Viola Davis’s memoir starts with tales from her childhood, growing up in Central Falls in poverty, enduring severe racism and abuse, and learning to cope with the trauma that she suffered. Viola Davis tells stories from her life and how she was eventually able to embrace all of the things mainstream media and society told her were wrong about her. She shares her struggles and vulnerabilities, and how she was ultimately able to arrive at peace, understanding, and the achievement of her dreams.

This was an incredibly powerful and poignant memoir. Viola Davis is an incredibly strong woman who has endured many horrific things throughout her life. She comes across as humble and pragmatic, despite all of her success and the trauma she endured. I especially loved the chapter where she discussed meeting her husband; it was so beautiful and I’m so glad she was able to find a loving, caring, and supportive partner. And I love that she read the audiobook!