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“Smiley’s efforts to show the man who was his hero since he was a young
boy adds a dimension to the reams of writing about Dr. King.”
— Publishers Weekly
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“That we know how it ends in no way detracts from the book
because the enrichment, as in most instances, is in the journey. Author Tavis
Smiley also narrates this book…His Southern accent and earthy, uneven approach
accentuate the personal message of this work.”
— AudioFile
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“A reverential look at Martin Luther King Jr.‘s last agonizing year that
does not disguise the flaws of a saint…[A] poignant account of
King’s final struggle. An eloquent, emotional journey from darkness to
light.”
— Kirkus Reviews
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Winner of the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Award "A reverential look at Martin Luther King Jr.'s last agonizing year that does not disguise the flaws of a saint.... [A] poignant account of King's final struggle. An eloquent, emotional journey from darkness to light.
— Kirkus Reviews
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Tavis Smiley has captured not only the spirit of the movement, but the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his last days. We didn't realize it but he knew he was on his way to Jerusalem, and as much as we tried to deter him, he fought back.
— Andrew Young, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former Mayor of Atlanta
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Death of a King is a fitting climax to a noble saga. It is here adequately told and placed before history.
— Reverend Gardner C. Taylor
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A "microscopically focused biography, which trades in both weighty events and the everyday joys of family life.
— Time
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Tavis Smiley has brought forward in his book Death of a King an accounting of the last year Dr. King was physically with us -- an accounting very much needed. Tavis rightfully emphasizes the error it is to continually emphasize his martyrdom mostly with no mention of the great work he did. Tavis's book helps people focus on his work and the spirit with which he worked.
— Dorothy F. Cotton, Education Director for SCLC, the organization led by Dr. King
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Tavis Smiley illuminates the passion and struggle of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last 365 days.
— AARP's Editors' Picks
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One of the most important political voices of his generation.
— The Philadelphia Inquirer
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A dramatic retelling of King's final and pivotal year.
— Leonard Gill, Memphis Flyer
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Death of a King paints a portrait of a leader and visionary in a revealing and dramatic chronicle of the 12 months leading up to King's assassination.
— Nicole M. Robertson, The Oakland Press
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A must-read.... ... King feels like a real person instead of a larger-than-life caricature.
— Kelvin Wade, Daily Republic