Finding Me by Viola Davis

 I'm not usually a reader of nonfictions books or memoirs. But this year I want change that! So I decided to start with Viola Davis' memoir, Finding Me. I found it to be extremely entertaining, enriching, thought-provoking and satisfying. Viola begins by telling us about her poor upbringing in Rhode Island. Her family was so poor they didn't have soap or hot warm to bath regularly and as a result often smelled like pee. She recounts how teachers, fellow students, and others ridiculed her and her siblings. Fast forward to her life as an adult and she continued to face challenge after challenge. As a dark-skinned black woman, Viola had to face many challenges in the entertainment industry including, racism and colorism. However, throughout all she faced, including her poor upbringing, her father's alcohol abuse, her mother's experiences of domestic violence, her own experiences of sexual abuse, and more, she was able to find herself and what she loves to do. Her words spoke to me as a black woman who is also faced with obstacles ahead. But I was inspired to keep striving for the me I want to be.

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