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The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
"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 that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. 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."
?Sidney Poitier
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 a 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 self-worth 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 to who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition.
Here is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, price and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man 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.
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- ISBN: 9780061357909
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448 Reviews
| From: Amazon Posted: Jun 12, 2008 Type: User Review |
Humane and Elegant
I first encountered Poitier on screen in the film, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?, which my father insisted I watch with him along with many other classic films. Though I later couldn't recall many particulars about that movie, the memory of an...
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 4.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 10, 2008 Type: User Review |
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...
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 5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Mar 22, 2008 Type: User Review |
For the man who doesn't read much
My husband(age 71)took this book with us to Hawaii. He couldn't put it down, which says a lot because he doesn't read very much. Reading usually puts him to sleep. But not this book! He found it totally engaging.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Feb 24, 2008 Type: User Review |
A well written book.
This is an awesome book, after you start you can't put it down. It is easy to follow. It a book of a man's life experiences and the lessons learnt from them. From trying as hard as possible to be an excellent actor, and survive as a human being....
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Feb 16, 2008 Type: User Review |
Excellent reading
He has lead such a fascinating life. I've always admired him, but now respect him even more for the great choices he has made in his life. He has taken the higher road. Good reading!
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 25, 2008 Type: User Review |
The Courage to Be Yourself
One of the most striking things about Poitier's life was his strong sense of self and how he followed his instincts and truth. I was surprised and impressed to discover that Poitier fell into his acting career out of need to make money (and a...
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 21, 2008 Type: User Review |
The Strength of One Man
The Measure of a Man is an interesting mix of philosophy and personal history. Sidney Poitier depicts his childhood on Cat Island (The Bahamas) as a carefree, happy existence, and cites this upbringing as the key element to his future success. He...
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4.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 18, 2008 Type: User Review |
The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography
I only know Sidney Poitier as an actor. In Measure of a Man you get an insight into the person. With the relaxed writing you can almost feel the man in the room, sitting and talking with you about his life. A great read.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 13, 2008 Type: User Review |
My Hero!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I've long admired Mr. Poitier's career and his book shared some wonderful insights into his life. After reading the book, I want to rent all of his movies and watch them again and again.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 12, 2008 Type: User Review |
My Hero!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I've long admired Mr. Poitier's career and his book shared some wonderful insights into his life. After reading the book, I want to rent all of his movies and watch them again and again.
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5.00/5 |
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