Customer Reviews

Behind the Dream: The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Behind the Dream: The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation is a smart, insightful, enjoyable read about a momentous event in history. It is the "story behind the story" straight from Clarence Jones, the attorney, speechwriter, and close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. As I read the words on the page, I felt as if I were having an intimate conversation with the author. The book helped me to understand the humanity of Dr. King and the other organizers of the March on Washington. They were people who saw injustice and called for change. Despite FBI wiretaps and other adversity, together they undertook an enormous logistical effort in hopes that the March would be a success. Jones himself handwrote the first draft of the renowned I Have a Dream speech on a yellow legal pad, but it wasn't until King was inspired to veer from the text that he struck a chord with the audience, delivering the right words at the right time. The I Have a Dream speech helped to elevate King from a man to a hero; this book is a reminder to all to make sure that his Dream lives on.

`I have a dream.' We know the words, we've been the beneficiaries of their impact, we've read the history books, we've seen the images of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the mall that August day in 1963. But it is this book - BEHIND THE DREAM: The Making of the Speech that Transformed A Nation - that reveals their humanity by providing the direct, first-person account of their evolution. Clarence B. Jones was there working with Martin King and, with the help of Stuart Connelly, he shares his important story with the world. This book is about an inspiring moment in our American history and simultaneously an inspiration and call to action for those who read it. A sincere thank you to the authors.

I was impressed with this behind-the-scenes look at MLK Jr's famous speech. It's a short-but-sweet, powerful book with some fine writing. Good buy for schools, libraries or any American history buff.

Clarence B. Jones, attorney and speechwriter for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., shares his memories and thoughts of that historic point in time: the March on Washington and King's `I Have a Dream' speech.

I believe many of us can articulate what transpired that day if not from memory, from history lessons and books. However, only a select few, those in King's inner circle, like Jones, can truly provide that rare glimpse into what transpired in the days leading up to, during and after the March on Washington.

In Behind the Dream we learn of the secluded haven procured for King to allow him to focus and prepare for the March, the collaborative efforts (of sorts) in creating the I Have a Dream speech, the influence of A. Philip Randolph, the last minute copyright efforts and much more.

The book's title couldn't be more apropos.

This very interesting book chronicles the days and weeks leading up to the moment when Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech. Amazing that it took fifty years for the story behind the speech to get out. Both inspiring and eye opening.

We tend to look back on the great moments of history as preordained or at least carefully orchestrated. This book gives us a perspective we rarely get on historical events: a glimpse behind the curtain at the machinations, the obstacles, the in-fighting, and all of the sausage making that went into the historic March on Washington and Dr. King's transcendent "Dream" speech. Can you imagine that they had to sell buttons to help fund this event? Or that there was heated debate over who should be the headliner and speak last? This book is full of "fly on the wall" stories provided by Mr. Clarence Jones and rendered beautifully by Mr. Connelly, that give a palpable sense of the uncertainty that hung over the event, the hard work that was required by so many to make it happen, and magic that Dr. King summoned on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that day that defined an era in American history. A brisk read and a fresh take on precious moment in our history that is too often taken for granted.

I just finished the book this weekend. One of the aspects I appreciated is the humbleness with which Clarence Jones describes the events and his role. Clearly, he was part of Dr. King's inner circle and a key contributor, but he does not take credit for the most moving portion of the speech. Instead, he credits Mahalia Jackson for recommending to Dr. King to "share the dream" and Dr. King's genius and unique abilities to deliver the message. Jones' humble, yet realistic approach, lends credibility to other important observations in the book.

I went from knowing suprisingly little about the March on Washington to feeling like I was right there with a quarter million people. It is amazing to learn of the courage and sacrifices that these civil leaders embodied.

i have a dream is the most important speech ever written by a human being, because in America it said that i will be Somebody, i am somebody and we are all somebody can i get a AMEN! the writers do a great job putting things together and it is very detail must have historical book. it is a must have and read. a great tribute.

I thought I knew all I needed to know about Martin Luther King, Jr. & "The March" on Washington. I was amazed to ride along with Clarence Jones and learn of the inside workings that led up to a movement that changed the world as I know it today. So full of intriguing facts & inspiring moments, yet the writing of Jones & Connelly felt more like a discussion amongst friends than a history lesson. This is a worthy read not only as a peak into the past, but as a lesson about many issues of today ...political, spiritual and human.