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The Greatest
July 2016: Biography Memoir
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The Greatest: My Own Story - Mohammad Ali (4 stars)
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I'm reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and he mentions Ali (Cassius Clay) multiple times . . .it would be interesting to read the two books in juxtoposition. Does the book address his religious belief?
Anita wrote: "I'm reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and he mentions Ali (Cassius Clay) multiple times . . .it would be interesting to read the two books in juxtoposition. Does the book addre..."
It does discuss his religious beliefs. Especially in regards to his decision to refuse to enlist when drafted to go to Vietnam. He also mentions Malcolm X and how people reacted when Malcolm X visited his gym (it was before his conversion was made public). The book was published in 1975 and I read that some of his religious views changed over time (he remained Muslim, but just a different sect (I think that is the correct terminology, but I could be wrong)). I would be interesting to read one of his later memoirs to see what inspired some of those changes because in this one he is a strong advocate for his religious leaders.
Thanks for sharing, Cora. There was a huge bio in Time Magazine, and now I wish I had actually read it, lol.
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4 stars
This autobiography/memoir was written in the 70s while Ali was still fighting. I found his life told from his point of view fascinating. Reading about his struggles as an African American male made me think of how far we had come and how other things have yet to change. There were times the style of writing, specifically flashbacks within flashbacks, were a bit confusing regarding where you were in the timeline of his life. I liked how he included transcripts of conversations with Frazier and his first wife to give the reader their perspectives (although the conversation with Frazier was mostly the two of them boasting about their ability to beat the other). It was interesting to get inside his head during his fights and his decisions regarding his stand against white power and the Vietnam War. I am very interested in reading one of the books he wrote later in life because I know some of his positions changed a little over time and I would like some insight on what caused those changes.