Rating: 
Summary: Finally their side of the story
Review: A warm, poignant, honest tale of the pressures of growing up in the shadow of a giant. Not graduating from Morehouse college due to having undiagnosed A.D.D.Constantly being compared to his father whom he bears an uncanny resemblence. Losing his father, and grandmother in a very violent way. Expected to carry out "the dream" the way society wanted him to. Unable to sustain relationships for fear of getting too close. I am sure this book was cathartic for him. He nows need to live his dream- HIS FATHER GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ALL TO BE FREE- his children should be free to choose their own lives. His father would be proud of him.
Rating:
Summary: Still Growing
Review: Dexter Scott King's memoir accounts for the tremendous history of the King family and his life as the physically favoring, second son of Martin Luther King, Jr. Through the story of his life, Dexter answers the questions many Americans have about the last 34 years: Where did the dream go? What happened to the King family? What finally happened in the assassination case? Dexter Scott King describes the aftermath of the civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr....his father.
Growing Up King allows you to look back at the last thirty years with clarity. Dexter King is reflective and honest, humble and dutiful. He is a man without a calling, called to be that man. He reveal his earliest childhood memories of loving family life and also the tolls of his father's work. He sheds a unique perspective on events that changed history, and evokes respect for all who supported the survival of his family. He openly shares personal memoirs, and modestly describes his influence on the King Center and other social and political projects.
The private access to the King family is refreshing, as Dexter provides up-to-date reports about his mother, Coretta, his oldest sister Yolanda, his older brother Martin and his younger sister Bernice. Their stories, and those of cousins, uncles, and grandparents describe an American saga of love, dedication, commitment and strength. Dexter also discloses the intricacies of the assassination case and resolutions thus far. Growing Up King connects the present to the past, the next generation to the dream.
Dexter's tone in Growing Up King is as natural as a journal: generally chronological, informative, and quite intimate. If anything, we readers see that the second son of America's greatest social and political leader still has some growing up to do. His attitude is of one who has gotten the bad end of the stick, one who does not yet truly believe in his own power, whether in his own light or his father's shadow. There seems always the unattainable quest to be great in his own right, to find his own dream. By reading Growing Up King I realize, Dexter Scott King has not only lived up to his family name, he has allowed the dream to live on.
Rating: 
Summary: Interested in Exploring the King Family?
Review: Everyone has a story to tell, and Growing Up King is the life story of the third child of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dexter King has not had a life that many of us would envy. Nor has any member of his family, most difficult I would imagine would be the tremendous burden cast on Mrs. Coretta Scott King who was thrown into single motherhood with 4 young children. It is no secret that the last name of King can be perceived as both blessing and curse. I live in Atlanta, where the majority of this story takes place and find that around town we have expectations of how the Kings are "supposed" to be. They are, maybe incorrectly elevated, to the status of royalty among the African-American community, and that can certainly prove to be difficult to handle. This is well-intentioned adoration, but non-the less made difficult to handle as children and Dexter has found that it gets no better in adulthood. It is this dilemma that somewhat serves as imputes to the writing of this book.Make no mistake, I've learned a lot more about Dexter King and the King family in general but literarily speaking, Growing up King is poorly written. The story is chronologically told, but jumps around quite a bit in thought and expression. He jumps from his thoughts, to the thoughts of those around him to actual dialogue quite a bit which makes it hard to follow. Further, if you aren't familiar with the geography of Atlanta and some of the prominent figures in Atlanta politics or the Atlanta community you might have difficulty following the massive amount of name and location dropping that is found in the book. A case in point would be the fact that he talks about seeking privacy, protection and peace for his mother while giving out her address where she still resides today. Another interesting dichotomy is the striking resemblance in the tone and tenure of Growing up King with its predecessor, Growing up X by Ilyasah Shabazz daughter of slain Nation of Islam leader, Malcolm X. My instant impression, and my impression especially after reading the book, was that Dexter was trying to follow in someone else's footsteps, still not finding his personal way, because he thinks that is what is expected of him. I gained greater insight to this quite, unimposing man. I learned a great deal about him personally and I appreciate the fact that he felt comfortable enough to share himself with the world. He shares a lot, and in my opinion, maybe a bit too much but everybody has a story to tell. If you are a fan of the King family, read Growing up King.
Rating:
Summary: Finally their side of the story
Review: I read this book by Dexter King, but I have also read Growing Up X. There were some similarities between both books, but there were some differences also. I had heard some of the rumors and speculation about the King family trying to milk Dr. King's legacy in the monetary sense. However, Dexter does a good job of clearing things up about how much time and money is spent protecting his father's legacy due to the fact that some individuals and corporations believe and/or assume that Dr. Kings' speeches and papers are public property and can use them for monetary profit. I agree whole heartly with the King family in protecting their father's legacy including all of his speeches and writings. The thing that stood out the most to me pertaining to this issue was that we as blacks in America discount great black thinkers, intellectuals and people who take a stance in the black community. We have a belief that our black intellects work such Dr King, Malcolm X and Medgar Evers is not as valuable as compared to that of their white counter parts such as Nixon, Kennedy or Bush. Dexter King also gives us some insight into how he grew up near housing projects in Vine City, attended a exclusive private school then public high school, and life at Morehouse. I had no ideal that Dexter's mother currently lives in Vine City, because gossips have always said she was living in a huge mansion in Buckhead. Next Dexter talks about his love life, but never gives any names but calls one serious girlfriend "Mon Ami." I would recommend this book to anyone trying to find out more about the King family.
Rating: 
Summary: This is a terrific book.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Growing Up King." This is a
terrific book. Not only is this book required reading for
any student of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it also brings
insights how the King Center in Atlanta is run while main-
taining its mission to spread the teachings of Dr King. There
are lessons here for any well-intentioned organization. This book is clearly written by subject and most of the subjects
overlap chronologically.
Thank you, Dexter King!
Rating:
Summary: Thanks, Dexter
Review: I'm so grateful for Dr. King and his dream. Without his initiative, bravery and leadership skills, who knows where Black America would be today. As it is, we as a people have forgotten and forsaken much of what Dr. King stood for, but it's books like this that are needed to remind us that he was more than just an icon, he was indeed a man. Seeing Dr. King through the eyes of his son was quite an experience. The detailed recall of so many people and places that surrounded him as a child was an incredible accomplishment on the part of Dexter. Through his eyes and by way of his memory, I have now been blessed to gain more knowledge of what it was like to be the son of such a prominent individual and the rewards and disadvantages that came along with being his child. Thanks, Dexter. May God continue to bless the King family to stay strong and live the dream!
Rating:
Summary: Coming out of the Box!
Review: PREFACE: THIS BOOK GOES TO SHOW THAT MY GOD CAN DO ANYTHING!!! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Dexter Scott King share his unique story with the world. Hearing his story has been therapeutic and has re-emphasized that there is healing in positive expression of the past struggles and/or tragedies. I now have the desire to be more transparent and discuss my struggles because they are common to man and the blessing is not only for me but for others who have or have had similar struggles. I am convinced that Mr. King encouraged himself with this story and that it will be even more therapeutic for him. It is truly amazing how he captured the many historial facts surrounding his father Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. It is my belief that this book would be a great asset for History lessons taught in U.S. schools on Civil Rights. This book speaks volumes to one's intellect or ignorance and causes one to have a paradigm shift and begin to apply Dr. King's teaching of social nonviolence. I learned about passion, being sold out to your mission in life while still maintaining a balanced life, not allowing your past to determine your future, copyright laws, the film industry, love, social and racial equality, and how we must not be afraid to tell the truth despite of the myths that have been spread abroad. DEXTER SCOTT KING IS COMING OUT OF THE BOX THAT SOCIETY HAS PLACED HIM AND THE KING FAMILY IN AND IS READY TO STEP INTO THE NEXT SEASON OF HIS LIFE!!! WATCH OUT LADIES, HERE HE COMES!!! Also recommended: "Too Blessed to be Stressed" by Dr.Suzan Johnson Cook "Managing Your Emotions: Instead of Your Emotions Managing You" by Joyce Meyer
Rating:
Summary: MOVING BEYOND THE SHADOW
Review: The progeny of great men and women are usually compared to their venerable parent. Such is the case in the Martin Luther King, Jr. family. Since his death a microscope has been placed over his children comparing them to him. Dexter, the second son and third child of King attempts to break out of the shadow of his father and reveals to us his hopes, dreams and aspirations for himself and his family. Dexter's text is a good try but fails in its efforts. Growing Up Kings gives the reader the perspective of a child raised in the Martin Luther King, Jr. family. Dexter reveals the challenges that he faced in living under the shadow of a famous father. We as readers are shown the stresses and pressures put upon the family as they faced tragedy after tragedy but continued on with the dream as articulated by King. Dexter does a fair job in sharing with us some of his family's personal matters but is very restrained in critiquing the actions of his mother and other civil rights icons. As you walk through the narrative, you will find Dexter repeating himself and giving the reader a history of the civil rights movement. He shares his foibles but was again there is a restraint in his revelations. Just how much is Dexter telling us that is true? Our author seems to never be able to stand on his own two feet without invoking the shadow of the King family over his life. The best part of the book is his explanation regarding the safeguarding of M.L.K Jr.'s speeches and intellectual property that is not in the public domain. You will learn that there is another side to the story and Dexter tells it well. You also receive a bit of insight regarding the functionairies of the King Center and how Dexter chose to resign his position as president rather than become a puppet. Like many people I was attracted to this book due to the nature of its contents. Who wouldn't want to know what it is like growing up under Martin Luther King, Jr.? Dexter's story was interesting but lacked a greater depth in terms of his own vision for the future beyond his family. He appeared to be trapped in the King mystique although he tried to become his own man. The book neglected any full scale treatment of his relationships with his mother and siblings. Yes, he throws tidbits concerning his failed love relationships but those appear to be mere diversions to keep up your interest. In general we are given a decent perspective of the King family.Hopefully a more definitive portrait of the family will come from the rest of his siblings.
Rating:
Summary: Alone in the Garden
Review: This is a book to first read in a sweet southern garden alone while dew is still on the roses, irises & peachblossoms. Surrounded by the delicate gifts of an Almighty Creator, protected and ensconsed by the angelic scents, comforted by the tender and gentle caress of quiet nature - the real gift of this author's honesty, humility and heavensent humor will awaken even the most cynical sleeping dog who may have become somewhat complacent in the mission of true and enduring freedom! Softly and gentlemanly, Mr. Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr & Mrs. Coretta Scott King, unfolds a simply detailed and selectively recorded easy-to-read history lesson from his unique prospective. No incident is too dramatic for him to avoid, and no challenge is too deep for him to leave unconfronted. Never mind the seemingly burdensome cloak that may have caused him to sleep away many hours, the uplifting mantle of "unconditional" acceptance and "abundant" grace with which one of the heirs of The Civil Rights Movement covers an era in time is a treasure to be read and appreciated by every American, every human, every individual interested in contributing to FREEDOM! The second reading should be shared.
Rating:
Summary: Alone in the Garden
Review: This is a book to first read in a sweet southern garden alone while dew is still on the roses, irises & peachblossoms. Surrounded by the delicate gifts of an Almighty Creator, protected and ensconsed by the angelic scents, comforted by the tender and gentle caress of quiet nature - the real gift of this author's honesty, humility and heavensent humor will awaken even the most cynical sleeping dog who may have become somewhat complacent in the mission of true and enduring freedom! Softly and gentlemanly, Mr. Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr & Mrs. Coretta Scott King, unfolds a simply detailed and selectively recorded easy-to-read history lesson from his unique prospective. No incident is too dramatic for him to avoid, and no challenge is too deep for him to leave unconfronted. Never mind the seemingly burdensome cloak that may have caused him to sleep away many hours, the uplifting mantle of "unconditional" acceptance and "abundant" grace with which one of the heirs of The Civil Rights Movement covers an era in time is a treasure to be read and appreciated by every American, every human, every individual interested in contributing to FREEDOM! The second reading should be shared.
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