Scan barcode
cheryl6of8's review against another edition
4.0
I picked up an audio version of this book at a yard sale because I am a huge fan of Sidney Poitier's grace and grit. Bonus -- the book is read by the author, so I also got his melodic voice which still has traces of his Caribbean childhood. This book was a lovely ear-read, soothing in traffic, but containing a variety of flavors: the dangers of close calls, the philosophy of Life The Universe and Everything including history and God, the stories of his childhood, the discussion of race relations and courage, the importance of education, and other things a man would want his great-granddaughter to know. Some of these stories were retellings from his autobiography, but with a discussion of lessons learned. Some were great reminders of what is possible if we let ourselves explore possibilities, such as the story of how Sidney learned to read and comprehend beyond a first-grade level while working as a dishwasher in NYC, and the stories of his culture shock when he saw his reflection for the first time at 10 or first encountered cars or electricity after a childhood on a primitive island. A few of the discussions were a bit over my head or intense, but I enjoyed the entire experience as an exploration of not only the life of this remarkable man but also of how people process information and the internal conversations we have as we go about our lives.
A couple friends of mine who enjoy audio books expressed an interest in this book, so I will pass it along to one of them.
A couple friends of mine who enjoy audio books expressed an interest in this book, so I will pass it along to one of them.
pridiansky's review
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I almost dnf'd this book, but ultimately decided to finish it. I am giving the book a three for a couple of sections that resonated with me. Other than that, I wasn't blown away. Because these are letters written for his great granddaughter, the writing is quite personal, almost like you're intruding on a conversation you're not meant to hear. For me, it was uncomfortable. He addresses her frequently by name, and while some people might enjoy that level of intimacy, it wasn't something I cared for. When this book was written, she was maybe three? It made me wonder what she thinks of this book now and whether she would want all the attention garnered from this book. It's a sweet testament, but if it were me, I don't know that I'd have wanted that.
It's clear that Sidney Poitier was an interesting, complex man who was quite progressive in his views, considering his age. This is probably due to his unique life experiences which include an isolated childhood on an island, brushes with death, experiences with racism, poverty, etc. He comes across as introspective, empathetic, and honest. I resonated with his strong sense of right and wrong and admired his willpower in overcoming personal weaknesses. He never comes across as a braggart, and I feel he downplayed his own bravery and determination in this book.
The book has some semblance of structure, but it's not perfect, due to the letter-like nature. The writing can become a bit rambly at times, but I'll cut it some slack considering the intention of this book. I think almost everyone has heard a rambling story from an elder in their family. Whether you find that endearing or not is up to you.
There are a couple of chapters on faith and god and his thoughts on the matter, but I skipped those, as I'm not religious and find it all to be tedious drivel. Luckily it's not found through the rest of the book. The most interesting chapters were about how he made it as an actor and his many close calls with death throughout the years. I feel compelled to watch a few of his movies.
It's clear that Sidney Poitier was an interesting, complex man who was quite progressive in his views, considering his age. This is probably due to his unique life experiences which include an isolated childhood on an island, brushes with death, experiences with racism, poverty, etc. He comes across as introspective, empathetic, and honest. I resonated with his strong sense of right and wrong and admired his willpower in overcoming personal weaknesses. He never comes across as a braggart, and I feel he downplayed his own bravery and determination in this book.
The book has some semblance of structure, but it's not perfect, due to the letter-like nature. The writing can become a bit rambly at times, but I'll cut it some slack considering the intention of this book. I think almost everyone has heard a rambling story from an elder in their family. Whether you find that endearing or not is up to you.
There are a couple of chapters on faith and god and his thoughts on the matter, but I skipped those, as I'm not religious and find it all to be tedious drivel. Luckily it's not found through the rest of the book. The most interesting chapters were about how he made it as an actor and his many close calls with death throughout the years. I feel compelled to watch a few of his movies.
msjoanna's review against another edition
4.0
Listening to the audiobook (read by the author) is absolutely the best way to enjoy this book. Poitier has a fabulous voice and hearing the nuances of his memories through his own telling and the personalization of these letters. I enjoyed learning more about Poitier's life. I had no knowledge of his background or any of his history beyond having seen him in movies. Highly recommended listening experience.
csd17's review against another edition
4.0
I was lamenting the reoccurring late-70s/early-80s style online when someone made a reference to To Sir, With Love. Having meant to watch the classic for years, I did and was bowled over by Poitier and his talent. I had see him in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner years before, during my Hepburn period and had very little recollection of him... so I picked it up again to see why.
The reason, I determined after watching that, A Patch of Blue, and pretty much everything else my library would let me get my hands on, was because my memory was faulty. He was stunningly talented. The nuances, as he plays a young widower, and outshines veteran Hepburn and positively shames Tracy. The way you can see him think, in A Patch of Blue and that perfectly- timed finale in To Sir are breathtaking. Do yourself a favor and watch them all.
So, when I noticed the biography, I had to check it out. I found his stories/opinions every bit as thoughtful, precise, and full of value as the films mentioned above. At least try one or the other.
The reason, I determined after watching that, A Patch of Blue, and pretty much everything else my library would let me get my hands on, was because my memory was faulty. He was stunningly talented. The nuances, as he plays a young widower, and outshines veteran Hepburn and positively shames Tracy. The way you can see him think, in A Patch of Blue and that perfectly- timed finale in To Sir are breathtaking. Do yourself a favor and watch them all.
So, when I noticed the biography, I had to check it out. I found his stories/opinions every bit as thoughtful, precise, and full of value as the films mentioned above. At least try one or the other.
raquelstecher's review against another edition
5.0
A treasure. Sidney Poitier passes down his life story and his wisdom and advice to his great-granddaughter Ayele. But really, this book is for all of us.
Read my full review here: http://www.outofthepastblog.com/2014/11/life-beyond-measure-sidney-poitier.html
Read my full review here: http://www.outofthepastblog.com/2014/11/life-beyond-measure-sidney-poitier.html
oswinthehuman's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe it's because I'm not really familiar with Mr. Poitier, but this book felt really slow and disorganized- he didn't expand on many of his stories, and seemed to have no order to the letters he wrote. For a book of letters, they seemed pretty strung together.
More...