Bookworm's Reviews > John Lewis: A Life

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.