A Choice of Weapons [Paperback]

Gordon, Jr. Parks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1986

A compelling autobiography by the award-winning photographer and artist who was only 16 when he moved from Kansas to Minnesota in 1928.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent introduction to what it must have been like to be black and ambitious--and poor--in America of a generation ago." -- Saturday Review, February 1966

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press (October 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873512022
• ISBN-13: 978-0873512022
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,020,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book should be required reading for every American., September 20, 2000

By 

Andrew W. Palmer (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Choice of Weapons (Paperback)

Many years ago, when I was in the sixth grade and my father was on our local school board, The Learning Tree was controversial but required reading for high school English students in our district. The school board members were sent home with a copy of the book to evaluate whether it should be pulled from the curriculum. My father read it and I asked him if I could read it as well. His response was "certainly!" Needless to say, after reading The Learning Tree, I could hardly wait to find more of Gordon Parks'work and headed off the the library. Thankfully I found "A Choice of Weapons" on the shelf. Keep in mind I was a 12 year old white boy from suburban Minneapolis. Little did I know that my mother read every book I brought home (I suppose out of curiosity and to monitor what I was reading). At one point she asked me if I thought my current reading selection 'over my head'? I told her I thought it was the best book I had read...and I still think that today. Mr. Parks had many choices in his life and thankfully made the choices that got him to where he is today. Surely we ALL can learn from him, whatever our background. He should be an inspiration to everyone!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Young Black American? This is a must read!, November 22, 1999

By 

William K. Greiner "fotoart" (Metairie, LA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Choice of Weapons (Paperback)

I first picked up this book as a college freshman 21 years ago, I thought the title was cool. The book however helped shape my life, I decided to be a photographer and I now am, but more importantly the book taught me about having a dream, desire, perserverance and direction. In addition, Gordon Parks taught me something about dealing with, surviving and thriving in a racists America, replete with an abundance of bigots. Parks is a true Renaissance man and I am glad to now call him mentor and friend. You see I am white but learning should be color blind. I am so pleased to see this book in reprint.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE CHOICE IS YOURS, June 29, 2000

By 

Bonita L. Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Choice of Weapons (Paperback)

Originally published in 1966, Parks'first autobiography is a classic testament of a young man "coming of age" in an environment in which the odds were against him. Parks was poor, Black and considered uneducated by the standards of his day. No doubt he was destined for jail or death. He escaped both fates and went on to become the premiere photographer of the 20th century as well as a composer, writer, director and artist.

How was he able to do this given the hostile world in which he was bequeathed? Parks had a number of choices which were presented to him throughout his lifetime. The way he responded to those choices made all the difference from him becoming another statistic. His story is one of a teenager struggling to define himself as a man and to carve out a vocation in life which will make a difference to the world. This is not a story about pulling oneself up by your own bootstraps. Gordon was given the choice of using a knife to rob a porter. The result could have been jail. As an adult, Gordon was given a choice of using a gun on some bigots while being threatened by them while out on an assignment. He came to a close call in making the wrong choice.

So what is it about Parks' life in those tender years that enabled him to overcome those varied temptations? Clues present themselves in various ways. He found his passion (photography). Opportunities came his way and he capitalized on them. He continued being curious about the world. Most of all, through the teachings of his parents, he developed the gift of not allowing the bitterness of the world to poison the great potential that was innate in his soul.

Any young person trying to come to terms within themselves need to journey with young Parks. Those of us who are old and have allowed the bitterness of this world to impact upon us need to take a look at this remarkable human being who conquered it through his choice of weapons and made a lasting difference. I highly recommend the reading of this book along with his other two autobiographical works, "To Smile in Autumn", and "Voices in the Mirror". Oh and don't forget his classic autobiographical novel, "The Learning Tree". Remember that the choice is yours as we deal with life