Will You Die with Me?: My Life and the Black Panther Party Book

Having only learned the white medias perspective of the Black Panther's Party prior to reading this book, I was quite taken aback by this insider's perspective into the world of the Black Panthers. I can't say I was surprised; history is riddled with examples of abuse towards any minority movement. While many may jump to the conclusion that this book is just as biased as the white media's perspective, I urge them to have an open mind if and when they decide to read this book. I feel the author did a great job at staying impartial while discussing the organization and the people in it. Will You Die With Me?: My life and the Black Panther Party is not a overblown love story about the Black Panther Party (BPP as referred to in the book). The organization had many flaws, and the author, whom at the time in which he wrote this book was very experienced in civil rights and history, makes those flaws very clear. That is another interesting motif in the book: the contrast between the wide eyed 16 year old recruit's eyes from which the story is told, and the middle aged experienced intellectual who writes the book and offers commentary. This book offers the whole experience that Flores Forbes had in the BPP. If you are reading this book more for historical interest, then that would be a plus, but if you are reading it more for a compelling and exciting story, then you may find yourself trudging through dull points in the book. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of action, drugs, and romance in the book, but since the book intends to tell the full and complete story, there are considerably large gaps between the shootouts, beatings, and racially charged public events. In these gaps are often a session in which the author will discuss his views of the past events. Personally I had no problem reading through those parts; I was reading the book for historical reasons. There was enough action in the book to keep me focused, which I think is very important, and it was powerful enough to truly leave a lasting impact on me. I can honestly recommend that anyone, despite political orientation, personal interests in books, and views on the BPP, read this book. I am very happy to give this book a 5 star rating.