LANEY TOWER (Laney College, Oakland, California) May 5, 2005

Before 'Red' meant Republican
by Aaron Burke

I have not read many stories filled with great conflict, tragedy, and terrible frustration told in such a vibrant and joyous tone as BobAvakian's memoir, "From Ike to Mao and Beyond." It is a straight narration, simple in form, and filled with humor and shocking information.

Some details of Avakian's life challenged many preconceptions, while the consistency and diligence of Avakian's character was often inspiring, especially considering the amount of resistance working against his revolutionary cause.

Avakian, a Bay Area native, is the Chairman of the Revolutionar Communist Party. His memoir spans over 60 years-from the 1940's through the turn of the century-exposing the racist, sexist, and imperialist undercurrents present in American society. Avakian started to notice those currents at a young age and has spent the greater portion of his life fighting with strong resolve (this after nearly dying from repeated kidney failure).

Avakian's style of leadership and unabashed idealism is quite unique, as he works hard to maintain the essence of communist ideals by emphasizing self-criticsm rather than nationalism or dogmatism. His resistance to discouragement from revisionist and reformist factions in the RCP as well as other activist groups that he worked with-the Black Panthers for instance-is most admirable.

The style of this memoir is very interesting, as it was transcribed directly from recorded interviews rather than written out by the author, giving you a sense of how Avakian really speaks. This is both good and bad.

Avakian's attitude and style are warm and disarming, but the book becomes repetitive at parts, which can be annoying. However, the content and the comfortable manner of Avakian's speech draw the reader in and soon it becomes easy to lose track of time while taking in his extraordinary life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At times I laughed at some of the tangential yet interesting stories Avakian would occasionally delve into, while at other times my eyebrows would be locked in a furrow as I read about mire of America's capitalistic politics. Some parts that really spoke to me were when he refuted Leibel Bergman, a long-time member of the RCP, for siding with a revisionist faction that took over China after Mao's death.

Another inspirational point was the letter Avakian wrote to commemorate the death of Damián Garcia.

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. Enjoy.