Book Rec: Finding Me by Viola Davis
- jlentz24
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
I have been a fan of Viola Davis for years. From The Help to How to Get Away with Murder, she has become a household name. When I learned of her memoir, Finding Me, I knew I wanted to know more about this generationally defining actor. She is one of just 21 people IN HISTORY to have won the EGOT – an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Be sure to listen to the audiobook narrated by the author herself, which truly brings to life her story, told in her voice. My heart broke for little Viola, the bedwetter who experienced so much pain and abuse. Her story is full of redemption, love and forgiveness; not to mention achieving the American Dream as a successful actress.
Book Jacket for Finding Me
This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn’t always see me.
As I wrote Finding Me, my eyes were open to the truth of how our stories are often not given close examination. We are forced to reinvent them to fit into a crazy, competitive, judgmental world. So I wrote this for anyone running through life untethered, desperate and clawing their way through murky memories, trying to get to some form of self-love. For anyone who needs reminding that a life worth living can only be born from radical honesty and the courage to shed facades and be . . . you.
Finding Me is a deep reflection, a promise, and a love letter of sorts to self. My hope is that my story will inspire you to light up your own life with creative expression and rediscover who you were before the world put a label on you.
Discussion Questions for Finding Me
Viola struggled to see herself outside of that 8-year-old girl that was fleeing for her life. Are there moments in your own life that continuously replay?
How can we let go of our shame, especially from situations or events outside of our control?
How does sharing our trauma with others take away its power? How does it help Viola?
What does it mean to challenge ourselves and persevere? What do you think helped Viola to keep going even in some dark days?
What does it take to become the best versions of ourselves?
What was your biggest takeaway from reading Viola’s story? How does Viola owning her own story and finding herself inspire you?
If you liked this memoir, you should check out Between the World and Me.
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