Customer Reviews

Growing Up King: An Intimate Memoir

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this book a few yrs ago and can find a little of the truth behind the present day drama of the king family.
I liked Dexter's explaination of the protection of his father's intellectual property and I can get a better perspective of Dexter the man from reading this book. Dexter uses undiagnosed ADD as a reason why he couldn't complete his studies at Morehouse and why he spent years moving from occupation to occupation from Atlanta cop to Project Manager to King Center president to Actor to King Center Chair to King Estate Chair...He gives us some insight on why has yet to marry.
I came away with the view that it is tragic to allow yourself to coast off of your family's legacy without creating your own.

Everyone has a story to tell, and Growing Up King is the life story of the third child of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dexter King has not had a life that many of us would envy. Nor has any member of his family, most difficult I would imagine would be the tremendous burden cast on Mrs. Coretta Scott King who was thrown into single motherhood with 4 young children. It is no secret that the last name of King can be perceived as both blessing and curse. I live in Atlanta, where the majority of this story takes place and find that around town we have expectations of how the Kings are "supposed" to be. They are, maybe incorrectly elevated, to the status of royalty among the African-American community, and that can certainly prove to be difficult to handle. This is well-intentioned adoration, but non-the less made difficult to handle as children and Dexter has found that it gets no better in adulthood. It is this dilemma that somewhat serves as imputes to the writing of this book.

Make no mistake, I've learned a lot more about Dexter King and the King family in general but literarily speaking, Growing up King is poorly written. The story is chronologically told, but jumps around quite a bit in thought and expression. He jumps from his thoughts, to the thoughts of those around him to actual dialogue quite a bit which makes it hard to follow. Further, if you aren't familiar with the geography of Atlanta and some of the prominent figures in Atlanta politics or the Atlanta community you might have difficulty following the massive amount of name and location dropping that is found in the book. A case in point would be the fact that he talks about seeking privacy, protection and peace for his mother while giving out her address where she still resides today. Another interesting dichotomy is the striking resemblance in the tone and tenure of Growing up King with its predecessor, Growing up X by Ilyasah Shabazz daughter of slain Nation of Islam leader, Malcolm X. My instant impression, and my impression especially after reading the book, was that Dexter was trying to follow in someone else's footsteps, still not finding his personal way, because he thinks that is what is expected of him.

I gained greater insight to this quite, unimposing man. I learned a great deal about him personally and I appreciate the fact that he felt comfortable enough to share himself with the world. He shares a lot, and in my opinion, maybe a bit too much but everybody has a story to tell. If you are a fan of the King family, read Growing up King.

I read this book by Dexter King, but I have also read Growing Up X. There were some similarities between both books, but there were some differences also. I had heard some of the rumors and speculation about the King family trying to milk Dr. King's legacy in the monetary sense. However, Dexter does a good job of clearing things up about how much time and money is spent protecting his father's legacy due to the fact that some individuals and corporations believe and/or assume that Dr. Kings' speeches and papers are public property and can use them for monetary profit. I agree whole heartly with the King family in protecting their father's legacy including all of his speeches and writings. The thing that stood out the most to me pertaining to this issue was that we as blacks in America discount great black thinkers, intellectuals and people who take a stance in the black community. We have a belief that our black intellects work such Dr King, Malcolm X and Medgar Evers is not as valuable as compared to that of their white counter parts such as Nixon, Kennedy or Bush.

Dexter King also gives us some insight into how he grew up near housing projects in Vine City, attended a exclusive private school then public high school, and life at Morehouse. I had no ideal that Dexter's mother currently lives in Vine City, because gossips have always said she was living in a huge mansion in Buckhead. Next Dexter talks about his love life, but never gives any names but calls one serious girlfriend "Mon Ami." I would recommend this book to anyone trying to find out more about the King family.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Growing Up King." This is a
terrific book. Not only is this book required reading for
any student of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it also brings
insights how the King Center in Atlanta is run while main-
taining its mission to spread the teachings of Dr King. There
are lessons here for any well-intentioned organization.

This book is clearly written by subject and most of the subjects
overlap chronologically.

Thank you, Dexter King!

A warm, poignant, honest tale of the pressures of growing up in the shadow of a giant. Not graduating from Morehouse college due to having undiagnosed A.D.D.Constantly being compared to his father whom he bears an uncanny resemblence. Losing his father, and grandmother in a very violent way. Expected to carry out "the dream" the way society wanted him to. Unable to sustain relationships for fear of getting too close. I am sure this book was cathartic for him. He nows need to live his dream- HIS FATHER GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ALL TO BE FREE- his children should be free to choose their own lives. His father would be proud of him.

PREFACE: THIS BOOK GOES TO SHOW THAT MY GOD CAN DO ANYTHING!!! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Dexter Scott King share his unique story with the world. Hearing his story has been therapeutic and has re-emphasized that there is healing in positive expression of the past struggles and/or tragedies. I now have the desire to be more transparent and discuss my struggles because they are common to man and the blessing is not only for me but for others who have or have had similar struggles. I am convinced that Mr. King encouraged himself with this story and that it will be even more therapeutic for him. It is truly amazing how he captured the many historial facts surrounding his father Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. It is my belief that this book would be a great asset for History lessons taught in U.S. schools on Civil Rights. This book speaks volumes to one's intellect or ignorance and causes one to have a paradigm shift and begin to apply Dr. King's teaching of social nonviolence. I learned about passion, being sold out to your mission in life while still maintaining a balanced life, not allowing your past to determine your future, copyright laws, the film industry, love, social and racial equality, and how we must not be afraid to tell the truth despite of the myths that have been spread abroad. DEXTER SCOTT KING IS COMING OUT OF THE BOX THAT SOCIETY HAS PLACED HIM AND THE KING FAMILY IN AND IS READY TO STEP INTO THE NEXT SEASON OF HIS LIFE!!! WATCH OUT LADIES, HERE HE COMES!!!

Also recommended: "Too Blessed to be Stressed" by Dr.Suzan Johnson Cook "Managing Your Emotions: Instead of Your Emotions Managing You" by Joyce Meyer

This is NOT a story about Martin Luther King, Jr...But then again, it is! With such an imposing aura and legendary persona that Martin possesses even in death, it would be extremely hard for anyone trying to extract meaningful context without him playing a prominent role to analyze anything for or against it. GROWING UP KING is Dexter Scott King's story. He being the youngest of Martin's four children, sets out to give revelations for the first time what it was like growing up within the huge monolithic shadow of greatness, and how his fathers' maxims continue to inspire and inform his own ideas on race matters. I would imagine amid the aura of being a member of such a prominent family it would behoove one to set a sustained agenda to carve a preferred path. With this book, you'd think that definitions would be finally told in the first person. I wanted to be rational as I read this book and try not to compare the Martin of yesteryear to what his offspring needed to bring forth. But to do this, I knew I had to do so with an open mind. Thus, I read it with mixed emotion, and tried to be objective in attaining a reasonable view to support the author's intent, and more importantly, to see if certain truths would come forth to quell rumor, and set the record straight on a multitude of issues. Most notably the controversy surrounding The King Center for Non-Violent Social Change.

I came away with a feeling of loss, as if something truly was missing that wasn't said that should have been. I kept looking for reasons to give standing ovations to a member of this family who had the courage to give insight to all questions the public wanted answered. For those looking for insight that hasn't been before public domain, there may be something that Dexter espouses that may warrant merit. File this one on the shelf with the rest of the books written about the King family legacy. I rate this book above average, but still worthy of a read if nothing more than to give chance to this scion who endeavor to be his own man.

This is a book to first read in a sweet southern garden alone while dew is still on the roses, irises & peachblossoms. Surrounded by the delicate gifts of an Almighty Creator, protected and ensconsed by the angelic scents, comforted by the tender and gentle caress of quiet nature - the real gift of this author's honesty, humility and heavensent humor will awaken even the most cynical sleeping dog who may have become somewhat complacent in the mission of true and enduring freedom! Softly and gentlemanly, Mr. Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr & Mrs. Coretta Scott King, unfolds a simply detailed and selectively recorded easy-to-read history lesson from his unique prospective. No incident is too dramatic for him to avoid, and no challenge is too deep for him to leave unconfronted. Never mind the seemingly burdensome cloak that may have caused him to sleep away many hours, the uplifting mantle of "unconditional" acceptance and "abundant" grace with which one of the heirs of The Civil Rights Movement covers an era in time is a treasure to be read and appreciated by every American, every human, every individual interested in contributing to FREEDOM! The second reading should be shared.

I'm so grateful for Dr. King and his dream. Without his initiative, bravery and leadership skills, who knows where Black America would be today. As it is, we as a people have forgotten and forsaken much of what Dr. King stood for, but it's books like this that are needed to remind us that he was more than just an icon, he was indeed a man. Seeing Dr. King through the eyes of his son was quite an experience. The detailed recall of so many people and places that surrounded him as a child was an incredible accomplishment on the part of Dexter. Through his eyes and by way of his memory, I have now been blessed to gain more knowledge of what it was like to be the son of such a prominent individual and the rewards and disadvantages that came along with being his child. Thanks, Dexter. May God continue to bless the King family to stay strong and live the dream!

This was a very insightful read for me. No, this is not a story about Martin Luther King, Jr .. it's about living the life as Martin Luther King, Jr's child. It reveals the ups and downs of being born to a public figure such as the late GREAT Martin Luther King, Jr. Dexter does a pretty good job of showing us the hurdles he and his family have had to cross. I think it's good for people to read, because you get to see what the family members are faced with (a sort of behind the scenes glance at being in the shadow of one's famous father). Dexter also gives you insight on The King Center. I recommend this read to all people. Teachers and professors should also have this book on their list of student required reads.

Tonya Howard
http://www.sisterdivas.org