Reviewed on 07/02/2003. A refreshing, brutal but mostly hilarious take on the policies and general governance of the United States of America. Michael Moore is well known in the UK for his condemnation of American decision-makers. He is not afraid to name names and provides examples to prove his views. For those brought up on American sitcoms and the ideals of the "American Dream", Moore manages to convey the feeling that all may not be what it seems. Short of calling the USA a banana republic, he cuts a swathe through stereotypes. An indication of how controversial the content is, is that the original publisher wanted 50% of the book rewritten before it was published. Thankfully, he managed to find a publisher who did not apply these restrictions. This is a must-read for anyone interested in politics.

Reviewed on 26/08/2003.As a South African who grew up during Apartheid's last throes of life (although many are still suffering from its legacy), this book is a poignant reminder of how far South Africa has moved on since the dark days of forced separation and inhumane rights for non-white people. This book deals with the author's life story , his travels and insights, visits to black townships (as a reporter) and ultimately the reasons why the tribes of Africa (and the Boers) are so fundamentally grounded in conflict. The author has a particular "claim to fame", in that he is a descendant of DF Malan - the architect of Apartheid and even further back of Dawid Malan - an early settler who owned one of the most prestigious farms in the Cape Colony. Rian Malan battles with this legacy,and naively at first, jumps onto the bandwagon of white liberals. This road leads him to a path of self-questioning.He admits that even when he shares a beer with his black colleagues ( in the days when this was not seen by the government as a sensible thing to do) , he feels uneasy and frightened in the surroundings of blacks. Malan takes us on a journey to the heart of white power and the passion and pride of black culture. This is a brutal and honest read and essential for those South Africans still hiding behind their colour.

Reviewed on 11/10/2003. The title of the book refers to one of the last words Malcolm X mentioned to his companions before being killed while giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom on 21/02/1965. This book is a photographic biography of the life of one of the most important men in recent American history. Quotes are provided by friends, family and fellow members of the Nation of Islam. The book alludes to a conspiracy on the part of the American government and the Nation of Islam in trying to get "rid" of what they perceived as a dangerous person. This book provides an accessible view of the life of Malcolm X, with the photographs providing sometimes graphic evidence of a struggle which some may say still continues.