When I think of Viola Davis, I think of How To Getaway With Murder. Shondaland Thursdays reminded me of myself as a kid looking at TGIF Fridays. I’ll be honest in admitting that I have not followed all of Viola’s work. However, I was invited to a book club reading that is read the book. So I said why not?! From the pandemic to my sabbatical, I have been reading voraciously. Books open up ideas about people and the world. Especially memoirs! People’s stories give you true insight into a person and that is what this book did for me with Viola Davis.
Here are the vitals of the book: Non-Fiction Book, Memoir
Summary of the book
The intro of the book takes you by surprise, “Cocksucker Motherfucker.” I clutched my pearls trying to determine where in the world I was planted. However, that’s the hook. The manner in which Viola narrates the book is raw, unapologetic, and powerful. Viola takes us on the journey of growing up poor in Rhode Island, navigating life as a young child, and being chastised for her skin color, moving into spaces that did not look like her, to then owning her own story as an actress.
Honestly, in the 1st few chapters, I thought I needed a drink to read. It was tough to read. While I am aware of poverty in the United States, I cannot say that I truly understand how challenging it can be for those with no options. Yet, as I continued to read, her tone doesn’t indicate embarrassment. Instead, you sense the feeling of acceptance. Viola knows how her life had to happen the way that it did to bring her to where she is today.
Best part of the book
In the chapter, Coming to Me, Viola describes her time at Julliard as challenging. The characters they studied at Julliard did not represent her. She struggled to find her voice until she would participate in the MLK programs. How many of us have struggled to feel a sense of belonging in a place where we want to belong or need something from in order to get to our next step in life.
Like many people who travel to Africa, Viola found herself more grounded after her summer in Africa. The culture, the people, and their ways of expression enveloped her with a feeling of belonging. She describes it as her coming into herself. Leaving the old behind and embracing the new. As a human, this resonated with my soul. There is nothing better than developing a true understanding of yourself, embracing it, and letting the world see your authentic self. She came back to resume her studies at Julliard
Best quotes
Art has the power to heal.
My biggest discovery was that you can literally re-create your life. You can define it. You don’t have to live in the past.
The purpose of life is to live it.
Overall rating
In my opinion, the book was just ok. It gave me insight into how hard life can be as a child growing up poor. However, I didn’t finish the book thinking this was a great story that everyone should read. If you are a die-hard fan of Viola Davis and want to understand her story more then it’s a must-read. Otherwise, you can skip and watch the Oprah interview.
Would I recommend this read: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
You can purchase this book right now through my affiliate link.
