This Life

This Life chronicles Sidney Poitier's journey from his early childhood in the Bahamas through his rise to become one of Hollywood's most prominent actors. The memoir traces his path from extreme poverty on Cat Island to his eventual success in theater and film. Poitier recounts his experiences with segregation, his struggles as a young actor in New York, and the professional challenges he faced in 1940s and 50s America. His relationships with family members, fellow actors, and industry figures provide context for the cultural shifts occurring during his career. The narrative spans his breakthrough roles, directing career, and diplomatic work, while examining his personal philosophy and values. Poitier's reflections on race, identity, and the entertainment industry present a portrait of 20th century America through the lens of an artist who helped reshape cultural boundaries.

Readers describe this autobiography as thoughtful and reflective, with Poitier sharing intimate details about his upbringing in the Bahamas and his path to Hollywood. Many note his straightforward writing style and ability to discuss both successes and struggles with honesty. Readers appreciated: - Detailed accounts of his early life and family relationships - Insights into racism he faced in his career - Discussion of his principles and personal philosophy - Stories about major films and co-stars Common criticisms: - Some sections feel repetitive - Later chapters move too quickly through his career peaks - Limited coverage of his directing work Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (380+ ratings) Representative review: "Poitier writes with the same dignity and grace that he brought to the screen. His story of growing up on Cat Island is worth the price alone." - Amazon reviewer

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington The autobiography chronicles Washington's rise from enslavement to becoming an educator and leader, reflecting themes of perseverance and education found in Poitier's memoir.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Mandela's journey from prisoner to president parallels Poitier's path from poverty to prominence while examining racial barriers and social change.

Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis Davis' account of his life as a Black artist breaking boundaries in the mid-twentieth century mirrors Poitier's experiences in Hollywood during the same era.

An American Journey by Colin Powell Powell's rise through military and political ranks presents another perspective of a pioneering Black man navigating predominantly white institutions in twentieth-century America.

The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates Coates' memoir of growing up in Baltimore with his father presents a meditation on Black manhood and father-son relationships that echoes Poitier's reflections on family and identity.

🌟 Sidney Poitier wrote this memoir at age 80, reflecting on his journey from extreme poverty in the Bahamas to becoming Hollywood's first Black superstar 🌟 The book's title, "This Life," was chosen because it was Poitier's second autobiography, following "The Measure of a Man" (2000), and focused more deeply on his philosophical views and life lessons 🌟 During the writing of this book, Poitier revealed that he was functionally illiterate until his late teens, when a Jewish waiter in New York spent time teaching him to read after work shifts 🌟 The memoir explores Poitier's experience as the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor (for "Lilies of the Field" in 1964), a milestone that wouldn't be repeated for 38 years 🌟 Throughout the book, Poitier credits his parents' values and his early life in the Bahamas for instilling the dignity and self-respect that helped him refuse stereotypical roles throughout his career