Finding Me: A Memoir
[{'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'We know Viola Davis because of the appearances on stage and screen. With FINDING ME, however, she delivers what might be her "appearance" best yet. The book shares stories I had never heard before and levels of despair that could have easily broken anyone.\n\nLayer upon layer she shows us where her heart, determination, grit and resilience were birthed---and holds a mirror up to us all to remind us of what is possible.\n\nReading this it makes her well-deserved success even more amplified and poignant. She has not just earned her place in the entertainment industry. FINDING ME shows how she realized the place she deserves in the world.\n\nYou\'ll reflect, smile and feel the rollercoaster of emotions she has become known for bringing to life in the characters she plays. Now, though, we can root for her in showing up for her greatest role: the best version of herself. Bravo, Ms. Davis. Job well done.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "Book delivered today and I can't put it down. Every woman should read it, if for nothing else to heal the broken little girl in you."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'I just love how open and honest this women is. I bought the book right away knowing that I can learn from her. There are so many gems in powerful people . Watch the Oprah interview on Netflix. Then buy the book.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'I loved her compassion, her journey, her love for family, and her graciousness towards those she worked with. A truly great actress and lady! And I always thought she was beautiful! First saw her in the tv series about Annalise Keating, then saw the movie Help, then watched her with Denzel Washington - WOW is all I can say on her acting! Thank you for such Ana amazing book!'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': ' I’ve cried and laughed and was utterly shocked at times. But this book is an experience you’ll never forget!'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Viola Davis has an amazing story to share - I have long admired her work in film however must say this book tops it all. She carries the reader into her past without apology. I started and finished this in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. Fabulous read!'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-3 review-rating', 'review_body': "I expected to be uplifted by this book, as I am so enamored of Viola Davis and admire her so much. Instead, I came away angry. Days later, I am still angry by how much her parents failed her and her siblings. It makes it very hard to understand why she is so very attached to them, especially her mother. There is so much her parents could have done and did not do. If they had given up drinking, smoking and gambling for just a little while, they could have given their kids shoes and decent meals and maybe even a habitable place to live. Why did the school have to teach the girls about basic hygiene? Could her parents not have put a bucket beside the girls' bed to use for a nighttime bathroom trip? Why did her mother remain completely silent when Viola told her of the sexual abuse perpetrated by Viola's brother? I understand that her parents needed their own pleasures and escapes, but they needed to be PARENTS first! That is the bargain we as mothers and fathers make. Viola is not alone in her story, but her story is just SO horrendous! At the very least, what about some cardboard in her shoes, to be changed frequently? I saw so much of this as a VISTA volunteer in Fla. in the early 70's and I am sure it is still happening today, but at least those parents TRIED. It is beyond me to understand how forgiving Viola was and is. She possesses an inner strength that is rare in most people. I know that many people will not agree with me, but the abuse she and her siblings endured is just beyond the pale and her parents failed their children in so many, many ways. Read this book to marvel how Viola Davis overcame the odds, but don't expect to feel good about it."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Been waiting on this for a while. Ms. V is fierce! Just get it.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'She is riveting and her voice is mesmerizing. She transported me into her life. I felt I knew her and her family.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'I just finished probably my top read of 2022. This book has changed so much in me and has deepened my love for Viola Davis. What she has been through no human being should endure. Especially just because she was dark skinned. My full review is on Goodreads, but her story is a true Beauty out of ashes story. She is my favorite actress ever!! I am now watching HTGAWM because of how she talked about what that show did for her and how it released her..how it healed her. How it let 8 year old Viola, free. I will be rereading this very soon. The audio, narrated by herself was absolute perfection. She is quite the storyteller and so honest & open. I will honestly think twice before I ever complain again. I love her. South Carolina —represent!!👊🏽'}]