Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - Finding Me: A Memoir

Finding Me, Viola Davis' autobiography, was a deeply personal and often heartbreaking story of her life. She grew up in crippling poverty where her family sometimes lived without electricity or running water. Viola knew she had a gift she wanted to express to the world. She found a way to get the training she wanted and the experiences she needed to be the best she could at her craft. Hearing about her time training in the narrow world at Julliard and how getting a role in a play or movie was sometimes a matter of luck more so than talent, highlighted how hard she worked to get where she is. Sometimes, luck placed her in the minds of people who would later cast her in roles, but her talent could not be denied once you saw her work.

If you have the opportunity, try to listen to the audiobook as Ms. Davis won a Grammy for her narration of this novel. Hearing her voice her trials and successes made the story of her life so much more special. So many times, while reading this book, I stopped to think of the difficulties she faced. The strength she had and still carries is immeasurable. I doubt I would have been able to accomplish anything close to what she has done. Her story will have you laughing, crying, and every emotion in between. I don't often re-read books, but I can see myself turning to this autobiography again when I am struggling in life. There might be a way to get where I want to go. That route may not be the easiest or the most direct, but it might get me where I want to be if I can find the will and a way.

Content Warnings