For this quarter's outside reading, I've chosen The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. It conveniently fits right in with the theme of ethical and moral dilemmas that we'll be discussing in class. This week I read the first two chapters, which covered King's childhood and college years. The point of covering all of this right in two chapters seems to be to set the scene but get to his real legacy quickly.
King grew up in a middle class, loving family. It's clear that both his parents had a huge effect on him, and his ethics. Through his writing, one can see the great need King felt to do good in the world. He became enamored with the writing of Thoreau, and decided that "noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good" (14). He also observed the idea of non-violent protest, and admired it. These ideas at such a young age show what a conscientious person King was.
King's writing style is interesting as well. His voice has no quirks or spice to it, but it is not boring whatsoever. On the contrary, it's clear as a bell and inspiring. The story is easy to follow and it's so amazing to be in the thoughts of such an amazing man. His training as a minister and the fact that he was brought up in a family and community of ministers are very apparent through his words. They suggest he'd be a magnificent orator, which as we all know, he was.
King, Martin Luther. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Ed. Clayborne Carson. New York: Warner, 1998.
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7 comments:
The book you choose sounds great! The summary you gave of the first 2 chapters was thorough but it didn't tell everything, spoiling the book for me. I love that you picked Martin Luther King Jr., he was such an amazing person and I'm sure his autobiography is going t be great. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This book will be good for our unit and also the place we are as a country with the election of an African-American president. I am interested in what he does in his writing that makes it interesting without being to colorful. Good job.
I think Martin Luther King Jr. was a magnificent choice based on the fact we have been talking about morals and values in class. By reading about such a captivating person like MLK, I think one learns more about love,loyalty,and respect
This book is a very logicall choice considering everything that is going on in our society today. It must be strange to read about the lake of civil rights in the book and then turn on the news and see our soon to be President, and African-American. I really like the Luther's quote. I don't totally agree with it, but the way he said it sounds very convincing and strong and it's only a sentance. The way you describe his writing makes it sounds like it is the same way he gave speeches, that must be very interesting.
Great job Lida. It seems some people are just destined to do good for the world. Martin had already developed his beliefs at a young age and even his teachers told him what a great speaker he was. I am excited to see what will happen in the next two chapters.
Wow, I didn't know MLK had written an autobiography. It sounds like it would be really interesting. I'm surprised his writing style is so blunt, though. If you consider all the memorable quotes from his speeches.
Although you've only written/read about his early years, I am already able to pinpoint traits that will foreshadow future events in Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and will cause him to make some ethical and moral decisions. I like how you mentioned the voice of the book, it sounds like an interesting read.
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