Al On America (Paperback)

by Reverend Al Sharpton (Author), Karen Hunter (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
"I am running to take out the DLC, which I call the Democratic Leisure Class, because that's who it serves-the leisure class and the wealthy," professes the ubiquitous and controversial reverend. In keeping with this theme, Sharpton's 2004 presidential campaign platform is an uneven political manifesto that concentrates more on race relations than on the complexities of foreign policy. Unfocused sections on the Middle East and Cuba lapse into repetitive highlights of the effects of racism within many of our domestic institutions without seriously addressing the issues at hand. Egocentric stories about lunches with Castro and Arafat result in grandiose statements claiming that only Al Sharpton has the ability to bring the moral leadership and religious aptitude necessary to resolve world crises. Foreign policy aside, what Sharpton does offer (aided by newspaper columnist and Queen Latifah co-author Hunter) is a glimpse of the driving factors, inspirational voices and career highlights that have helped create the man once known as "Alfred Sharpton, boy preacher from Brooklyn." The latter half of Sharpton's book seems more inspired, offering insight into the lack of integrity in hip-hop, his admiration for mentor James Brown and his personal reflections about the infamous Tawana Brawley fiasco. On the Brawley case, Sharpton is unapologetic and goes so far as to claim: "to me there is still reasonable doubt in that case." Overall, despite a lack of focus, Sharpton proves he is one of America's most passionate and controversial thinkers: "I had to be me, regardless of what anyone else felt or thought about me. That's true power."
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
With journalist and coauthor Hunter, Sharpton, a man generally viewed as politically radical, seeks to reposition himself for a possible presidential candidacy in 2004. On hot-button topics and issues, Sharpton postures himself as a statesman and liberal. His peace efforts in the Middle East with Ariel Sharon and Yassir Arafat have been balanced. Yet his involvement with the controversial Louis Farrakhan at the Million Man March reflects a reality for many blacks that defies easy political definition and the perception of a balanced approach. While in Vieques, Puerto Rico, protesting the navy bombing exercise, and eventually serving an unanticipated 90-day prison sentence, Sharpton found himself leaning toward a more inclusive approach to politics. Given the events of September 11, Sharpton raises some basic concerns regarding partisan politics and national loyalty. And given the racial and ethnic tensions that continue to prevail in the U.S., Sharpton questions the propriety of extending our national insensitivities to international arenas. Readers interested in politics and this controversial figure will enjoy reading Sharpton's own views on his platform. Vernon Ford
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kensington; Rep Sub edition (August 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758203519
• ISBN-13: 978-0758203519
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,051,090 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Shameless Self-Promotion, December 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Al On America (Hardcover)

It comes as no surprise that Mr. Sharpton, the would-be savior of America, has chosen to bless the reading public with more of his self-serving bombast. This book contains nothing more than the egotistical ravings of an arrogant, hate-filled, misguided, rabidly anti-Semitic professional protester and race hustler who has thus far abjectly failed to accomplish anything constructive for African-Americans, or for anyone besides himself. In fact, his agenda seems to center upon fostering disunity whenever and wherever he can. Further, his credibility is highly questionable, given his role as one of the chief perpetrators of the Tawana Brawley hoax. This sad, sorry literary effort merely reaffirms that Mr. Sharpton is little more than a posturing, flamboyant, hate-driven windbag whose chief purpose seems to be promoting divisiveness. Readers are advised not to waste their time reading this junk; more than enough time was wasted in producing it.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hair today, gone tomorrow, August 29, 2008

By	Smegma Cheese (l got a hundred guns, a hundred clips 'coz l'm from New York, New York) - See all my reviews

l don't like him, l don't like his politics, l don't like how he inconveniences others in the name of justice but more to get his fat face on TV. BUT l L0VE THAT HAlR!!!

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hypocritical, yet entertaining, November 4, 2003

By	Chris Salzer (Gainesville, GA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I just happened to wander upon this book at my library. I read a few pages, and due in large part to curiosity, had to check it out. First off, I would never vote for Al Sharpton due to his far left politics. That being said, I respect him nonetheless for the passion and enthusiasm he brings to the table. Let's face it, he's the only Dem candidate with even an ounce of genuineness and passion. He's the only reason to watch the debates.

I admire the Reverend for doing things he discusses in the book such as sticking his neck on the line and getting thrown in jail while in Vieques to protest the naval bombings, which has led to cancer and other health problems among its inhabitants. However, I must call in to question the legitimacy of Mr. Sharpton being "a man of God" when he states things such as the following in his book: "My religion does not support homosexuality, but I do." & "I will not stand in the way of a woman's right to choose." & "Sexual orientation in no way matters when it comes to parenting-all children need is love."
Read the book and be your own judge. As for me, I take Mr. Sharpton for what he is - a man who has admirable passion and enthusiasm for his beliefs, no matter how misguided they may be.