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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “THis book was given to me by my wife when we were dating. Sidney Poitier is one of my favorite actors. After reading his book, he became one of my favorite people. He doesn't pretend to be perfect nor does he make excuses. What I like the most about this book is that it also speaks about the...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Left wanting something - great autobiography, but falls short of "a spiritual biography"” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I listened to the audio of this autobiography, read by the author himself, actor Sidney Poitier. I can't imagine anyone else reading his story. Not only is Poitier's voice wonderful, as it was throughout his career, but his voice conveys his love for his parents and children when he speaks of them, his anger when he recalls someone's racist acts, and the laughter when he recalls something humorous.
Kentucky Reader wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Poitier grew up very poor in material things -- even lacking electricity or plumbing in his home -- but he was rich in loving family and in the freedom to explore nature in the small idyllic Caribbean island where he lived. He was also uneducated. One of the most poignant stories, to me, was when he told of being unable to get an acting job because he couldn't read. At the time, he was living in New York and working as a dishwasher in a restaurant. An elderly Jewish waiter in the restaurant saw him struggling to teach himself to read and volunteered to teach him during their breaks. I wondered if that man ever realized that a great career resulted from his kindness.
His father taught Poitier lessons in responsibility and measuring up that have guided his life. Poitier turned down a role early in his career because the character did not behave as a man should, and Poitier did not want to bring dishonor to his father on the screen. He subsequently always accepted roles with that conviction. He speaks of his father with love and respect but without idealism, because he also speaks of his shortcomings.
The book includes stories from Poitier's childhood, from his struggle to find his place in a country where he wasn't always welcome, and from his long and successful career. As the title suggests, the book is Poitier's way of sharing the lessons he's learned about living an honorable life, even as he acknowledges he has learned many of those lessons from his failures, including getting into trouble as a youth and his failed marriage.”
“spiritual memoir”
Comic Mom wrote this review Monday, November 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Quite a smooth read and inspiring. I think it was one of the books featured on Oprah's book club.”
Kugan Kumar wrote this review Tuesday, October 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I loved it. It gave me insight into this great actor.”
Dea1773 wrote this review Tuesday, September 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Left wanting something - great autobiography, but falls short of "a spiritual biography"”
Heather K wrote this review Friday, August 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Very inspirational book of life experiences. Often we don't think of celebrities as regular people, but we all have our beginnings, trials, triumphs and hard lessons learned. I was truly moved and motivated by Mr. Poiter stories of his struggles and triumphs not just in Hollywood, but in life as a man, a father, a husband, etc.
Lee Carmon wrote this review Sunday, July 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
A must read for not only men, but women as well. How do you measure a man or woman?”
“Its a wonderful autiobiography of Sidney Poitier. Its great if you can find the audio book. ”
Omer T wrote this review Sunday, July 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Lovely man and a lovely book about his life. Very good!”
Radha Stern wrote this review Sunday, June 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“read it at http://prashantsingh.wordpress.com”
prashantksingh wrote this review Wednesday, June 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This isn't an autobiography of his life so-to-speak but more little snippets about the situations he found himself facing growing up and what he drew from those situations.
Paula C wrote this review Saturday, June 6 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
It's a very insightful and thought provoking read. He had strong beliefs and motivation for accepting each and every role he played in a time when racism was ever so prevalent and played such a huge part in his own life.”
