This is a popular "all-time favorite book" amongst my friends, and while it doesn't make my list, it's definitely up there. I think it's especially important for understanding the complex position Malcolm X occupied in terms of the civil rights movement and racial/religious politics. I think most people, who perhaps have not read this book, think of him as the very violent, sinister counterpart to the peace-loving MLK, Jr. But I think those two portrayals are too simplistic, and this book shows why.

Incidentally, there's another book out there, by James H. Cone (writer of color and theologian) who wrote a book called Martin and Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare). I haven't read it yet but it certainly sounds intriguing.