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Hardcover The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography Book

ISBN: 0062516078

ISBN13: 9780062516077

The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)

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Format: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

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Book Overview

"I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite the contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in selfquestioning. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set." In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure--as a man, as a husband and father, and as an actor. Poitier credits his parents and his childhood on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of right and wrong and of selfworth that he has never surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters ... and that's it." Without television, radio, and material distractions to obscure what matters most, he could enjoy the simple things, endure the long commitments, and find true meaning in his life. Poitier was uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life that would honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke racial barrier after racial barrier to launch a pioneering acting career. Committed to the notion that what one does for a living articulates who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition. Here, finally, is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, pride and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity, What emerges is a picture of a man seeking truth, passion, and balance in the face of limits--his own and the world's. A triumph of the spirit, The Measure of a Man captures the essential Poitier.

Customer Reviews

24 customer ratings | 7 reviews

Rated 5 stars
Wow.. Thank You.

Thank You Mr. Pointer for this glimpse into your personal thoughts of what is and what is not... Important.

1Report

Rated 5 stars
A brilliant book from a brilliant mind!

Mr. Poitier deserves a standing ovation for this one! How lucky we are as readers to be let into this man's mind, where he tells us of his experiences that shaped him and his character. Who knew about his upbringing and what he went through to be where he's at today?! I mean wow, I'm just blown away! I'd recommend this book to any and everyone.

5Report

Rated 5 stars
Glad to Be Alive

I grew up in the South and, when I was in high school in the early sixties, Mr. Poitier's two blockbusters, "Raison in the Sun" and "Lilies of the Field" came out. There was something about him, even then, that caught my attention. Who WAS this man? It always seemed he was a "thinker" - a "seeker" - a bit restless with himself. I recently picked up The Measure of a Man and my curiosity made me read it. Who IS this man...

6Report

Rated 5 stars
A Valuable Discourse

Being a good little white boy, I knew little about Sidney, but felt respect for him as an actor due, in part, to my discovery of "The Defiant Ones" as a child. (The movie is a powerful work about racism, and I loved it.) This spiritual autobiography is no judgmental, squeaky-clean depiction of walking with God, nor is it an in-depth detour into the tribal religions available to Sidney as a child in the Bahamas. This book...

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Rated 5 stars
Introspective, Bountiful. An eloquent triumph of inspirational intensity

I started out writing this review, begrudgingly. Once I heard "The Measure of a Man" had been selected by Oprah's Book Club, my initial reaction was: "There will be a million reviews and my two cents will be lost in a crowd-of -redundancies". With the above caveat, I am recommending this latest effort by Sidney Poitier, not only for what is in the book - I am endorsing it for what it lacks. Let me explain: Too often we...

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The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club) Mentions in Our Blog

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