"March: Book One", the first book of a trilogy in the graphic novel format, is a tantalizing account of, “The United States Civil Rights Movement”, as seen through the eyes of United States Congressmen John Lewis. Written by Lewis and his co-writer Andrew Aydin, with illustrations by Nate Powell, this autobiographical memoir delivers to the reader an acute awareness of the unjust trials and tribulations forced upon Black Americans by White Americans during this not so distant era in American history.
Currently, it is difficult to fathom what it was like to be a Black American living under the dark hateful and ominous cloud of segregation. Most young Americans of todays generation have little to no knowledge of this oppressive ideology and hierarchy of racial bias that was widely accepted as the norm. Even those Americans familiar with this period sometimes view these acts of injustice as memories that should be forgotten or no longer discussed. This is a faulty misconception in that a more thorough understanding of race relations in this country will never be fully attained unless we as a society actively confront this shameful time period in our history with compassion and respect. "March: Book One", can be used as a vehicle to bring about this understanding.
This autobiographical memoir is an emotional visual rendering of historical significance that follows Lewis' life from his very humble farming beginnings, to his college years whereby he fought for basic human rights not given Blacks due to social segregation based on racial discrimination. It also follows his present day life as a U.S. Congressman while preparing for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. It provides the viewer a look into the pivotal role he played in abrogating the atrocities of segregation through measures of non-violent resistance, although he and many others were violently attacked by those intent on keeping things the same.
These events are masterly interwoven to form a very enjoyable reading/viewing experience. Lewis and Aydin's astutely written text transports the reader back to these moments; arduously unjust moments that can only be accurately written by a person who actually lived through them. Powell's mesmerizing illustrations show Lewis and a number of heroic figures as they organized marches, protests, and student sit-ins at, “White Only”, restaurants that more often times than not led to their arrests. Powell also masterfully used varying shading techniques and brush strokes that brilliantly rendered a tension filled atmosphere befitting Lewis and Aydin's accompanying text.
“March: Book One", by Lewis, Aydin, and Powell is an invaluable lesson for any society interested in achieving deep-rooted social change in the face of discrimination and segregation as based on racial biases. As a lover of American history and avid graphic novel/comic book reader with a small collection of over 3,000 titles, I found this graphic novel a joy to read and study. It is well written and beautifully illustrated. Also, the layout is easy to follow; granting those who have never read a graphic novel or comic book a perfect entry into this medium.
I, as a result, emphatically suggest you purchase this award winning graphic novel as a means of learning of the sacrifices made by this legendary living icon (Congressman Lewis) as related to his fight to attain basic civil rights and equality stripped away from Blacks by the United States Government during "The American Civil Rights Movement".
Let it be known, I do not view, “March: Book One”, as an attempt to demonize the United States Government or those individuals who participated in these now socially unacceptable acts of in humanity. I instead see it as a historical document of record that reveals the tremendous strides this country has consciously made the past sixty years or so to combat discrimination and segregation as based on racial biases. Although there is still more work to be done, it is clear that things have changed for the better.
The fact that the events within the pages of this graphic novel occur less often, give me hope that we as American's will continue to repentantly grow in this area. This will in return ensure we do not repeat the sins of our past while attempting to usher into existence a United States of America indicative of the writings of our forefathers.
My only gripe which is embarrassingly petty on my behalf has to do with the year long wait for the release of “Volume Two" of this trilogy. Most graphic novel/comic book collectors are severely impatient when it comes to obtaining the next issue of an ongoing series, a category I am admittedly a part of. I will be as I am extremely grateful to have been granted the opportunity of owning a copy of this most wonderful piece of literary genius.
Respectfully,
Jamusu.
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Reviews with images
Book arrived damaged
My book arrived damaged from shipping; this could have been avoided with a couple pieces of chipboard or a harder form of shipping packaging. I purchased this book to replace my original copy which I gave to my godson. Wonderful story. The writing and illustrations are captivating and help put perspective to the Civil Rights Movement. A must read in these trying times. (2020)The cover and pages are dented and damaged but it doesn't damage the story of John Lewis a true AMERICAN.
Top reviews from other countries
Emi Bevacqua
Am buying books 2 and 3 of this series immediately!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2020Sahana
Amazing insight into the struggle of African Americans
Reviewed in India on August 18, 2019