This book has sat on my shelf for 20 years. I have finally got around to reading it this year for Black History Month.
In this autobiography which Poitier calls a 'spiritual autobiography' he talks about his earlier life and the series of events or luck or divine intervention which landed him on the big screen and eventually becoming the first black actor to win an academy award for best actor.
When I think of Sidney Poitier, I think of respect and dignity and that is how he writes this book. There is a sense of honesty and integrity. His story is often one of perseverance and going after his ambitions, but never giving up his dignity as a human being. That is to be admired.
I love how he writes about his mother, his family, and the love he has for his homeland. He talks about cultural differences and culture shock. I loved his story of his first snowfall in New York. He doesn't shy away from heavier topics such as experiences with racism or difficulties he's had as a husband and father.
The end of the book becomes a little more philosophical which I didn't like as much. Not because I don't like philosophy, in fact I have my BA in it, but because it seemed to deviate from the flow of the rest of the book.
If you are a Sidney Poitier fan, or you want to learn more about him, this is definitely worth the read.
Bookworm Rating: 🐛🐛🐛🐛
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