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58 pages 1 hour read

Finding Me: A Memoir

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Viola Davis

Finding Me

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1960s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Finding Me by Viola Davis chronicles her journey from growing up in poverty in Rhode Island, facing racial discrimination and family challenges, to becoming a globally renowned and award-winning actor. Through perseverance, academic and artistic achievements, and the support of loved ones, she overcomes immense personal and professional obstacles while embracing her identity and heritage. The book mentions and describes domestic and sexual abuse, racism, bigoted language and violence, and substance use and addiction.

Emotional

Inspirational

Challenging

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.7

157,279 ratings

93%

Loved it

6%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Finding Me by Viola Davis is lauded for its raw honesty and emotional depth, capturing her journey from poverty to stardom with compelling narrative and vivid prose. Reviewers praise Davis for her vulnerability and inspirational message. However, some find the pacing uneven and certain sections overly detailed. Overall, it's an impactful and motivating memoir.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Finding Me?

A reader who would enjoy Finding Me by Viola Davis is someone interested in compelling memoirs that explore themes of resilience, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Fans of Becoming by Michelle Obama and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls will appreciate Davis's candid and inspiring narrative.

4.7

157,279 ratings

93%

Loved it

6%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Viola Davis

A renowned actress who has achieved the Triple Crown of Acting, overcoming a childhood marked by poverty and adversity with determination and talent, especially in theater.

Viola's mother, who grew up in a challenging environment and is known for her fierce protectiveness of her children along with enduring a complex marriage to Dan.

Viola's father, a man troubled by a difficult past, who worked as a horse groomer and later found a sense of responsibility with the birth of his grandchildren.

Viola’s older sister, instrumental in sparking Viola’s ambition to pursue a different future through her encouragement and example of academic overachievement.

Viola’s youngest sister, whose birth brought joy and a sense of responsibility to Viola, deepening their bond as siblings.

Viola’s brother who is not closely associated with her memories of childhood, although his actions have a lasting impact on the family.

Viola's drama teacher in the Upward Bound program, who inspired her love for acting and was the first to significantly boost her self-confidence.

One of Viola's instructors at the Circle in the Square summer program, who helped her integrate personal insights into her acting.

Viola's husband, an actor whose alignment with her values and background provided the foundation for creating a loving and stable family.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1960s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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