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John Lewis: A Life
A comprehensive, authoritative biography of Civil Rights icon John Lewis, “the conscience of the Congress,” drawing on interviews with Lewis and approximately 275 others who knew him at various stages of his life, as well as never-before-used FBI files and documents.
Born into poverty in rural Alabama, Lewis would become second only to Martin Luther King, Jr. in his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He was a Freedom Rider who helped to integrate bus stations in the South, a leader of the Nashville sit-in movement, the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, and the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which he made into one of the major civil rights organizations. He may be best remembered as the victim of a vicious beating by Alabama state troopers at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he nearly died.
Greenberg’s biography traces Lewis’s life through the post-Civil Rights years, when he headed the Voter Education Project, which enrolled millions of African American voters across the South. The book reveals the little-known story of his political ascent first locally in Atlanta, and then as a member of Congress. Tapped to be a part of the Democratic leadership in Congress, he earned respect on both sides of the aisle for the sacrifices he had made on behalf of nonviolent integration in the South and came to be known as the “conscience of the Congress.”
Thoroughly researched and dramatically told, Greenberg’s biography captures John Lewis’s influential career through documents from dozens of archives, interviews with hundreds of people who knew Lewis, and long-lost footage of Lewis himself speaking to reporters from his hospital bed following his severe beating on “Bloody Sunday” in Selma. With new details about his personal and professional relationships, John Lewis: A Life is the definitive biography of a man whose heroism during the Civil Rights movement helped to bring America a new birth of freedom.
Born into poverty in rural Alabama, Lewis would become second only to Martin Luther King, Jr. in his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He was a Freedom Rider who helped to integrate bus stations in the South, a leader of the Nashville sit-in movement, the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, and the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which he made into one of the major civil rights organizations. He may be best remembered as the victim of a vicious beating by Alabama state troopers at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he nearly died.
Greenberg’s biography traces Lewis’s life through the post-Civil Rights years, when he headed the Voter Education Project, which enrolled millions of African American voters across the South. The book reveals the little-known story of his political ascent first locally in Atlanta, and then as a member of Congress. Tapped to be a part of the Democratic leadership in Congress, he earned respect on both sides of the aisle for the sacrifices he had made on behalf of nonviolent integration in the South and came to be known as the “conscience of the Congress.”
Thoroughly researched and dramatically told, Greenberg’s biography captures John Lewis’s influential career through documents from dozens of archives, interviews with hundreds of people who knew Lewis, and long-lost footage of Lewis himself speaking to reporters from his hospital bed following his severe beating on “Bloody Sunday” in Selma. With new details about his personal and professional relationships, John Lewis: A Life is the definitive biography of a man whose heroism during the Civil Rights movement helped to bring America a new birth of freedom.
704 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 12, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a copy via LIbrarything giveaway.
If you have read Lewis’ graphic memoir March, you may be wondering why you should this biography. Well, if you are, here’ the answer: Greenberg’s massive biography adds layers to Lewis’ own memoir, giving us not only Lewis’ view of himself, but the way others viewed him.
Greenberg’s prose is engaging. It doesn’t feel like a long book. Even when he is relating events that people should know, such as Selma, he does so that keep the reader engaged. He also makes Lewis, who despite his elder statesmen image always seem approachable, even more approachable.
However, Greenberg, who clearly admires and even loves Lewis, has not written an hagiography. Unlike say, Chernow’s Alexander “Can Do Wrong” Hamilton biography (where he blames Eliza for Hamilton’s affair), Greenberg presents warts. They might not be big warts, but there are warts. Greenberg’s book is largely based on interview not only with Lewis but with people who knew him, even those who had issues or felt a sense of betrayal by some of his actions. This include how Julian Bond felt about Lewis and the 1986 Congressional Election. The fact that Greenberg includes such views is important and gives weight to the biography. Furthermore, Greenberg notes places where Lewis’ memory might have shifted or weakened as well as differences between memories of various people.
The book does mostly focus on Lewis the Civil Rights and public figure. Yet there are touches - there are good descriptions about his marriage as well as his love for shopping and art. The story about Lewis making a driver stop so he could browse a used bookstore speaks to any reader. The fact that Lewis went to Statutory Hall and gave impromptu tours to groups, in particular school children is something that more politicians should aspire to.
The image that Greenberg paints might not be that of a perfect man, but it is one of a principled man who tried to, and did, stay true to his beliefs.
If you have read Lewis’ graphic memoir March, you may be wondering why you should this biography. Well, if you are, here’ the answer: Greenberg’s massive biography adds layers to Lewis’ own memoir, giving us not only Lewis’ view of himself, but the way others viewed him.
Greenberg’s prose is engaging. It doesn’t feel like a long book. Even when he is relating events that people should know, such as Selma, he does so that keep the reader engaged. He also makes Lewis, who despite his elder statesmen image always seem approachable, even more approachable.
However, Greenberg, who clearly admires and even loves Lewis, has not written an hagiography. Unlike say, Chernow’s Alexander “Can Do Wrong” Hamilton biography (where he blames Eliza for Hamilton’s affair), Greenberg presents warts. They might not be big warts, but there are warts. Greenberg’s book is largely based on interview not only with Lewis but with people who knew him, even those who had issues or felt a sense of betrayal by some of his actions. This include how Julian Bond felt about Lewis and the 1986 Congressional Election. The fact that Greenberg includes such views is important and gives weight to the biography. Furthermore, Greenberg notes places where Lewis’ memory might have shifted or weakened as well as differences between memories of various people.
The book does mostly focus on Lewis the Civil Rights and public figure. Yet there are touches - there are good descriptions about his marriage as well as his love for shopping and art. The story about Lewis making a driver stop so he could browse a used bookstore speaks to any reader. The fact that Lewis went to Statutory Hall and gave impromptu tours to groups, in particular school children is something that more politicians should aspire to.
The image that Greenberg paints might not be that of a perfect man, but it is one of a principled man who tried to, and did, stay true to his beliefs.
August 11, 2024
Like many Americans, John Lewis’ casket coming across the Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 2020 evoked tears in me. He was one of the last great leaders of the 1960s civil rights movement to die. With the Black Lives Matter movement in the streets, the baton had been passed to a new generation. I grew up a white Republican in conservative South Carolina and did not knew who John Lewis was until much later in life. I’ve learned to appreciate him deeply and have studied his life in detail through books. I’m glad to add this book to my list. In fact, I continually slowed myself down during the last two chapters because I had to read through tears of appreciation for this great man. I wanted to proceed – such was the strength of David Greenberg’s portrayal – but I also wanted my heart to continue to explore the depths of Lewis’ character. I wanted to carry it into my life today.
This book attempts to create the first great posthumous biography of Lewis’ life. It wants to become “the book” to go to on his life for future historians to plum through. For what my vote is worth, I think it succeeds. Although Lewis’ life was surrounded by politics, its portrayal is relatively balanced and even praises Lewis’ opponents at times. Thus, it avoids potential pitfalls of petty partisanship that make it a reliable account of Lewis’ deep character. I’m grateful for the author’s work and for the many collaborations that made this work possible. I hope it will prove a market success while preserving critical history for the ages.
As long as people struggle against bigotry’s ignorance, the spirit of John Lewis will live on. As long as the paths of nonviolence and love receive priority over raw power, the spirit of John Lewis will triumph. His life deserves 700 pages to chronicle it, and though the time investment is heavy, readers’ spirits will benefit from collaborating with John’s spirit. I could feel his personality – his humor, his dancing, his resolution, his decency – coming through the pages as I sought to learn from his strength. His vision of the “beloved community,” now sadly fading in America’s consciousness, will continue as long as people read this book and those like it.
This book should receive a large, diverse audience among thoughtful citizens. I hope young people, disillusioned with the shortsightedness of some current political leaders, will take the time to read it. I hope college classes and church groups will take the opportunity to meditate on his magnanimity. In a world that seems to quickly diverge instead of converge, I hope this book offers a vision of unity and common humanity that John Lewis represented. And I hope more people will be moved to tears like me because that means that John’s life will continue to teach us all.
This book attempts to create the first great posthumous biography of Lewis’ life. It wants to become “the book” to go to on his life for future historians to plum through. For what my vote is worth, I think it succeeds. Although Lewis’ life was surrounded by politics, its portrayal is relatively balanced and even praises Lewis’ opponents at times. Thus, it avoids potential pitfalls of petty partisanship that make it a reliable account of Lewis’ deep character. I’m grateful for the author’s work and for the many collaborations that made this work possible. I hope it will prove a market success while preserving critical history for the ages.
As long as people struggle against bigotry’s ignorance, the spirit of John Lewis will live on. As long as the paths of nonviolence and love receive priority over raw power, the spirit of John Lewis will triumph. His life deserves 700 pages to chronicle it, and though the time investment is heavy, readers’ spirits will benefit from collaborating with John’s spirit. I could feel his personality – his humor, his dancing, his resolution, his decency – coming through the pages as I sought to learn from his strength. His vision of the “beloved community,” now sadly fading in America’s consciousness, will continue as long as people read this book and those like it.
This book should receive a large, diverse audience among thoughtful citizens. I hope young people, disillusioned with the shortsightedness of some current political leaders, will take the time to read it. I hope college classes and church groups will take the opportunity to meditate on his magnanimity. In a world that seems to quickly diverge instead of converge, I hope this book offers a vision of unity and common humanity that John Lewis represented. And I hope more people will be moved to tears like me because that means that John’s life will continue to teach us all.
May 12, 2024
A thorough, fair, and well-written account of this remarkable man’s life. If you aren’t inspired by reading this, John Lewis would still love you, but you need to do some soul searching.
October 15, 2024
I had read other books about John Lewis, the Congressman, Civil Rights Movement figure, etc. I loved seeing him cosplay himself at a Comic Con (as he also has a graphic novel that tells his story) although obviously he has a storied career and life beyond that and thought it might be interesting to read a biography of him.
This is, as it says on the cover, a biography of his life. From growing up extremely poor and feeding his chickens to growing up, his involvement with the CRM, his political career, etc. If you've read the graphic novel, watched the movie 'Selma' (among other works), you'll have an idea of his story, but obviously this is way more in depth and detailed.
Although this was definitely useful and good for learning more about Lewis that you won't see in either his graphic novel (which is actually a series but I consider them multi-parts for one big story), and understandably so. Stuff like the tensions within the CRM, where maybe there are conflicting accounts due to memories, perceptions, other issues, etc. are also detailed here.
Overall, though, this was really, really boring. It could be that I am not an expert and therefore the knowledge from stuff like his 'March' series and other "light" pop culture versions are enough but this was a slog. Which was disappointing because Lewis had a really fascinating life but I'm not sure Greenberg does genuine justice to its telling. It could also be that as both a journalist and professor, he has a style that just doesn't click with me (I find books written by either often tough to get through, so I was totally unsurprised he was formerly a journalist and is now a professor).
I would recommend it and it is an important part of history. But ultimately if you are a layperson who is only mildly interested and doesn't need all the nitty gritty, you might be fine with reading his graphic novel (March, which is a series) and watching movies like 'Selma'. If you are still interested and want more, though, it certainly would not hurt to pick this up. Would definitely a good purchase if you need it as a reference to have on hand.
This is, as it says on the cover, a biography of his life. From growing up extremely poor and feeding his chickens to growing up, his involvement with the CRM, his political career, etc. If you've read the graphic novel, watched the movie 'Selma' (among other works), you'll have an idea of his story, but obviously this is way more in depth and detailed.
Although this was definitely useful and good for learning more about Lewis that you won't see in either his graphic novel (which is actually a series but I consider them multi-parts for one big story), and understandably so. Stuff like the tensions within the CRM, where maybe there are conflicting accounts due to memories, perceptions, other issues, etc. are also detailed here.
Overall, though, this was really, really boring. It could be that I am not an expert and therefore the knowledge from stuff like his 'March' series and other "light" pop culture versions are enough but this was a slog. Which was disappointing because Lewis had a really fascinating life but I'm not sure Greenberg does genuine justice to its telling. It could also be that as both a journalist and professor, he has a style that just doesn't click with me (I find books written by either often tough to get through, so I was totally unsurprised he was formerly a journalist and is now a professor).
I would recommend it and it is an important part of history. But ultimately if you are a layperson who is only mildly interested and doesn't need all the nitty gritty, you might be fine with reading his graphic novel (March, which is a series) and watching movies like 'Selma'. If you are still interested and want more, though, it certainly would not hurt to pick this up. Would definitely a good purchase if you need it as a reference to have on hand.
October 25, 2024
After reading this masterful account of John Lewis' life, I felt like I knew him. The author beautifully conveyed the commitment of Mr. Lewis to the civil rights movement as one with a sole purpose to create an inclusive benevolent country. Mr. Lewis' courage in harrowing situations ie. jailed and beaten, yet remaining non-violent and forgiving, was remarkable. This book has an optimistic tone as it denotes progress concerning integration and voting rights. I'm so impressed to read that Mr. Lewis was a regular person, but also known as purist leader and the 'conscious' of Congress and other civil organizations that uplift people. I also enjoyed reading about his family and other famous civil rights associates. From reading this account, I can now understand how three presidents viewed him as a very close friend. This book is well written and easy to absorb that I just want to keep reading about this incredible man. Truly a masterpiece.
October 10, 2024
You can also see this review, along with others I have written, at my new blog, Mr. Book's Book Reviews.
Thank you Simon & Shuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished John Lewis, by David Greenberg.
The book does an excellent job tracing Lewis’s entire career. The author had access to Lewis, as well interviewing about 250 people who knew him. Greenberg also obtained valuable FBI files and documents while researching this book. It is an extremely thorough look at Lewis’s entire life.
One of the many highlights of the book was the discussion on the march on Washington in 1963. There was plenty of good information on what was going on behind the scenes and of all of the preparations. Lewis was the youngest speaker at the event, which of course included King’s I Had a Dream speech. The book’s treatment of the march on Montgomery, which included the infamous incident of Lewis being beaten in Selma, was also excellent.
One of the great things about history books is all of the little tidbits that one learns throughout the book. One good example from this book was the Johnson administration had invited Lewis to attend the signing ceremony for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But, Lewis turned them down, since he was too busy with his work in Mississippi, as part of the Freedom Summer, at the time.
The book gives good coverage of Lewis’s relationships with people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Julian Bond and Bill Clinton. And speaking of Clinton, the book’s discussion of Lewis switching his support from Hillary to Obama was another one of its very many strengths.
Prior to reading this book, I had read two of this author’s previous books. I gave each one of them A’s. But, this one outperformed the others It got an A+, which means I have inducted it into my Hall of Fame. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
After I finished this book, I also preordered the audiobook version so I will be able to enjoy it again when it is released on October 8 (same date as the print and Kindle versions).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews.
Mr. Book originally finished reading this on June 5, 2024.
Thank you Simon & Shuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished John Lewis, by David Greenberg.
The book does an excellent job tracing Lewis’s entire career. The author had access to Lewis, as well interviewing about 250 people who knew him. Greenberg also obtained valuable FBI files and documents while researching this book. It is an extremely thorough look at Lewis’s entire life.
One of the many highlights of the book was the discussion on the march on Washington in 1963. There was plenty of good information on what was going on behind the scenes and of all of the preparations. Lewis was the youngest speaker at the event, which of course included King’s I Had a Dream speech. The book’s treatment of the march on Montgomery, which included the infamous incident of Lewis being beaten in Selma, was also excellent.
One of the great things about history books is all of the little tidbits that one learns throughout the book. One good example from this book was the Johnson administration had invited Lewis to attend the signing ceremony for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But, Lewis turned them down, since he was too busy with his work in Mississippi, as part of the Freedom Summer, at the time.
The book gives good coverage of Lewis’s relationships with people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Julian Bond and Bill Clinton. And speaking of Clinton, the book’s discussion of Lewis switching his support from Hillary to Obama was another one of its very many strengths.
Prior to reading this book, I had read two of this author’s previous books. I gave each one of them A’s. But, this one outperformed the others It got an A+, which means I have inducted it into my Hall of Fame. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
After I finished this book, I also preordered the audiobook version so I will be able to enjoy it again when it is released on October 8 (same date as the print and Kindle versions).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews.
Mr. Book originally finished reading this on June 5, 2024.
October 8, 2024
Summary: How do you summarize a life like John Lewis'?
I am not new to the story of John Lewis, but this was the first full-length biography I have read about John Lewis. I have previously read the graphic novels (The March Trilogy and Run) and the short biography by Jon Meacham, as well as watching the documentary Good Trouble. And Lewis figures prominently in many biographies, memoirs, and Civil Rights era histories. But I had not read a full-length biography.
David Greenberg has previously written biographies of Nixon and Coolidge and two books about the presidency. This is a biography that used hundreds of interviews and personal papers. And I think perhaps most interesting to me is that the biography was only half finished when Lewis was ousted from SNCC. The main difference is that everything I have previously watched or read primarily focused on Lewis' early civil rights work prior to leaving SNCC.
Part of what has always previously struck me about Lewis was how young he was when he was thrust into leadership. He was a leader of the Nashville Student Movement before he was 20. He was one of the speakers at the 1963 March on Washington when he was 23. Stokley Carmichael replaced him as chairman of SNCC when Lewis was 26. Everything I had previously read about Lewis was how his orientation toward a belief in nonviolence as a principle, not just a strategy paired with his maturity as a young man. He was not inclined to date or drink or parties, but he did draw people to him.
That early fame did not just lead to an easy later life. He successfully led the Voter Education Project for seven years. Under his leadership, VEP registered more than 4 million people. He also served for short periods for a foundation and then in the Carter administration supervising the VISTA program. Eventually, he moved back to Atlanta after a time in New York and Washington DC.
A bit over two years after leaving SNCC Lewis married Lillian Miles. Lillian was a librarian and an important figure in his later life. But they spent significant time apart. Lewis was used to traveling with his work for SNCC and continued to travel for his various jobs. In 1977, Lewis first ran for Congress but lost the primary. Over the next year, there were many changes. He had resigned from the VEP to run for Congress. The couple had adopted a son in May 1976. In June, he was offered a job as Associate Director for ACTION, an umbrella agency that included Peace Corps, VISTA, and other programs. In July he was confirmed by the Senate. Lillian and their son did not move to Washington DC with him.
Lewis did not agree with Carter on many issues and resigned before the end of Carter's term and ran for Atlanta city council. The city council job was officially part-time with part-time pay. And they lived mostly on Lillian's salary as a librarian. Lewis served in the city council for seven years, primarily acting as a conscious against corruption and against development projects that would break apart communities. This included opposition to the original plans for the Carter Center.
In 1986, Lewis again ran for the 5th Congressional District, this time against Julian Bond, one of his friends from SNCC days. That was a brutal campaign, one that split the friends for the rest of their lives. But Lewis won and served the rest of his life in Congress rising to senior leadership within the Democratic delegation.
Part of what I appreciate is that while Lewis is honored in the book, he is not lionized inappropriately. He had weaknesses. He maintained his position as conscious of Congress, he took difficult stands, and not all of them were wise stands looking back on history. He had weaknesses as a leader and manager. But he was not prone to some of the ways that leadership, power, and money tend to become a problem for many. He was still largely an everyman, even as his fame grew in later years.
The March Trilogy and earlier books that he worked on (usually with a secondary author who primarily did the writing) increased his fame. Because so many civil rights era figures passed away young, either from violence or health issues that were often impacted by stress and violence, Lewis became not just a figure of history for the civil rights movement, but also a visible symbol of the movement. Lewis' work to commemorate the Selma March, including bringing annual delegations from Congress to the march, and his work to get the African American History Museum approved and built were some of the most significant work he did while in Congress. Lewis used his history to remind Congress and the country of the struggle for equality that was not so long ago.
I think the most significant weakness of the book was a lack of attention to his faith and the way it shaped his life and thinking. Greenberg does not ignore Lewis' faith, but it isn't a significant theme of the book. I think Lewis would be a good subject for Eerdman's Library of Religious Biography series.
This review was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/john-lewis/
I am not new to the story of John Lewis, but this was the first full-length biography I have read about John Lewis. I have previously read the graphic novels (The March Trilogy and Run) and the short biography by Jon Meacham, as well as watching the documentary Good Trouble. And Lewis figures prominently in many biographies, memoirs, and Civil Rights era histories. But I had not read a full-length biography.
David Greenberg has previously written biographies of Nixon and Coolidge and two books about the presidency. This is a biography that used hundreds of interviews and personal papers. And I think perhaps most interesting to me is that the biography was only half finished when Lewis was ousted from SNCC. The main difference is that everything I have previously watched or read primarily focused on Lewis' early civil rights work prior to leaving SNCC.
"Lews found himself, at age 26, with no job, unmarried and unsure what to do with his life. The movement to which he had devoted his adult life was veering away from the ideals that had animated it. To remain in the struggle, he would have to find another path."
Part of what has always previously struck me about Lewis was how young he was when he was thrust into leadership. He was a leader of the Nashville Student Movement before he was 20. He was one of the speakers at the 1963 March on Washington when he was 23. Stokley Carmichael replaced him as chairman of SNCC when Lewis was 26. Everything I had previously read about Lewis was how his orientation toward a belief in nonviolence as a principle, not just a strategy paired with his maturity as a young man. He was not inclined to date or drink or parties, but he did draw people to him.
That early fame did not just lead to an easy later life. He successfully led the Voter Education Project for seven years. Under his leadership, VEP registered more than 4 million people. He also served for short periods for a foundation and then in the Carter administration supervising the VISTA program. Eventually, he moved back to Atlanta after a time in New York and Washington DC.
A bit over two years after leaving SNCC Lewis married Lillian Miles. Lillian was a librarian and an important figure in his later life. But they spent significant time apart. Lewis was used to traveling with his work for SNCC and continued to travel for his various jobs. In 1977, Lewis first ran for Congress but lost the primary. Over the next year, there were many changes. He had resigned from the VEP to run for Congress. The couple had adopted a son in May 1976. In June, he was offered a job as Associate Director for ACTION, an umbrella agency that included Peace Corps, VISTA, and other programs. In July he was confirmed by the Senate. Lillian and their son did not move to Washington DC with him.
Lewis did not agree with Carter on many issues and resigned before the end of Carter's term and ran for Atlanta city council. The city council job was officially part-time with part-time pay. And they lived mostly on Lillian's salary as a librarian. Lewis served in the city council for seven years, primarily acting as a conscious against corruption and against development projects that would break apart communities. This included opposition to the original plans for the Carter Center.
In 1986, Lewis again ran for the 5th Congressional District, this time against Julian Bond, one of his friends from SNCC days. That was a brutal campaign, one that split the friends for the rest of their lives. But Lewis won and served the rest of his life in Congress rising to senior leadership within the Democratic delegation.
Part of what I appreciate is that while Lewis is honored in the book, he is not lionized inappropriately. He had weaknesses. He maintained his position as conscious of Congress, he took difficult stands, and not all of them were wise stands looking back on history. He had weaknesses as a leader and manager. But he was not prone to some of the ways that leadership, power, and money tend to become a problem for many. He was still largely an everyman, even as his fame grew in later years.
The March Trilogy and earlier books that he worked on (usually with a secondary author who primarily did the writing) increased his fame. Because so many civil rights era figures passed away young, either from violence or health issues that were often impacted by stress and violence, Lewis became not just a figure of history for the civil rights movement, but also a visible symbol of the movement. Lewis' work to commemorate the Selma March, including bringing annual delegations from Congress to the march, and his work to get the African American History Museum approved and built were some of the most significant work he did while in Congress. Lewis used his history to remind Congress and the country of the struggle for equality that was not so long ago.
I think the most significant weakness of the book was a lack of attention to his faith and the way it shaped his life and thinking. Greenberg does not ignore Lewis' faith, but it isn't a significant theme of the book. I think Lewis would be a good subject for Eerdman's Library of Religious Biography series.
This review was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/john-lewis/
October 29, 2024
John Lewis is a treasure to humanity.
If you're knowledgeable about his accomplishments, the book will help you appreciate the strength and authenticity of the man.
If you're not familiar with Lewis, this book is a great opportunity to meet a remarkable leader who has shaped history.
Well written and well researched. Mr. Greenberg, you had a difficult task in writing this book and doing justice to such an amazing man. You certainly rose to the occasion!
If you're knowledgeable about his accomplishments, the book will help you appreciate the strength and authenticity of the man.
If you're not familiar with Lewis, this book is a great opportunity to meet a remarkable leader who has shaped history.
Well written and well researched. Mr. Greenberg, you had a difficult task in writing this book and doing justice to such an amazing man. You certainly rose to the occasion!
November 5, 2024
Lot's of background information to famous civil rights battles in American history provided by David Greenberg's John Lewis, a life. Lewis was so young during the protests; the sit-ins, bus rides, and marching years, his story is sometimes awash in the stories of others like Martin Luther King Jr. The second half of the book covers his long congressional career and his role in many causes and the renewal of the voting rights act.
November 4, 2024
A life of good trouble.
November 15, 2024
At first I was intimidated by the length of this biography, but every day I looked forward to learning more about this inspirational man and his struggle to realize the Beloved Community. We need it now more than ever.
October 20, 2024
Born in Alabama in 1940, John Robert Lewis was descended from a line of slaves and sharecroppers. Despite the abolishment of slavery 75 years before, the plight of the African-American men and women continued in the Deep South. Lewis was determined from an early age not to live in the poverty-stricken backwaters of the South. He was well-read and particularly enjoyed reading the Bible. While his family toiled the land to make ends meet, Lewis would be more inclined to have his face buried in a book and acquire whatever knowledge he could.
The Civil Rights movement had begun in earnest as Lewis left home to attend seminary school in Nashville. Despite Nashville being considered a more progressive-minded city than its Southern neighbors, there were still certain facilities (such as lunch counters and stores) that clung to the restrictive practice of segregation. Lewis would become involved with the Nashville Christian Leadership Council, where the utilization of sit-ins and other methods of nonviolent resistance would help publicize the push for desegregation of the targeted locales. For his work, he would take his lumps, along with the occasional arrest and resulting stint in jail.
By the 1960s, Lewis was becoming a known presence in the various integration campaigns. He was a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and participated in the Freedom Rides, which attempted to integrate the bus companies operating down South. Lewis and his associates would be met with merciless attacks at the hands of violent mobs, but the backlash didn’t deter his spirit. The violence meted out by racist citizens and law enforcement shocked the conscience of the nation.
Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr. and others knew they were making strides for progress but understood that change needed to come through Washington, DC. They would stress the need for sweeping civil rights legislation to John F. Kennedy and his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson. Protecting the African-American vote would emerge as a paramount concern, especially after a fateful march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. The Voting Rights Act was the direct result.
Lewis didn’t relinquish his desire to fight the good fight when his time ended with the SNCC. His powerful voice and impeccable character led to his being asked to serve on a committee for President Jimmy Carter. The political bug resulted in him running for Atlanta City Council and would push him to run for Congress in 1986. He served with distinction for over 30 years.
John Lewis was born into a world where he refused to accept the way things were. Throughout the balance of his 80 years, he spoke out for the underdog. He possessed the heart of a lion, the mind of a precocious pupil and the sonorous voice of a revivalist preacher. Lewis was a remarkable man who was knocked down physically but never spiritually in the most trying of times.
With JOHN LEWIS: A Life, David Greenberg has written a comprehensive and moving account of the life and times of a trailblazer in the Civil Rights movement and a persistent advocate for change. This is an important biography of an icon and a force of nature in politics and history that should be on everyone’s reading list.
Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro
The Civil Rights movement had begun in earnest as Lewis left home to attend seminary school in Nashville. Despite Nashville being considered a more progressive-minded city than its Southern neighbors, there were still certain facilities (such as lunch counters and stores) that clung to the restrictive practice of segregation. Lewis would become involved with the Nashville Christian Leadership Council, where the utilization of sit-ins and other methods of nonviolent resistance would help publicize the push for desegregation of the targeted locales. For his work, he would take his lumps, along with the occasional arrest and resulting stint in jail.
By the 1960s, Lewis was becoming a known presence in the various integration campaigns. He was a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and participated in the Freedom Rides, which attempted to integrate the bus companies operating down South. Lewis and his associates would be met with merciless attacks at the hands of violent mobs, but the backlash didn’t deter his spirit. The violence meted out by racist citizens and law enforcement shocked the conscience of the nation.
Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr. and others knew they were making strides for progress but understood that change needed to come through Washington, DC. They would stress the need for sweeping civil rights legislation to John F. Kennedy and his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson. Protecting the African-American vote would emerge as a paramount concern, especially after a fateful march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. The Voting Rights Act was the direct result.
Lewis didn’t relinquish his desire to fight the good fight when his time ended with the SNCC. His powerful voice and impeccable character led to his being asked to serve on a committee for President Jimmy Carter. The political bug resulted in him running for Atlanta City Council and would push him to run for Congress in 1986. He served with distinction for over 30 years.
John Lewis was born into a world where he refused to accept the way things were. Throughout the balance of his 80 years, he spoke out for the underdog. He possessed the heart of a lion, the mind of a precocious pupil and the sonorous voice of a revivalist preacher. Lewis was a remarkable man who was knocked down physically but never spiritually in the most trying of times.
With JOHN LEWIS: A Life, David Greenberg has written a comprehensive and moving account of the life and times of a trailblazer in the Civil Rights movement and a persistent advocate for change. This is an important biography of an icon and a force of nature in politics and history that should be on everyone’s reading list.
Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro
October 29, 2024
I give the book 4.75 stars. I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I have really liked John Lewis from when I learned about him. However, I don't remember learning about him as a young person. I have always been fascinated by the civil rights movement.
I am a gen xer. I grew up learning about Martin Luther King. I remember thinking how indebted we should be to him. After reading this book, I feel John Lewis did so MUCH for this nation. I really believe everyone needs to be educated on John Lewis.
This was probably the longest book I have ever read. It took me about 3 weeks to read it. I always wanted to keep reading this book. This book is more than a book on John Lewis. This is a book on civil rights, politics, presidents, illness, perseverance, history, racism, current politics, and so much more.
This is the book to read if you want to learn more about Nixon, Reagan, Carter, Bush, Obama. Trump, Biden, Pelosi, Marin Luther King, Israel, Palestine, student protests, and so MUCH more.
The book has so MUCH information. Part of me wanted it to be two books ( and part of me was glad it was one). There is so much information in the book. I don't think you could take any information out. The chapters are long. Again, I don't know if it would have worked if they were shorter
The book shows the human side to John Lewis ( and other figures). I really felt I got to know him reading this book. It doesn't make anyone perfect. We all are human.
I think this book should be a required reading for an American history ( college) class. I do hope a movie is made from this book ( even though I know it will have to leave a lot out).
I am so thankful to the author for writing the book. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to read this book. I would really like to see the author on a book tour.
I am a gen xer. I grew up learning about Martin Luther King. I remember thinking how indebted we should be to him. After reading this book, I feel John Lewis did so MUCH for this nation. I really believe everyone needs to be educated on John Lewis.
This was probably the longest book I have ever read. It took me about 3 weeks to read it. I always wanted to keep reading this book. This book is more than a book on John Lewis. This is a book on civil rights, politics, presidents, illness, perseverance, history, racism, current politics, and so much more.
This is the book to read if you want to learn more about Nixon, Reagan, Carter, Bush, Obama. Trump, Biden, Pelosi, Marin Luther King, Israel, Palestine, student protests, and so MUCH more.
The book has so MUCH information. Part of me wanted it to be two books ( and part of me was glad it was one). There is so much information in the book. I don't think you could take any information out. The chapters are long. Again, I don't know if it would have worked if they were shorter
The book shows the human side to John Lewis ( and other figures). I really felt I got to know him reading this book. It doesn't make anyone perfect. We all are human.
I think this book should be a required reading for an American history ( college) class. I do hope a movie is made from this book ( even though I know it will have to leave a lot out).
I am so thankful to the author for writing the book. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to read this book. I would really like to see the author on a book tour.
November 11, 2024
John Lewis had an unshakeable moral center. He faced hate and did not hate back. He was beaten and he forgave. He did not back down and he did not strike back. Most of all, over his entire life, he never gave up the fight for equality and freedom.
I knew the stories, but reading them this time was different. Because hate never dies, it reemerges in new forms. The battle for freedom is never done. Democracy is never achieved, but must be continually renewed.
With the reelection of Donald Trump, Americans will have choices to make. Acquiesce to power, or stand up for our values. And John Lewis is the most powerful example of how to do it.
To his dying day, Lewis believed in nonviolent resistance. He knew the fight was ongoing.
That a poor, unworldly kid from a small Southern town, early found his soul’s purpose and rose to become the “conscious of the congress,” is a remarkable story. An essential story.
If you read only one biography this year, make it this one.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book.
I knew the stories, but reading them this time was different. Because hate never dies, it reemerges in new forms. The battle for freedom is never done. Democracy is never achieved, but must be continually renewed.
With the reelection of Donald Trump, Americans will have choices to make. Acquiesce to power, or stand up for our values. And John Lewis is the most powerful example of how to do it.
To his dying day, Lewis believed in nonviolent resistance. He knew the fight was ongoing.
That a poor, unworldly kid from a small Southern town, early found his soul’s purpose and rose to become the “conscious of the congress,” is a remarkable story. An essential story.
If you read only one biography this year, make it this one.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book.
November 24, 2024
I’ll admit I knew limited details about John Lewis’ life outside of him marching in Selma and being a Congressman. This book provides a detailed retelling of Lewis’ life, his passion for humanity and equality, and his strength in the face of adversity.
The book is intimidating with the length, but each chapter progressively captivated and reminded me of the parallels between Lewis’ fight 60 years ago and the fight today. There are scenes early in the book that are difficult to read because of heart-wrenching they are, but they are critical for understanding how extreme the fight was. I teared up reading those details, but I was crying as I read about Lewis’ fight against cancer and his death. Even though I knew didn’t survive I found myself wishing he would win, to help in today’s fight.
This is a great book for anyone who would like to read more about John Lewis, learn more about the civil rights movement, or learn more about recent US history.
The book is intimidating with the length, but each chapter progressively captivated and reminded me of the parallels between Lewis’ fight 60 years ago and the fight today. There are scenes early in the book that are difficult to read because of heart-wrenching they are, but they are critical for understanding how extreme the fight was. I teared up reading those details, but I was crying as I read about Lewis’ fight against cancer and his death. Even though I knew didn’t survive I found myself wishing he would win, to help in today’s fight.
This is a great book for anyone who would like to read more about John Lewis, learn more about the civil rights movement, or learn more about recent US history.
October 30, 2024
I have always held John Lewis in great regard. I would listen to his speeches and marvel at his ability to hold attention without doing much physically, but with depth and meaning. Greenbergs account is a wonderful journey through Mr. Lewis’ life and pulls back the curtain to reveal even more layers that John may have hesitated to share with us. This is essential reading in regards to American history. Lewis was a true American hero and activist. His life and accomplishments deserve to be studied and shared for generations to come.
November 2, 2024
This man grew up a sharecropper's son in Georgia. He is best known for crossing the bridge in Selma and getting beat up by the police. John recited the famous poem Invictus all through his life when he faced something difficult. He was a hero. The author has done a massive amount of research on this one, and it is well worth reading.
November 10, 2024
David Greenberg’s “John Lewis:A Life” honors the life of John Lewis, the humble lion of the Civil Rights era. Detailed and rich, it paints the picture of an imperfect but powerful force for good. It’s a well-paced read, thoughtful and absorbing. You come away knowing Lewis better and you’re better for it.
October 20, 2024
interesting man, book wayyy to detailed and long
October 22, 2024
Engaging read!
Read
October 25, 2024Life a true America hero.
Read
October 28, 2024Worked as a research assistant on this and read a manuscript prior to publication. Dates are estimated.
October 31, 2024
An engrossing read of a fascinating and admirable life.
November 24, 2024
“Because of you, John”
- President Barack Obama, January 20th 2009
- President Barack Obama, January 20th 2009
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