Finding Me
By Viola Davis
304 pages
Megan’s Review-
Audiobook, narrated by the author.
Quick summary
A raw and unsparing memoir in which Davis chronicles the childhood traumas that molded her into a reflective, confident woman, one with a profound degree of self-knowledge, as well as the obstacles she overcame to become an influential and celebrated actress.
What’s it about?
Born into generational poverty, Davis’ early years were rife with the trauma of poverty, hunger, bullying, physical and sexual abuse, alcoholism and racism. Seemingly, she did not stand a chance. Yet, several teachers and mentors saw something special in her and helped lead her into acting. As a black-skinned woman, she had little chance of landing leading roles, not only in her early career (in which she was relegated to portraying drug addicts and the Black best friends of White women) but even long after she had achieved success. Despite the odds against her, her competitiveness and stubborn toughness, along with great talent, tireless work and passion for acting, moved her forward in her darkest times.
What did it make me think about?
The rage, frustration and shame of children subjected to poverty and racism and how they manifest themselves over a lifetime. The persistence of our childhood selves in adulthood; the work it takes to reconcile ourselves with those early versions of ourselves.
Should I read it?
Davis’ story is harrowing. She is vulnerable and open and reflective and does not shy away from emotion or tough facts. Professional success did not heal her early wounds. It was her courageous introspection and reflection, the exacting examination of her life through a lens of aggressive honesty, that did. She evocatively recounts that painful story in Finding Me. I’ve always loved her as an actor, in The Help, Fences, How to Get Away with Murder, but now have a deep respect and admiration for her as a person.
Quote.
“Forgiveness is giving up all hope of a different past.”
Related Books.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Megan’s Review-
Audiobook, narrated by the author.
Quick summary
A raw and unsparing memoir in which Davis chronicles the childhood traumas that molded her into a reflective, confident woman, one with a profound degree of self-knowledge, as well as the obstacles she overcame to become an influential and celebrated actress.
What’s it about?
Born into generational poverty, Davis’ early years were rife with the trauma of poverty, hunger, bullying, physical and sexual abuse, alcoholism and racism. Seemingly, she did not stand a chance. Yet, several teachers and mentors saw something special in her and helped lead her into acting. As a black-skinned woman, she had little chance of landing leading roles, not only in her early career (in which she was relegated to portraying drug addicts and the Black best friends of White women) but even long after she had achieved success. Despite the odds against her, her competitiveness and stubborn toughness, along with great talent, tireless work and passion for acting, moved her forward in her darkest times.
What did it make me think about?
The rage, frustration and shame of children subjected to poverty and racism and how they manifest themselves over a lifetime. The persistence of our childhood selves in adulthood; the work it takes to reconcile ourselves with those early versions of ourselves.
Should I read it?
Davis’ story is harrowing. She is vulnerable and open and reflective and does not shy away from emotion or tough facts. Professional success did not heal her early wounds. It was her courageous introspection and reflection, the exacting examination of her life through a lens of aggressive honesty, that did. She evocatively recounts that painful story in Finding Me. I’ve always loved her as an actor, in The Help, Fences, How to Get Away with Murder, but now have a deep respect and admiration for her as a person.
Quote.
“Forgiveness is giving up all hope of a different past.”
Related Books.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
