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Member Reviews
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Quick Summary: A call to consciousness resource
My Review: We All Want to Change the World: My Journey Through Social Justice Movements from the 1960s to Today by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld is a 2025 non-fiction release. It is classified under "Biographies & Memoirs | History."
About the Book: "A sweeping look back at the protest movements that changed America from activist and NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with personal and historical insights into lessons they can teach us today"
In My Own Words: A riveting walk through history, as it relates to social justice movements, actions and inactions, and more
My Favorite Quotes:
- "I've come to realize that both those emotions - hope and fear - are necessary to motivate real change."
- "...we have to be constantly reminded of all that we have to lose if we are going to dare, like Dr. King, to dream of a better future."
- "Survival depends on adapting to the inevitability of change. Nevertheless, not everyone is receptive to change, nor do we all mean the same thing by the word change."
- "Most people fear anything radical...because it implies taking a risk that could destroy comfortable stability."
- "...sometimes survival means we need to instigate change."
- "Protesting is a long-term strategy, like building a major bridge. There might be some short-term discomfort and inconvenience, but eventually everyone's lives will be better off for it."
- "I am at an age where I no longer try to imagine the perfect world of racial harmony somewhere down the road just around the bend. I try to concentrate on the road in front of my feet, on what I can do right now, right here to alleviate suffering and promote joy. For me, that means doing whatever is in my power to make sure everyone has the equal opportunity to choose the life they want, not just the life forced upon them."
My Final Say: There are so many things that I want to say and could say about this book. Most importantly, I will sum it up by declaring that this book is a reality check for a conflicted America. It is timely, it is outstanding, and it is oh so needed.
As I have learned more and more about Abdul-Jabbar, I have been impressed by his words and his actions. Through this book, he sheds light on that which needs to be seen and not forgotten. It is both hauntingly reflective and inspired. From the thoughtful quotes, to the well thought out positions, to the featured studies and cases, to the personal experiences and insights, I was completely moved.
Other: This book should be read by all. It has heart and depth. I highly recommend it. I would go so far as to say that it should be included in high school and college level curriculum. It would be ideal as a book club read and as a community discussion feature.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Besties Shelf: Yes
Status: Bio, History, Education
Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publisher (Crown Publishing | Crown), and to NetGalley. I cannot thank you enough for granting access to a digital ARC of this remarkable work in exchange for an honest critique. It was a tremendous privilege to review, and I am grateful for the opportunity.