Summary:
‘Finding Me’ by Viola Davis is a poignant and compelling memoir, chosen as an Oprah’s Book Club pick, that explores the author’s journey to self-discovery and acceptance through overcoming the traumas of her past.
Book genre:
Memoir, Autobiography, Self-Help
Main topic of the book:
The book primarily focuses on Viola Davis’s personal story of growing up in poverty, facing abuse and discrimination, and struggling to find her identity and place in the world.
Key ideas:
- The power of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity
- The importance of self-love and acceptance in finding true happiness
- The impact of childhood trauma on one’s adult life
- The role of race and gender in shaping one’s experiences and opportunities
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part 1 – “Growing Up Poor”: In this first section, Davis shares her childhood experiences of living in poverty in Rhode Island, her strained relationship with her father, and her mother’s struggles with alcoholism.
- Part 2 – “Fighting Back”: This section delves into the traumas of Davis’s teenage years, including sexual assault, and how she found the strength to speak out and fight for justice.
- Part 3 – “Finding Myself”: The final part of the book follows Davis’s journey as a young adult, navigating Hollywood as a Black woman and discovering her true passion for acting.
Key takeaways:
- Overcoming past traumas and hardships can lead to a stronger sense of self and purpose
- Self-acceptance and self-love are crucial for finding true happiness and fulfillment
- Intersectionality plays a significant role in shaping one’s experiences and opportunities in life
- It takes courage to speak out and stand up for oneself, especially in the face of adversity
Author’s background and qualifications:
Viola Davis is an award-winning actress, producer, and philanthropist. She is known for her powerful performances in films such as ‘Fences’, ‘Doubt’, and ‘The Help’, as well as the hit TV show ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Davis is also a passionate advocate for social justice and has publicly shared her own experiences with poverty, racism, and sexual abuse. Her background and her personal journey make her an authentic and compelling voice in this memoir.
Target audience:
This book is suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds, but it will particularly resonate with those who have experienced similar traumas and struggles in their lives. It will also appeal to fans of Viola Davis and anyone interested in stories of resilience, self-discovery, and inner strength.
Publisher and first publication date:
The book was published by HarperCollins in April 2021 as both a hardcover and an e-book. The audiobook edition, narrated by Viola Davis herself, was also released on the same day.