lilybearillini3's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I couldn't put this book down. Viola Davis is a force of nature and her autobiography, the Grammy-award winning audiobook that she earned EGOT status for, is further evidence, if you weren't already swayed.
While I'm normally not into celebrity biographies, there are a handful that I loved and this is one of them, so much that I consider this required reading. Ideally, you should listen to the audiobook (again, Grammy-winning audiobook). Viola pulls you in and doesn't let go. Her autobiography is all encompassing from birth to present, all the details from her childhood to working in Hollywood. I don't know what else to say other than to read this book. It is incredible.
While I'm normally not into celebrity biographies, there are a handful that I loved and this is one of them, so much that I consider this required reading. Ideally, you should listen to the audiobook (again, Grammy-winning audiobook). Viola pulls you in and doesn't let go. Her autobiography is all encompassing from birth to present, all the details from her childhood to working in Hollywood. I don't know what else to say other than to read this book. It is incredible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Racial slurs, Addiction, Death of parent, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Classism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Racism, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Confinement
drmccoy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
dibajida's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
What a beautiful cover.
Both the book amd the audiobook (narrated by the author) have a soul.
Completely mesmerising.
Sometimes it felt a little surface level but thats her story to tell.
Both the book amd the audiobook (narrated by the author) have a soul.
Completely mesmerising.
Sometimes it felt a little surface level but thats her story to tell.
renee_rain's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
One thing I have always known: Viola Davis can tell a great story.
Her memoir focuses mainly on growing up as a poor, Black girl with her family. She tells stories of mice, running, living without water, strange and awful neighbors, her abusive father, and falling in love with acting.
This book is not a "Rags to Riches" story; it is so much more complex. There is no moving past one's childhood. There is only moving forward.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Viola Davis' writing and voice is authentic and refreshing. You may know the characters she has portrayed - take a moment to learn about the human behind them.
Her memoir focuses mainly on growing up as a poor, Black girl with her family. She tells stories of mice, running, living without water, strange and awful neighbors, her abusive father, and falling in love with acting.
This book is not a "Rags to Riches" story; it is so much more complex. There is no moving past one's childhood. There is only moving forward.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Viola Davis' writing and voice is authentic and refreshing. You may know the characters she has portrayed - take a moment to learn about the human behind them.
allisonobrien's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Abortion