Reviews

This is in my list as top 3 memoirs okay! Anyone brave enough to share their story I applaud but it definitely hits different when it’s someone you’ve enjoyed watching. Viola’s story is so moving and of course I was rooting for her as I read even though I know of her successes. As a social worker and former school social worker my heart BROKE for her early education experiences and her family. But I’m so glad my book club selected this book because it allowed me to explore so much (my post it’s are many). Her relationship with her sisters brought me so much joy. And I loved loved loved her and Julius’s story; I was absolutely grinning and touching my heart as I read about their relationship. I can’t wait to explore the artists that inspired Viola and her earlier works (I kept a list lol). I think anyone could take away so much from her story and I’ll recommending it from now on!

Content Warnings

vicreads24's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

bethgtramel's review against another edition

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5.0

5 ⭐️

"I now understand that life, and living it, is more about being present. I’m now aware that the not-so-happy memories lie in wait; but the hope and the joy also lie in wait."

SUMMARY:
Viola Davis' life and story that explores extreme poverty, abuse on every level, motherhood, disease, career chasing, and strength.

THOUGHTS:
This is favorite non-fiction of all time, and my second favorite book overall of all time.

Viola, THANK YOU. For sharing your story. For being raw & real. For showing the truth in your life. For inspiring every person that ever opens this book.

Her stories are so heartbreaking, but an overall story that every person needs to read.

I sobbed, laughed, and stared at my Kindle in SHOCK. It was every single emotion.

My life is changed forever and ever.

bacchanaliae's review against another edition

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5.0

Learning about Viola Davis's history turned an already incredible woman, actress, and advocate into an even greater inspiration for me in my professional and personal endeavors. I love this woman and her story, and I'm so glad she shared this with the world. I can't believe it took me so long to read this!

sofi0518's review against another edition

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5.0

This memoir was both heartbreakingly tragic and incredibly uplifting. Viola Davis presents her incredibly difficult childhood with grace and heart-rending detail but never seems to be complaining. It's all very matter of fact, this is what it was, but now here is where I am. She is so grateful for her success and so forgiving of her parents, who were obviously doing the best they could with the limited resources they were dealt. I love her enthusiasm for every new opportunity and her journey to love herself and her life. I know people say this all the time, but Viola seems like someone I could totally be friends with and learn from her experiences. Highly recommend the audio version which was read by Viola herself.

tiff_rose's review against another edition

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5.0

I don't give books five stars. I certainly don't give memoirs five stars; they usually are a miss for me. This is a book everyone should read. I was blown away. Thank you, Viola for sharing your story with complete authenticity. You are a beautiful woman.

Also, I listened to the audiobook narrated by Davis, and it made the experience that much more powerful. This book should be listened to.

ashleyeila's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.5

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