Blood Brothers

The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X

De: Randy Roberts, Johnny Smith

Narrado por: David Drummond

An “engrossing and important book" (Wall Street Journal) that brings to life the fateful friendship between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali

In 1962, boxing writers and fans considered Cassius Clay an obnoxious self-promoter, and few believed that he would become the heavyweight champion of the world. But Malcolm X, the most famous minister in the Nation of Islam, saw the potential in Clay, not just for boxing greatness, but as a means of spreading the Nation’s message. The two became fast friends, keeping their interactions secret from the press for fear of jeopardizing Clay’s career. Clay began living a double life—a patriotic “good negro” in public, and a radical reformer behind the scenes. Soon, however, their friendship would sour, with disastrous and far-reaching consequences.

Based on previously untapped sources, from Malcolm’s personal papers to FBI records, Blood Brothers is the first book to offer an in-depth portrait of this complex bond. An extraordinary narrative of love and deep affection, as well as deceit, betrayal, and violence, this story is a window into the public and private lives of two of our greatest national icons, and the tumultuous period in American history that they helped to shape.

©2016 Randy Roberts and John Matthew Smith (P)2023 Basic Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

Winner of the 2017 North American Society for Sport History Book Award

"[An] absorbing and provocative new book... An engrossing and important book."—David Margolick, Wall Street Journal

"A rigorously researched book that gracefully pivots between the world of the ring and the racial politics of the early '60s."—New York Times Book Review

"Earnest and...smartly constructed."—Washington Post

Disagree with the author

I have recently begun reading about Malcolm X and i dont think this book portrays Malcolm in a postiive light. The author states that Malcolm wanted to be the leader of the NOI and i dont believe that to be true, another disagreement I have is that in the epilogue the author states that Malcolm wanted to be centerstage. I think the camera looked for Malcolm X, i believe Malcolm was a humble man and wanted the truth to be known.

Very educational

There were times, when I didn’t love the personification of Malcom X in the book because it’s a bit different than what’s in his autobiography. I know that autobiographies can be biased by their nature, but the Malcom one feels very genuine and powerful. But the more I listened, the more I realized that the stories in this book add to the legacy of Malcom because it conveys a vulnerability that might not always come through in the autobiography.

As a bit of personal input, I don’t think Clay/Ali deserved Malcom, but that’s just my own opinion.

If you’re a fan of either man, I think it’s well worth your time.

Great Insight

Great insight and background it really dug deep inside their complicated relationship. I learned a lot.

BORING NARRATOR+NECESSARY STORY=READ IT YOURSELF.

The narrator makes a big difference. This man sounds Caucasian, therefore does not yave the black "twang" that this book needs so bad, he also can not say certain words and I cringe hearing him trying to avoid doing so. He sounds more like he is reading a stale magazine article than an exciting, informative, and passionate book that is vital to drawing out the trie story of the 2 biggest, influential black men of the 20th century. No infliction in his voice, excitement, or natural comfortable candor that this audible book most definitely needs. Amazing, informative, and necessary book, wish I read it myself. That's what I get for being lazy.