Growing Up X: A Memoir by the Daughter of Malcolm X

by Ilyasah Shabazz

Book Overview

"Ilyasah Shabazz has written a compelling and lyrical coming-of-age story as well as a candid and heart-warming tribute to her parents. Growing Up X is destined to become a classic." -SPIKE LEE February 21, 1965- Malcolm X is assassinated in Harlem's Audubon Ballroom. June 23, 1997- After surviving for a remarkable twenty-two days, his widow, Betty Shabazz, dies of burns suffered in a fire. In the years between, their six daughters reach adulthood,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345444965
• ISBN13: 9780345444967
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: One World
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Breathtaking.....

I have always wondered about the life of Dr. Betty Shabazz and her daughters after the death of Malcolm X. And now I know Ilyasah's story...or some of it. I respect Dr. Shabazz and the way she raised her children. Growing up in this society is difficult. I can not imagine how she took on the task of explaining why their father could not come home or how to explain the impact he had on the entire country. Dr. Shabazz raised her girls as queens. Unfortuneately many of us had to learn those lessons later. Ilyasah couragously gave readers a glimps into the lives of the Shabazz family and a little of her growing pains. She learned from her sister Attallah that she was already that daughter of Malcolm X, she did not have to prove anything to anyone. She had to find her own self. I recently attended a book signing and Ilyasah was humble, warm, friendly, beautiful and then some. I loved the way she chatted with my 6 year old, who attended the signing with me. I have, in the same way that Dr. Shabazz started to teach him of his origins and his greatness. She also pointed out simple things about her parents that I never thought of. I loved that way the story started with her father's death and ended with her mother's death. I cried from beginning to end. I am also glad that she did not go into detail about her nephew...(some things should stay within the family).Thank you Ilyasah for sharing a little of your life's story with us. Peace and Blessings!!

Intimate, Up Close and Personal...Must Read!

In 235 pages, Ms. Shabazz takes the reader on a compelling and intimate journey that has not been revealed prior to this book. She shares her personal coming of age story. Some of the details released were extremely sensitive, yet I imagine a "healing" came from revealing them.She humbly discusses the priviledged life that she and her sisters had. This consisted of attending predominately white private schools, socializing with Hollywood stars, dating professional athletes, membership in Links, Jack and Jill of America, various housekeepers etc. Her life has been the total opposite of what I would have imagined it to be. In reference to her father (Malcolm X) she does not repeat his autobiography. Instead, she uses this area wisely to clear up some myths and misconceptions about him and his parents (The Littles). For example, Rev. Earl Little was a Baptist minister who helped organize the Marcus Garvey United Negro Improvement Association. Louise Norton Little spoke five languages, taught her children to sing the alphabet in French and was the recording secretary for the association that her husband helped organize. This information helped prove that Malcolm X was insightful, disciplined and educated by his parents and NOT Elijah Muhammad and The Nation. She says that Mr. Muhammad helped Malcolm X grow by clearing away some the negative seeds of discouragement planted by white school teachers in his youth which led to his petty crimes etc. She shares other insightful information that gives the reader more insight into the articulate and charming Malcolm from his youth. I was shocked to learn how old Ilyasah Shabazz was when she first visited her father's grave. Find out about Malcolm X's siblings that were a part of the Nation too. In reference to her mother (Dr. Betty Shabazz) this story shows how much she admired her mother. It is a moving tribute to both parents. Any struggling female single parent that reads this, can't help but gain inspiration and motivation to better themselves. Dr. Betty Shabazz's life shows determintaion to advance in education, rear well rounded children and be the keeper of her husband's legacy. I attended her Houston Book Signing. She was very humble. It was obvious that this book was a must for several reasons. She needed to shatter the myths and notions of what people assume a daughter of Malcolm X to be. As she read warmly from page 95...I glanced around the room and saw many smiling faces. She touched on a radio caller from earlier in the morning who all but demanded that she lend her name to support a racial situation that was brewing in a section of Houston. She firmly reiterated that she needs to fulfill her purpose in this life...not her father's. She promised that the book would clear up all the media myths surrounding her nephew that set the fire, which eventually claimed the life of Dr. Betty Shabazz. The book fell short of answering my questions about her nephew, but I can under

Highly Recommended!

This book is an opened door into what life was like for the widow and children of Malcolm X from one daughter's perspective. It answers the questions that I have wondered about for years. Though much is known about her father's legacy, I commend Ilyasah on shedding light on not only her mother's struggles after his passing, but her attempt to find herself. This is a remarkably enlightening and honest coming of age memoir. I experienced the gamut of emotions while reading this great work. I laughed, reflected on similar experiences and cried all while reading this book. And most of all, I walked away feeling encouraged.Thank you, Ilyasah, for being bold enough to share your memories with the rest of the world however painful and personal some of them may have been. You are a true inspiration to me. I look forward to your next book due out next year. May this book become the start of even bigger and better things to come for you!

Inspirational piece

This book brings back so many wonderful memories of childhood and growing up. Although this is a story told by Ilyasah Shabazz, I can somehow relate. I had to deal with various identity issues, sexuality and family dynamics, as a white middle class girl growing up in suburbs outside of Chicago. I would like to commend the author for doing such an amazing job of telling her story and allowing us to peek through her life as the the daughter of an icon.

Growing Up X is a must read

Ilyasah Shabazz did a great job in chronicling the life of her family. The book offers an inside look at a great American family being headed by a strong single mother and living in the legacy of a dynamic father and husband. It is so captivating and allows the reader to experience various emotions. It is a fun read. A must read.