Comments on
From Ike to Mao and Beyond: My Journey from Mainstream America to Revolutionary Communist
"Bob Avakian is a long distance runner in the freedom struggle against imperialism, racism and capitalism. His voice and witness are indispensable in our efforts to enhance the wretched of the earth. And his powerful story of commitment is timely."
— Cornel West
"A truly interesting account of Bob Avakian’s life, a humanizing portrait of someone who is often seen only as a hard-line revolutionary. I can understand why Bob Avakian has drawn so many ardent supporters. He speaks to people’s alienation from a warlike and capitalist society, and holds out the possibility for radical change."
— Howard Zinn, author of People's History of the United States
"Bob Avakian brings candor and sometimes retrospective insight into what it means to grow up white and male in our patriarchal, capitalistic culture and still to emerge as a leader of the fight against social injustice. His memoir is fascinating and inspirational."
— Carol Downer, co-founder, Feminist Women’s Health Centers
"…leaves a breathtaking impression. Having deepened and purified his convictions over 40 years of personal and political struggle, Avakian sounds a high, sustained cry for complete social transformation almost as if he were the trumpet of Lenin himself." Read More
— San Francisco Chronicle
"…screams out to the rap generation." Read More
— Elemental Magazine
"Beyond the compelling ideological and philosophical ruminations from the book’s early chapters, when all the fun of football vanishes and he struggles with a dreadful sickness, rests the evidence of Avakian’s fortitude and resilience that are hallmarks of his character and integrity." Read More
— "Malcolm X, Mao and a Radical's Memoir" by Herb Boyd
"In addition to recounting a life lived during very interesting and important times; in addition to recounting his involvement with significant historical figures and events; beyond sharing his personal story; in From Ike to Mao and Beyond, Bob Avakian offers a fresh, new look at a system of thought that has, by some, been consigned to the 'ash heap of history.'… Bob Avakian's new and innovative conception of "Communism" deserves consideration." Read More
— The Free Press
"His shared experiences, with unflinching candor and generous warmth, are his respects for those of strong heart and clear mind, those ready to do the work of getting to the other side of history." Read More
— Open Letter from Professor Juan Gomez-Quiñones
"…this book is an insider's view of what life is like inside a revolutionary organization in the world's most imperial nation. It is a fast-paced yet detailed description of radical organizing during one of the US's most rebellious periods." Read More
— Counterpunch.org
"They say a photo is worth a thousand words, and there is one in the book that says it all. Avakian, in football gear, is seen running the ball through a horde of tacklers, eluding them with the help of an African American teammate. On the gridiron he was, "a little guy...brimming with confidence...the field general," and that same determination, that will to win against the menace of racism, sexism, capitalism, and imperialism embodies his spirit on the political ramparts." Read More
-- Herb Boyd, Amsterdam News, Malcolm X, Mao and a radical's memoir
"This book comes with my highest recommendations to aspiring activists or anyone who, like Avakian, holds no respect for unearned and unwarranted authority. It's also a wonderful memoir for anyone who enjoys reading diverse perspectives of history." Read More
— Laney College Tower, Oakland, California
"I recommend this book to the high school student interested in joining the fight against human oppression and for anyone hoping to enlighten themselves with the life of one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time." Read More
— Oakland High School Newspaper "The Aegis"
"The most fascinating section of his book is the first section, in which Avakian describes his experiences with racism at BHS in the 1960s. His insights and perspectives on Berkeley are thought provoking. Many of his opinions and views are considered radical, but they are intriguing nonetheless." Read More
— Berkeley High Jacket
As a professor, I and other professors want their students to be critical thinkers. This book can open people up to an approach of how to look at things with a critical eye. Read More
-- Statement by Robert Keith Collins, Ph.D., Homalusa: Center for African and Native American Research
"He didn't spring from high school a full-fledged Marxist revolutionary. He slowly evolved from the son of a liberal Democratic judge who dreamed of becoming a basketball coach into a full fledged communist activist. Indeed, there's something rather true to life about this." Read More
— Review by Stanley Rougouski
"A window into transparent injustice and one person's true life determination to search for a better path…" Read More
— The Midwest Book Review
