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4.62 AVERAGE
4.62 AVERAGE
dark
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The only thing in common Viola Davis and I have, is that we’re women. So listening to her situation from child to adolescent to grown woman who is black and extremely poor was interesting. Her journey through self discovery, the still prevalent though sometimes hidden racism and misogyny and how she managed is also interesting.
Yes I use interesting a lot, because I am a white woman from Europe so I cannot know but can only try to use my empathy. My family was not rich and we lived on welfare a good part of my youth, but I still had a nice mice/rat-free (large) appartement with heating and hot water. Listening to this makes me grateful to be living in my country. I find it weird that in a country like the US poverty like this exists, but I digress.
Some instances of injustice made me angry and I wanted to shake people. Like how at the time Ms. Davis was on Julliard they focused primarily on “white” acting. How can you ignore a large part of your people? I hope they altered that a bit; though with the “cultural appropriation” thing nowadays…
There were parts that didn’t resonate with me, like the religious and wanting children-aspect, but those were not extremely prevalent. So why mention it? Because it still had an impact on Ms. Davis’ live, where she attributes some things to her belief.
But all in all a very interesting read!
Yes I use interesting a lot, because I am a white woman from Europe so I cannot know but can only try to use my empathy. My family was not rich and we lived on welfare a good part of my youth, but I still had a nice mice/rat-free (large) appartement with heating and hot water. Listening to this makes me grateful to be living in my country. I find it weird that in a country like the US poverty like this exists, but I digress.
Some instances of injustice made me angry and I wanted to shake people. Like how at the time Ms. Davis was on Julliard they focused primarily on “white” acting. How can you ignore a large part of your people? I hope they altered that a bit; though with the “cultural appropriation” thing nowadays…
There were parts that didn’t resonate with me, like the religious and wanting children-aspect, but those were not extremely prevalent. So why mention it? Because it still had an impact on Ms. Davis’ live, where she attributes some things to her belief.
But all in all a very interesting read!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
This is a must-read. I listened to it on Audible, and Viola is amazing as always. I cried several times during this book, and that doesn't happen to me very much. This book is so moving and beautiful and filled with sadness and rage and joy. It's imperfect perfection.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Finding Me is one of the most amazing memoirs I've ever read. Viola Davis is a prolific writer and gifted storyteller. She is, without a doubt, an extraordinary human being. The lessons she learned on her journey have given me a new perspective on my own life. I bought the audiobook last year but there could not have been a more perfect time to read it. I know I will be reflecting on her experiences for years to come. Her musings on her life provided a catharsis and by the end of the book, I was crying. Viola Davis's story is a testament to not luck, but rather an unwavering resilience in oneself despite all odds.
(I plan to share the quotes that stuck with me soon.)
Content Warnings: pet death, animal abuse/torture, violence, physical abuse, rats, poverty, bed wetting, bullying, disassociation.
(I plan to share the quotes that stuck with me soon.)
Content Warnings: pet death, animal abuse/torture, violence, physical abuse, rats, poverty, bed wetting, bullying, disassociation.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I will never get over how powerful women are. Finding Me was another incredible memoir that I cried my way through.
Themes: resilience, women, Blackness, poverty, domestic violence
Vibes: emotional, powerful, inspiring
Davis takes us on a deeply vulnerable journey from her childhood marked by poverty, trauma, and racism to her rise as an Academy Award-winning actress. She shares the hardships she faced: growing up in a rat-infested apartment, enduring domestic violence, and struggling with self-worth, while showing how acting became her refuge and, ultimately, her path to self-acceptance.
This book isn’t just about career success; it’s about personal triumph. Davis beautifully explores complex family dynamics, the push-and-pull of trying to lift others up even when it comes at your own expense, and the courage it takes to embrace your truth. It’s inspiring, heartbreaking, and deeply human.
If you love memoirs that make you feel something, you’ll enjoy Finding Me.
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced