalling 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and its aftermath.

There is dry humor here, as, for instance, when Reed confides that a DNA test revealed that he has more Nordic genes than Steve Bannon.

Reed reads his text with an appealing voice and manner: gravelly and witty and savory.

I do have some sympathy with the criticism of this short (90 minute) audiobook that Reed after all doesn’t say SO much about Malcom X that one wasn’t somewhat aware of before and doesn’t go into SO much detail about him or about his interactions with him.

But, again, the memoir is absorbing and illuminating about many important issues in African American culture in the 20th century. And he does convey how charismatic, articulate, and intelligent (“electrifying”) Malcom X was. And how photogenic and addicted he was to media coverage. And how complex and ambiguous his memory is: was Malcom X motivated by idealism or by ambition? And Reed has made me want to listen soon to The Autobiography of Malcom X.

[Patrick Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Civil Rights is an event that shook America down to its core, an outright declaration against racism, segregation, and oppression. Malcolm X, a controversial figure in all honesty, was one of the greatest flagbearers of this movement. He was a fiery voice, bringing voice to the angry minority that had been furiously oppressed and enslaved for centuries. Thankfully, his voice will never be silenced, and Ishamel Reed assists in bringing this voice to a modern generation.

Reed recounts the initial struggles of becoming an accomplished African American writer in the mid-twentieth century, smack dab in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. This audiobook is also about how his encounter with Malcolm X affected Reed's artistic direction and Reed's thoughts on African life in America. It is a fascinating account but like all Audible originals, it suffers from a short runtime.

Perhaps this will be the curse of all Audible Originals, but there is so much of Malcolm X that can be covered that this account is rendered incredibly inadequate. From his stance toward politics, religion, and race to his influence in modern America. No one can cover all this in under two hours. Instead, the reader will acquire a snapshot of Malcolm X and a lot of coverage on Ishmael Reed. This was fine with me. Reed is quite an interesting individual, and I appreciated what he had to say about Malcolm X.

I may not like Malcolm X, primarily because he was very hateful and desired a violent course of action in the Civil Rights movement. I can't say that I blame him. Nor do I blame Reed for taking some of Malcolm's ideas. For anyone who wants a valuable opinion on Malcolm X, definitely this audiobook a shot. If you are very familiar with Malcolm X or the Civil Rights movement, I would suggest looking into biographies on Malcolm or other relevant Civil Rights movement material.

[Ray Washburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book for people who are curious to get started reading and learning about Malcolm X and Black History beyond the fragmented, whitewashed versions we often get in schools. This is not the typical, overly romanticized story of Malcolm X. This account is more humanizing than one-sided, one-dimensional tales of Malcolm X, the powerful leader of the black community. It is an account that shows human complexity and personal growth. Additionally, and sadly, there are descriptions of situations here that are echoing in the present. For example, in one of many anecdotes, Reed states, ""Because she didn’t move fast enough, a cop slapped a black woman to the ground". Please pardon my lack of proper citation, as this is an audiobook, and I did not jot down the information while I multitasked, as I often do.
Reed makes some excellent points that further inspire curiosity. He mentions that Black History is fragmented, as Malcolm called it “Cotton patch history”. It is a history that needs to be reconstructed beyond the arrival of black folks as slaves in the United States.

[Taté Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is less about an iconic man and more about the things that he was trying to teach/expose, especially what’s missing from historical narratives and what it can be like to live with the loss/grief of that history. It is extremely difficult—impossible even—for those who haven’t experienced systemic oppression, erasure, or genocide to comprehend the deep pain that comes along with historical trauma and the grief those of us who live through it (whether directly or through memory/epigenetics) feel when that history is missing or denied. I connect with Reed most as he describes the betrayal and almost shame he feels in not being taught his own ancestral history (in school or later in life when historian authors dismiss the holes he points out in their narratives). I am Lakota and have spent most of my adult life trying to find the missing pieces of the ancestry, language, culture colonialism has tried to destroy.

[Nisha J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I noticed a lot of reviewers were super disappointed about Malcom X not being the focus of the book or not learning more about him. I too was wrong for “judging a book by its cover”. But, before I finished the first chapter I went back and read the book description. I also listened to a statement the author made in the beginning of the book. This book was never meant to be about Malcolm. Malcolm influenced and left a mark on the author. It’s about the authors personal life, historical events, changes, and the umbrella of influence that Malcolm and those like him had on people and the times.

To give this book a bad review because it wasn’t what you thought it was about is not a problem from the book but a lack of knowing what you’re reading/ getting into. That being said, I think the book was short, simple, and sort of interesting.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo, and I admit that it didn't fully work for me, so I was surprised to see a different side of Mr. Reed in this short book where he comes across as a calm, thoughtful and smart person with more brains and culture in his little finger than most of us have in our whole bodies. His connection with Malcolm X and the good and bad he sees in Malcolm are an interesting and different perspective from what I have gotten in other books and articles that I have read about Malcolm. Most of it is overwhelmingly positive, particularly in praising Malcolm for shining a bright light on Black history and for inspiring other people and movements. But there is also some thoughtful criticism. I have decided that I like and admire Ishmael Reed. I'll have to read another of his novels.