i am continually inspired and challenged by the civil rights movement and its leaders, john lewis being chief among them. his leadership, his wisdom, his steadfastness -- they are pillars of resilience and dedication, and this book instantly sparked my interest as i sought to learn even more about this man and his mission. the best part of this was the words from lewis himself, and i didn't full think meacham did lewis justice in the writing and style of this one, but i'm grateful to have explored his story further.

***** His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope
I consider John Lewis one of my heroes, and had looked forward to this book even before he passed away. I had a Netgalley arc and everything when we lost him July 2020. However, it took me far too long to finish reading this, for many reasons, the year 2020 being just one of them. (Also, I had already started his own memoir Walking With the Wind which is also recommended:)

After seeing updates on Selma and so many horrible recent struggles for current civil rights, though, I returned to it, now with a hardcover, and returned to the 'simpler' times of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. I love the way Meacham tells the story of the movement along with Representative Lewis' own growth as an activist and politician. He was fortunate as a writer to have had many conversations with Lewis over the years, so a lot of the facts were backed up with personal reflection. As with many aspects of the battle for civil rights in the United States, and with Rep. Lewis' life, there is an acknowledged religious tone to the telling, but I believe it is inspiring, even for secular readers, not overwhelming. We also hear from other members of the movement and Meacham's factual research, giving fuller perspective.

I learned new things about Lewis and SNCC, as well as other people and aspects of the era. And I felt like I was honestly brought to the moment on the bridge when he faced that sea of blue. It is often a sad, violent story, of course, but as he did in life, John Lewis' calm, determined voice rings through, bolstering the message of non-violence and democracy. I highly recommend reading this book, sharing the story of John Lewis, and passing on this message as much as possible to the young generations too.

Meacham rarely disappoints and this is no exception. I would have loved to learn more about Lewis' post-1968 career, particularly as that seemed to be a more complex and nuanced time in his life.

This was exactly what Jon Meachem set out to write. He notes: “This is not a full-scale biography. It is, rather, an appreciative account of the major moments of Lewis’s life in the movement, of the theological understanding he brought to the struggle, and of the utility of that vision as America enters the third decade of the twenty-first century amid division and fear.”

This book gave me three gifts: notes about Rep. Lewis’s life I didn’t realize; reminders about the Civil Rights Movement that I didn’t remember; and hope for the future. Others will also find Meachem’s deep-dive into the theology of Rep. Lewis’s activism a gift; although I can appreciate it, it’s less personally relevant to me than it will be to others. This is also an area in which Meachem is an expert, so there were definitely references in the early framing portion of the book that I didn’t quite understand.

Regarding the Civil Rights Movement - Meachem ensured we were reminded of two things. First, that the continued oppression and violence were sanctioned by whites who kept silent. For example, Meachem quotes a young reporter covering a sit-in at Woolworth’s that turned violent. The reporter wrote: “For more than an hour the hate kept building up, the hoodlums becoming increasingly bold,” and subsequently described them moving from name calling to burning them with cigarettes. Assuming that word means the same as it does now, the journalist knew these “hoodlums” were doing the police’s dirty work. This wasn’t a fully ignorant public who didn’t know any better. They either chose hate or silence, with generations of consequences.

Meachem also reminded us that the movement was not a monolith. There were always a variety of opinions on goals, strategy, tactics, leadership. Which, to me, is a good reminder that current efforts don’t have to be monolithic.

I can think of over a hundred historians who should speak at the DNC before Jon Meacham, and I can think of over a hundred historians who should write the definitive biography of the great Representative John Lewis before Jon Meacham. great American narrative tone & moderatism clouded the whole book. Black Power, according to Meacham, made Lewis ‘uncomfortable.’ sure it wasn’t Lewis’s primary tactic, but the wording bothered me in many cases. though not long, this biography was a slog that took me almost a full year to read. what bothers me most is the contrast between the genuinely extraordinary radicalism of Lewis’s life and the bland, dull, measured tone of Meacham’s writing.

This wasn't up to Meacham's best work-- seems to have been rushed through. That said, the subjject is worty and Meacham a solid writer.

HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON by Jon Meacham is subtitled "John Lewis and the Power of Hope." Meecham, Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer/historian and author of numerous texts including The Soul of America and Songs of America, delivers a warm and respectful description of the life and many contributions of John Lewis and his "good trouble." Meecham writes, "This is not a full-scale biography. It is, rather, an appreciative account of the major moments of Lewis's life in the movement, of the theological understanding he brought to the struggle, and of the utility he brought to that vision." Meecham describes Lewis' family (his great-grandfather, alive until Lewis was seven, was born a slave), his early life, and the importance of faith as well as Lewis' involvement in the Civil Rights movement. Sections deal with The Freedom Riders and The Bloody Sunday March across Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Interspersed throughout are numerous images of individuals involved in the struggle and of key events, including newspaper coverage. Lewis himself crafted a moving afterword which calls to mind his final public words from the essay, "Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation," published in the New York Times. There he wrote, "Emmett Till was my George Floyd" and "Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part ... ." HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON received starred reviews from Kirkus and Library Journal.

Full disclosure, Jon Meacham is always a guest at my fantasy dinner party, and often John Lewis makes the same list. I focused on the rhetoric of the Civil Rights Movement in both undergraduate and graduate studies, so this felt like equal parts scholarly text and beautiful biography. Meacham’s research, and Lewis’s words, made me thirst again for knowledge on the topic and hunger for lasting social change in my generation and beyond.

Very good book - really correct and made you feel as though you were there. I would give this book my highest recommendation.

'His Truth Is Marching On' is a phenomenal biography of John Lewis's contributions and participation in the Civil Rights movements in the US from the early 1960s-2020. The focus of this book is largely on his participation in the movement in the 1960s. Meacham outlines Lewis’s unwavering religious and philosophical convictions that lead him to the movement and conscience that guided his behavior. Jon Meacham does a wonderful job synthesizing the greater historical and political context of the era. He well illustrates the actions and motivation of Civil Rights organizers. Where this biography really soars is in Meacham's descriptions of marches and other major events. The violence suffered by Lewis and his compatriots is devastating to read about. Their strength and resolve are breathtaking and inspiring.

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

Jon Meacham did a fabulous job of writing about John Lewis and his life during the civil rights movement. There is much to admire about John Lewis and his extraordinary life. Meacham brings the people around Lewis and the events to life here, and I felt so many emotions--anger, despair, hope, admiration, love--while reading this important account. There is an afterword written by John Lewis before his death this year, and as expected, it speaks of action, unity, love, and hope.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a review copy. It was heartbreaking to read and yet, it is an understatement to say it was worth it.

What a powerful book! Meacham's account of John Lewis' life makes you want to be a better person. Meacham captures Lewis's deep faith and paints a portrait of a follower of Jesus who at all costs lived the Gospel. There is much to be learned from this man.

Thank you for this book! John Lewis’s life was an inspiration. His Truth is Marching On is required reading for every American!

John Lewis was a giant among men. His life story is an inspiration for all those who follow the path he helped to carve in the fight for civil rights and justice for all. John Lewis gave interviews to the author, Jon Meacham, and it gives you a unique perspective into his life and beliefs. Meacham at times speaks of Lewis as though he were more saint than human, something that might make the reader scoff at initially. But it soon becomes clear that Meacham isn’t gilding the lily in his portrayal of Lewis. The man truly was a truly good person and deserving of such high praise. Representative Lewis fought the good fight, and he was gracious enough to share his experiences, his wisdom and his humility with us all. He taught us what it meant to get in good trouble. I am simply grateful that he was appreciated while he was with us, that he knew how he inspired others to fight for civil rights and a better world. We were so fortunate to have him, and his legacy of peace and love will live on. Jon Meacham shows us just what a great man he was. It is a fitting epitaph to Rep. Lewis’s life’s story.

His truth is marching on
John Meacham (author)
The review is based on an ARC from NetGalley
“The sword was not a blade but a spiritual sword; we were going to tear down the old world patiently and non-violently”
Even as times and opinions changed, John Lewis stood by his creed of nonviolence and faith in a “beloved community”. Lewis was always soft-spoken but determined, he never hit back when he was attacked. Lewis was arrested forty-five times over his lifetime he suffered a fractured skull and was repeatedly beaten and tear-gassed. Lewis was committed from the beginning he would conform and give in but be reasonable and persist in the cause of repealing unjust laws. Freedom Riders were groups of white and African American civil rights activists who participated in Freedom Rides, bus trips through the American South in 1961 to protest segregated bus terminals. Freedom Riders tried to use “whites-only” restrooms and lunch counters at bus stations in Alabama, South Carolina, and other Southern states. Police as well as violence from white protestors confronted the groups. Lewis was one of the original 13 freedom riders. John Meacham documents Lewis's life l as a young seminary student to working with Martin Luther King yr. and with Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B Johnson.
This is a well-researched book and key figures photographs are placed throughout the book.
John Meacham said and I quote” This Is not a full-scale biography. It is rather an appreciative account of the major moments in Lewis’ life of the theological understanding he (Lewis) brought to the struggle, and the utility of the vision as America enters the third decade of the twenty-first century amid division and fear”

This is an excellent account of the major points in John Lewis's life. It shouldn't be thought of as a full biography. Instead think of it as a highlights of his life with additional philosophical ideas from Lewis. The author clearly had a good relationship with Lewis and portrays his worldview in a fair light. If you ever wondered how he was able to continue on in his non-violent protests despite frequently landing in hospitals and jails, then this book is required reading. It also serves as a good explainer for how the non-violent Civil Rights Movement lost its steam toward the end of the 60's, which I always find my students confused about.

John Lewis was a name that I heard often but I did not have a clear overview of his story. While I knew of him as a current senator, I missed the link to his beginnings in the Civil Rights Movement. Upon his death a couple of months ago, I began piecing it together. I made a note to learn more about him, so when this book was available, I excitedly began reading. While it is not an exhaustive account of his life, Meachem does an excellent job of weaving his story together through the lens of his faith and his commitment to nonviolence. This is a great read to gain a deeper understanding of Lewis and how the Civil Rights Movement shaped him.

It is hard to accept that in such A relatively short space of time , two wonderful people like John Lewis and RBG have been taken from us. Two who represented the best of society and politics. The best of us.

John Lewis was a man of deep faith, a man who wanted to improve the lives of his people, and did it peacefully, legally. He was beaten, thrown in prison, yet his resolve never wavered. Meacham due a fine job showing us what compelled him on to this path and what he hoped to accomplish. He was a man of integrity, a man with a deep, commanding voice that demanded to be heard. This is the man one reads about in this book. The kind of man we need more of in this country, where dishonesty is now so often portrayed as truth.

In the back of the book we read Lewis in his own words. Impressive and unforgettable, as was the man himself.

This book is an amazing, beautifully written account of the civil rights movement and John Lewis integral role in most of the major events of this movement. This book is so valuable right now, not only because of Lewis’s recent passing, but also because it serves as a reminder of the power of people to come together and make a difference.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

This isn't a traditional cradle-to-grave biography (which can sometimes make for an intimidating tome), but a powerful, readable account of John Lewis's lifelong commitment to civil rights, social justice, and political renewal — and how his faith compelled that commitment in philosophy and action. In the author's words, it's "an appreciative account of the major moments of Lewis’s life in the movement, of the theological understanding he brought to the struggle, and of the utility of that vision as America enters the third decade of the twenty-first century amid division and fear." Because of Lewis's extensive involvement from such an early age, this makes an excellent refresher/introduction to the Civil Rights Movement.

Content notes: racist violence, terror, and obstruction