Wow. Wow. WOW! I almost have no words for this book.
Medgar Evers was born on July 2, 1925, and assassinated on June 12, 1963. He served his country in World War I| from 1943 - 1945. After the war, Medgar enrolled in Alcorn University, where he met the love of his life, Myrlie Beasley, and the two needed up marrying in 1951. Despite the discrimination he faced, Medgar loved his home state of Mississippi and wanted equal opportunities for his family, as well as all fellow black people. In this book we not only see how the NAACP came about, but how Medgar ultimately became a key figure in the civil rights movement, before Dr. MLK Jr. did. He is truly not talked about enough & this book goes into great detail about what not only he went through, but other blacks in Mississippi went through during this time period. I highly suggest this read to EVERYONE!

Despite my somewhat vast civil rights knowledge (or at least I like to think lol), I found myself highlighting almost everything in this book and quickly running to Google to read more about the events that were discussed in this story. This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Civil Rights era history as well as anyone who is looking to learn more about Medgar and, most importantly, Myrlie Evers. Thank you to Mariner Book and Netgalley for the e-Arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of Medgar and Myrlie by Joy-Ann Reid in exchange for a honest review.This book is a love story written as a tribute to Medgar from his wife Myrlie. She tells her and his life story that was entwined from the first time they met.She shares her hopes and fears as Medgar embarked on his dangerous struggle to bring equality to the Black community by integrating schools, trying to get Blacks registered to vote, and many other sometimes futile endeavors.Besides Medgar’s assasination, this book talks about the murders of Emmett Till ,and many other brave men and women who gave their life in the fight for equality such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and the Summer of 1964 Freedom Riders..Myrlie is a brave woman who continued Medgar’s fight after his death and finally won justice for his husband after his husband’s murderer was found guilty on the 3rd try in 1994.Very moving book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book to review.

"Medgar and Myrlie: Growing Up in Mississippi" by Joy-Ann Reid is a poignant and powerful memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of two civil rights icons. Through the lens of her parents, Medgar Evers and Myrlie Evers-Williams, Reid tells a deeply personal story of love, resilience, and the fight for justice in the Jim Crow South.

The book chronicles the Evers' early years, from their childhoods in segregated Mississippi to their meeting and eventual marriage. Reid paints a vivid picture of the challenges her parents faced, from the daily indignities of racism to the constant threat of violence from white supremacists.

One of the most striking aspects of "Medgar and Myrlie" is Reid's ability to humanize her parents, showing them not just as historical figures, but as loving, imperfect individuals who were deeply committed to their family and their cause. Through her intimate storytelling, Reid brings her parents to life, allowing readers to see them as she knew them, with all their strengths and flaws.

Overall, "Medgar and Myrlie" is a moving tribute to two remarkable people and their legacy of courage and perseverance. Reid's writing is heartfelt and sincere, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the civil rights movement and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

This book tells the riveting story of the life of Medgar Evers, and then the compelling story of the life of his wife, Myrlie Evers-Willuams¹. The reader also learns about what became of Medgar's three children, Darrell, Reena and Van. Darrell died of pancreatic cancer in 2001 at the age of 47. The other two children are alive and well.

Medgar was a revolutionary civil rights leader whose soul mission was to see to it that the Black citizens of Mississippi received their constitutional and social rights, and the respect they so desperately wanted. All of the things he wanted came to fruition, but not until after he was brutally murdered in his own yard. The man who murdered him literally got away with murder for a number of years. Myrlie's whole life was dedicated, not only to seeing Medgar's dreams come to pass, but also to see his murderer brought to justice.

Medgar was a prominent member of the NAACP and labored for them diligently, in spite of the fact that they disagreed with some of his tactics. He knew that his life was in danger and asked the NAACP for protection, but they refused.

After his assassination, the NAACP were in dire straits and Myrlie stepped up to become president and bail them out. Also, after his death, she became a well sought after speaker. Following the assassinations of Malcolm X and Dr. King, Myrlie became close friends with Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King.

Myrlie lived on to accomplish much and she was able to realize her much sought after dream of performing at Carnegie Hall. She was, after all, and accomplished singer and pianist.

I'd always known who Medgar Evers was, but this book gave me an up close and personal perspective on his life and all that he fought for. As an African American woman, I am beyond proud of him, for all that he set in motion. He was truly a great man and one to be revered. I only wish we had a holiday in his honor. I was so deeply moved by this book and I gave it five stars. I wish I could give it 10 or more.

I LOVED this book. Medgar and Myrlie was so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Many still do not know who Medgar Evers is so this was a great history into him. But most importantly you are learning about his wife who stood beside him and helped uplift him as well as his goal behind the scenes. Unfortunatley Myrlie lost her husband too young but this was a great dedication to their love and the continued work on her part.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

I first heard about MEDGAR AND MYRLIE by Joy-Ann Reid when I saw an interview with her on pbs NewsHour:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXmqc0uaC-M (from 2/6/24)

Reid, an MSNBC host, subtitles her text "Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America" and delves into his life and civil rights work as well as deeply into that of his wife, Myrlie, after Medgar's assassination in June 1963. Medgar Evers was a soldier stationed in Europe during WWII. He came home to Mississippi where he later worked for the NAACP in an era when headline news dealt with the murder of Emmett Till, the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, lunch counter sit-ins and retail boycotts, and integration of state college campuses. Reid argues that Evers' activism "was the foundation on which later efforts by SNCC, CORE, and other organizations were built." She conducted more than a half dozen interviews with Myrlie (who was NAACP National Chair in 1995) and also provides significant research – more than a fifth of the book is devoted to notes, bibliography, and an index. MEDGAR AND MYRLIE received a starred review from Booklist ("Reid's spotlight shines brightest on the commitment the Everses made to the movement and to each other"). A love story involving Mississippi, America, and each other. Reid writes, "he pressed her to understand that he did his work because he loves her and their children." 4.5 stars

**GO READ THIS BOOK**

This is a must-read book [especially in this time when there are people who are trying to erase history {especially the history they don't agree with}, and rewrite it in a way that will benefit them], filled with history, honor, strength, determination and above all, love.

I will admit that I didn't know much about Medgar and Myrlie Evers and I am so grateful for this opportunity to read about them and learn about all that he did and accomplished in his short life and all that Myrlie continued to accomplish after his brutal assassination [WHY WHY WHY are we not being taught about him in school?? WHY is he almost a footnote in the Civil Rights Movement? It was so frustrating to realize just how much he was pushed aside by the "bigger" players, and yet his work was just as, if not more so at times, important as the big whigs], including finally seeing the man who brutally slaughtered her beloved husband stand and be convicted of the crime; I am in such awe of her and all that she did and how her love carried her through all those tough years. Oh that we all could have such a love.

"You can kill a man, but you can't kill an idea" - Medgar Evers

"The thing about love is that it has no chill. It takes no prisoners and makes no exceptions for the times, or the environment, or the dangers ahead. It has no situational awareness, particularly when it is true and intense and existential At best it is fearless. Love is why this book is."
Joy-Ann Reid

Joy-Ann Reid's book, "Medgar & Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America," is truly remarkable. The narrative unfolds the beautiful love between this iconic Civil Rights couple, sparked during their first meeting at Alcorn, creating an undeniable connection. For them, it truly was love at first sight. The book takes readers on a captivating journey into the civil unrest of the 60s, focusing on Medgar Evers and his resilient wife Myrlie. It delves into the profound struggles they faced while passionately advocating for civil rights, primarily in the Mississippi Delta and Jackson, Mississippi.

Instead of avoiding difficulties, the book candidly explores the challenges faced by Evers, a World War II veteran, who fought for his country only to return home and be treated like a second-class citizen. Despite Mississippi's hostility, he maintained a deep love for his home state and vowed to bring about change. Evers willed his home state to transform. As a fellow Mississippian, Evers’ story has always resonated with me.

"Medgar & Myrlie" isn't just a book; it's a crucial piece of history that deserves not only to be read but also remembered and revered. Many may not even be aware that the murder of Medgar Evers was the first in a series of deaths of civil rights figures. I'm grateful for individuals like the Evers, who remained steadfast in their fight for freedom. There's so much in this book that stuck with me. Probably the most iconic statement was why Medgar Evers said he did the work he did. He empathetically told Myrlie that he did the work because of how much he loved her and their children. He wanted more for them.

Thank you to Joy-Ann Reid for skillfully bringing their story to life with grace and depth.

I grew up in Mississippi during this time period, but I was young and white and knew only bits about the horrible racism in my state. As an adult, I try to learn, and books are my favorite medium.

This book was so informative - it took my vague childhood memories and put them into a wonderful and inspiring - and horrifying story. I’m so grateful to have gained this knowledge.

I had not realized that the murder of Medgar Evers was the first in the deluge of deaths of civil rights personalities. Emmet Till’s murder took place years before and was covered in depth, as well as the many other racial incidents.

Medgar Evers and other Black men returned from serving their country in during WWII - to the same old disgraceful racism. Yet these Black men persevered. I hope one day this nightmare of racism will be over.

Myrlie Louise Beasley met Medgar Evers on her first day of college. They fell in love at first sight, married just one year later, and Myrlie left school to focus on their growing family.

Medgar became the field secretary for the Mississippi branch of the NAACP, charged with beating back the most intractable and violent resistance to Black voting rights in the country. Myrlie served as Medgar’s secretary and confidant, working hand in hand with him as they struggled against public accommodations and school segregation, lynching, violence, and sheer despair within their state’s “Black belt.” They fought to desegregate the intractable University of Mississippi, organized picket lines and boycotts, despite repeated terroristic threats, including the 1962 firebombing of their home, where they lived with their three young children.

On June 12, 1963, Medgar Evers became the highest profile victim of Klan-related assassination of a Black civil rights leader at that time; gunned down in the couple’s driveway in Jackson. In the wake of his tragic death, Myrlie carried on their civil rights legacy; writing a book about Medgar’s fight, trying to win a congressional seat, and becoming a leader of the NAACP in her own right.

In this groundbreaking and thrilling account of two heroes of the civil rights movement, Joy-Ann Reid uses Medgar and Myrlie’s relationship as a lens through which to explore the on-the-ground work that went into winning basic rights for Black Americans, and the repercussions that still resonate today.

My Take:
Joy-Ann Reid was the right person to write this book and this is the right time. We are fortunate that Mrs. Evers-Williams is still with us and hopefully will feel appreciation for the woman she is while she can enjoy it. Having said that, this book gives foundational information about Medgar and Myrlie's life and what the human cost was to doing the work of the Civil Right Movement. But the magic of the book is that the story does not end with Medgar's assassination-it continues. We learn about what it took for Myrlie and her children to press on.

This book is in conversation with books like "Negroland", "Warmth of Other Sons", "Our Secret Society" and others that center or are written by Black women about Black women and Black institutions.

Beautiful and weighty in the best way. A lovely and stark portrait of a marriage and two important activists. It’s clear Reid had a lot of access to the Evers family and she treated the entire story with care and dignity. Well done,