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Assata: An Autobiography Paperback – November 1, 2001

4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 4,447 ratings

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On May 2, 1973, Black Panther Assata Shakur (aka JoAnne Chesimard) lay in a hospital, close to death, handcuffed to her bed, while local, state, and federal police attempted to question her about the shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that had claimed the life of a white state trooper. Long a target of J. Edgar Hoover's campaign to defame, infiltrate, and criminalize Black nationalist organizations and their leaders, Shakur was incarcerated for four years prior to her conviction on flimsy evidence in 1977 as an accomplice to murder.

 

This intensely personal and political autobiography belies the fearsome image of JoAnne Chesimard long projected by the media and the state. With wit and candor, Assata Shakur recounts the experiences that led her to a life of activism and portrays the strengths, weaknesses, and eventual demise of Black and White revolutionary groups at the hand of government officials. The result is a signal contribution to the literature about growing up Black in America that has already taken its place alongside The Autobiography of Malcolm X and the works of Maya Angelou.

Two years after her conviction, Assata Shakur escaped from prison. She was given political asylum by Cuba, where she now resides.
 

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A deftly written book . . . A spellbinding tale."  —The New York Times Book Review

"A sober, restrained, but forceful recollection. . . . A must book for those interested in the 'revolutionaries' of the 1960s" —
Choice

"A compelling tale of the impact of white racism on a sensitive and powerful young black woman." —
Library Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lawrence Hill Books; First Edition (November 1, 2001)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1556520743
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1556520747
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.12 x 0.67 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 4,447 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4,447 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and engaging. They appreciate the author's insightful and unique perspective on aspects of the movement. The story is described as inspirational and a must-read for readers. Readers praise the writing style as well-written, with intentional punctuation, spelling, and grammar. They highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of the strong freedom fighter. The emotional content is described as touching, heartwarming, and tear-jerking. The pacing is described as engaging and hooking from the start.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

267 customers mention "Readability"267 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and interesting. They describe the life story as educational and emotional, with solid ideas. The author blends her life experience with history, poetry, and reflections.

"...Assata lived a very interesting life, much different than the majority of us, and she told her story in an uncomplicated and intriguing manner...." Read more

"Listened to this audiobook for my AAMS class. It was a beautiful story and very moving...." Read more

"...Her strength and resilience is remarkable and her story is powerful...." Read more

"Wonderful book." Read more

104 customers mention "Insight"100 positive4 negative

Customers find the book insightful and poignant. They describe it as an engaging read that provides a unique perspective on Assata Shakur's journey. The book is informative, enlightening, and an eye-opener for readers.

"...I absolutely love her toughness, her mindset and her ability to think for herself...." Read more

"...It was a beautiful story and very moving. I didn't know much about the Black Panther Party before, but this book showed me so much about the movement." Read more

"A great book. A mind shifter in the best way possible." Read more

"Written more than 30 years ago, it is a travesty how topical and timely Ms. Sharkur's words seem in 2015...." Read more

67 customers mention "Inspirational story"67 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and engaging. They describe it as an incredible account of Assata Shakur's life, alternating between stories of her childhood and inhumane treatment by police. Readers appreciate the author's honesty and the interjection of related poetry that makes the story come alive.

"...It is a simple no-nonsense telling of what her life was like in the Black urban areas of New York as a child, how she became the pro-Black woman..." Read more

"...this book offers a powerful blend of historical analysis, personal narrative, and critical insights...." Read more

"The book is knowledgeable about her life. The reading jumps back and forth from childhood to adulthood." Read more

"...I do consider her an icon who had bravery, compassion, and dedication. Her place in Black History cannot be denied...." Read more

29 customers mention "Writing style"29 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing style. They find it well-written, easy to read, and informative. The punctuation, spelling, and grammar are all intentional. Readers appreciate the author's honest tone and conviction. They also value the clear, engaging, and heartfelt way the author expresses her views.

"Assata Shakur writing style is vivid and accessible to anyone. The details of her case as provided are engulfing and nearly unbelievable...." Read more

"...Her punctuation, spelling, and grammar were all intentional. The insertion of poetry provided the theme to a most challenging story...." Read more

"The way this book was written is like no other. So captivating. Left me wanting more. The book also arrived in great condition and no pages fell out." Read more

"...The tone is very honest and I learned a lot from her experience with the prison and court system, as well as her vision for liberation" Read more

22 customers mention "Resilience"22 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's focus on resilience and resourcefulness. They find it a powerful account of a true survivor and freedom fighter. Readers praise the author's courage and say the book is one of the toughest they've read.

"...I absolutely love her toughness, her mindset and her ability to think for herself...." Read more

"...Her strength and resilience is remarkable and her story is powerful...." Read more

"...perspectives, sheds light on systemic injustices, and highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of marginalized communities...." Read more

"...The injustices she endured are heartbreaking, but her unbreakable spirit and her resilience give hope for the future...." Read more

14 customers mention "Emotional content"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotional and touching. They say it's a story of pain, love, resilience, strength, and triumph. Readers feel Assata's courage and heroism, as well as her struggle.

"...From her narrative, I do consider her an icon who had bravery, compassion, and dedication. Her place in Black History cannot be denied...." Read more

"Her life story was very educational and emotional. I liked the rawness of her story. At times this book was hard to read due to how she was treated...." Read more

"...You can hear how compassionate and intelligent she is, and how incredibly optimistic she is despite so many terrifying experiences...." Read more

"This is one of toughest boos I ever read. It was very emotionally for this amazing black woman of her struggle...." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it engaging and heartfelt, hooked from the start. The book is described as amazing, frustrating, insightful, and relevant to current events.

"...It is introspective, heartfelt, frustrating and insightful...." Read more

"...Assata writes in such a clear, engaging and heartfelt manner. Five stars. One of the best books I have ever read!" Read more

"...One of the best books I’ve ever read. Depressingly, horrifyingly relevant to now." Read more

"I absolutely loved this book. Assata is simply amazing. I dint know what drew me to this book, but I'm beyond happy I read it...." Read more

16 customers mention "Racism"11 positive5 negative

Customers have different views on the book's racism. Some find it sheds light on systemic injustices and highlights resilience. They describe the life story as a poignant critique of American society, rooted in her personal experience. Others feel that racism is still alive and well, and the book exposes racial injustice in America.

"...It challenges conventional perspectives, sheds light on systemic injustices, and highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of marginalized..." Read more

"...I now know more about my history and the truth about the corruption in this country...." Read more

"...I believe that yes society has change, I also believe that racism is still alive and well...." Read more

"...Assata is an amazing Black woman. I am grateful she is safe in Cuba." Read more

A Black Female who took a stand to fight against White Supremacy Racism. This book should be read by all young black children.
5 out of 5 stars
A Black Female who took a stand to fight against White Supremacy Racism. This book should be read by all young black children.
This book is a must read for anyone who is studying how the System of Racism White Supremacy operates. Assata is a Sheroe to black people. Assata’s activities in the struggle for Black Liberation and to neautralize the System of Racism, naturally made her an enemy to white people. It is interesting that for all the lip service that is given to blacks by white people on forgiving whites who practice Racism White Supremacy on blacks, the white collective has not to this day forgiving Assata, who they attempted to murder on the New Jersey Turnpike. They relentlessly and obsessively continue to hunt Assata and call her a cop killer, when it was the Racist cops that were attempting to kill her and her comrades, like they have done to many, many black people throughout history. Assata is a strong black female that decided to accept her earthly assignment to try and produce Justice in an unjust world. I highly recommend this book to young black people who are seeking to gain a better understanding of of the world that they have been born into. The problems Assata faced as young black female growing up, is still being experienced to this present day 2018 by all black people.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2016
    The quality of biographies and autobiographies is largely dependent upon the life lived by the individual and how the story is told. Someone could have lived a full and exciting life but tell about it in a drab, dull way. Whereas someone could have lived a mundane, boring life but narrated it in a colorful and interesting way.

    Assata lived a very interesting life, much different than the majority of us, and she told her story in an uncomplicated and intriguing manner. I had never heard of Assata Shakur until I saw her named mentioned in another book I was reading. Now I'm quite upset that I didn't know about her sooner or that I hadn't read her story when I was younger.

    Assata's simple yet powerful story of her life in New York as a young woman searching for a way to best serve her people is amazing. I absolutely love her toughness, her mindset and her ability to think for herself. Although she joined the Black Panther Party she was not hesitant to point out its flaws and what they needed to do to improve. She took a critical thinking approach to everything she did though her actions weren't completely devoid of emotion.

    What happened to her as an adult is eerily similar to what happened to so many other freedom fighters/Black activists in the 60's and 70's: they were either killed or imprisoned. Fortunately, she wasn't killed though it wasn't for lack of trying. That night of May 2, 1973 had death sentence written all over it. But she survived and fought one legal battle after the next until the system finally succeeded in putting her away. It was a matter of: "we have the resources and the means and you do not."

    Assata was an amazing woman and it literally radiates from the pages. And she tells her story in a straightforward way. She's not trying to exhibit how much she knows or even how much she's done. It is not a verbose book with $10 words in there to wow the reader. It is a simple no-nonsense telling of what her life was like in the Black urban areas of New York as a child, how she became the pro-Black woman she became and how a system of institutionalized racism ran her over with their 20 ton train.

    She conspicuously and wisely omits a lot of names and details when it comes to some of her movements and meetings during her Panther days and, of course, of her escape from prison. Still, you learn all you need to know about Assata and the powers that she was up against. But she named herself Assata Olugbala Shakur for a reason:

    "Assata means 'She who struggles,' Olugbala means 'Love for the people,' ...Shakur means 'the thankful.'" I would say that she embodied all of that and I'M thankful she lived the life she lived, told the story she told and I'm thankful I got a chance to read and appreciate it.
    118 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
    Listened to this audiobook for my AAMS class. It was a beautiful story and very moving. I didn't know much about the Black Panther Party before, but this book showed me so much about the movement.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
    I didn’t know very much about Asiata Shakur and I’m glad I picked this up to read. Her strength and resilience is remarkable and her story is powerful. Reading her story, the retelling of the awful way she was treated and tortured by the police, the unabashed racism of the judges and prosecutors, made my blood boil.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
    Wonderful book.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
    This book shows how evil the government and its institutions can be, they have used all their powers to go after black peoples
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024
    A great book. A mind shifter in the best way possible.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    The author’s life story presents a poignant critique of American society, rooted in her personal experiences and historical analysis. Her narrative illuminates the systemic oppression faced by African Americans and the mechanisms used to perpetuate it. One striking example is found on page 116, where she provides evidence of how enslaved African Americans were encouraged to direct their frustrations and suffering toward one another rather than their oppressors. This manipulation served to maintain the status quo and suppress rebellion, a chilling reminder of the calculated cruelty of the system of slavery.

    Reading her story makes it evident that the flaws of the American justice system have remained consistent from its inception to the present day. Her detailed examination highlights the persistent inequities and systemic biases that continue to plague the judicial system.

    A particularly compelling argument she makes is that the Civil War, often portrayed as a moral crusade to end slavery, was in fact driven by economics and capitalism. She asserts that the free states had significant economic advantages over slave states, making the war less about moral principles and more about competing economic systems. This perspective challenges traditional narratives and invites readers to reconsider the true motivations behind historical events.

    Her critique of the education system in the 1960s remains relevant today. She observes that many principals and teachers were caught up in bureaucratic red tape, which stifled meaningful education and progress. This insight continues to resonate, as many educators today still grapple with similar institutional barriers.

    The author also sheds light on the role of grassroots organizations in addressing the needs of marginalized communities. She highlights how these groups, often born out of necessity, provided essential services that the government failed to deliver. However, she also reveals the extent to which those in power went to undermine and destroy organizations like the Black Panther Party. Her analysis of the inner workings of the Black Panther Party offers invaluable insights into the organization’s rise and eventual downfall.

    Despite its many strengths, the book does have some notable weaknesses. It lacks sufficient detail about key moments, such as her arrest on the New Jersey Turnpike, her journey with her daughter, and the specifics of how she ultimately fled to Cuba. These omissions leave readers wanting more clarity and depth in understanding her personal struggles during these critical periods.

    Overall, this book offers a powerful blend of historical analysis, personal narrative, and critical insights. It challenges conventional perspectives, sheds light on systemic injustices, and highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of marginalized communities. While it leaves some gaps in key moments of the author’s journey, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of race, justice, and activism in America.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2023
    I bought this book a few years ago but couldn't find time to read it. I wish I had. Assata's life is one born out of hardship, led by her heart and inspiring me and so many others to choose a life of meaning not in seeking wealth and material things. I read Emma Goldman's autobiography in early 2000's and it was the book that sent me on the road to discovering our real US history. I add Assata to my list of top inspiring people who have impacted my life!
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jorge Jiménez Hernández
    3.0 out of 5 stars Information missing
    Reviewed in Spain on August 18, 2024
    She delves too much into her life as a kid making it tedious and barely mentions how she did get involved in guerrilla, her version about what happened in the shooting, how she escaped to Cuba. I understand she doesn’t want to talk about the most critica aspects of her life because of the implications but missing those parts makes it cherry picking and not entirely honest. There are many biographies of other revolutunaries (A. Davis, f.e.) which are way better in so many ways.
  • Monique
    5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT READ
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2024
    Such a great book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Assata’s life from childhood to an adult. Most of us are aware of how much the police and system in America continually oppress minorities. But it will always be an eye opener when it was so overt in the past and how people were treated and how so much people have overcome. I’ve recommended this book to all my friends and want to also buy the hard copy.
  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written Book.
    Reviewed in Germany on February 16, 2021
    The book exposes the unjust socio-economic and political system of the USA and how you can be framed by the institutions that are suppose to protect you. I recommand this book to everybody. Some very detail information such as the escape are left out. I gues it was not included to protec certain individual that helped her. The book was written in the late 1980s, so it is understandable that it would have given the FBI a hint.
    I recommand this book to anybody and especially to women.
  • Nicole Ann ...
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 15, 2018
    Great read......I highly recommend everyone reading about the life of this innocent woman ! I pray Assata is free of all charges , her name cleared !
  • Didier Celestine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bien
    Reviewed in France on February 23, 2020
    Bien