This book, which covers a lot of the important moments in John Lewis's life/important moments in the fight for civil rights, was wonderful. I learned so much from it and the writing style made it so easy to absorb all the new things I learned!

John Lewis' life could fill hundreds and hundreds of pages. Jon Meacham's book "His Truth is Marching On" focuses on Lewis' major life events surrounding the fight for civil rights. While much is known by many about the overall highlights of Jon's life- the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, his speech on the March on Washington (though overshadowed by King's "I Have a Dream" speech, his long tenure in Congress, Meacham expands on these events as well as other significant events in John's life. Lewis' great-grandfather was born enslaved, and John's youth was spent learning about religion, and was enrolled in a theological seminary. As a young man, he is enthralled with the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other teachers of nonviolence (something he adheres to when others stray from those techniques later in the movement). Religion plays a crucial role in John's life and he believes in the social gospel. One can forget how YOUNG Lewis was during his activism in the freedom rides and sit-ins, the amount of times he was arrested, and how badly beaten he was (his march in Selma fractured his skull and caused a severe concussion). The march in Selma (and the videos seen on TV) really was a catalyst for America to see how horrible things were, and ushered the Voting Rights Act in.

Meacham distills a lot of history down, and uses illustrative examples of events Lewis participated in, quotes of people he very much admired, and challenges he faced. The book winds down with the transformation after the Voting Rights Act with increased violence, the rise of the Black Power and Black Panther movements, while John's role in his organization is diminished as he adheres to his non-violent philosophy. Sweeping laws were passed in the 1960's but systemic racism remained, and STILL remain. The book concludes with the assassinations of King and Bobby Kennedy, and Lewis' work in Congress is touched on in the epilogue. I greatly appreciated the Afterword by Lewis on how his philosophy is still applicable in today's current environment and the hope that he has for the future.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to reach this advance copy for review.