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Life Beyond Measure (Abridged): Letters to My Great-Granddaughter Audiobook
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(3.01) - 269 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Sidney Poitier was one of the most revered actors in the history of Hollywood. He overcame enormous obstacles in extraordinary times and is a role model for many Americans because of his convictions, bravery, and grace. Poitier reflects on his amazing life in Life Beyond Measure, offering inspirational advice and personal stories in the form of extended letters to his great-granddaughter.
Writing for all who admire his example and who search for wisdom only a man of great experience can offer, this American icon shares his thoughts on love, faith, courage, and the future.
Poitier draws upon the perspective and wisdom gained from his memories as a poor boy in the Bahamas, his experience of racism coming to the United States, falling in love and raising a family, breaking the race barrier in theater and film during the civil rights era, achieving stardom and success in Hollywood, and being a diplomat and humanitarian. He reflects on the deepest questions and the significant passages of his life, the virtues that helped him through tough times, and the sense of purpose and history that strengthened him.
He emphasizes the importance of the role of faith in a technological age, as well as our responsibility to the earth and future generations. Throughout, Poitier shares stories about the people of courage he has met along the way and the meaning of life in the face of immense obstacles.
Life Beyond Measure will inspire listeners to live the fullest life with integrity.
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"Another nice book from Mr Poitier. This one in the form of letters, as titled to his great-granddaughter. His story in this one is similar to his other book, however with some life instructions and lessons he wanted to pass on to further generations. Glad I read it."
— Ellen (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“It’s typical of Poitier’s modesty that what may be his last book is not another celebration of his triumphs but a collection of lessons learned by that wise old actor, passed on to generations who might never truly understand how he changed movies.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“Some people aren’t satisfied to be dashing, principled, talented, influential, and legendary; they have to keep giving of themselves. In Life Beyond Measure, Poitier unaffectedly muses on life’s mysteries, as compelling as ever in his ninth decade.”
— O, The Oprah Magazine -
“Wise life lessons for everyone’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
— Ebony -
“Celebrated writer/director/actor Poitier returns with a third memoir…His writing is deep, his views are that of a wise man who has seen the world from every angle. Poitier’s classical, firm, and rolling voice is entirely engaging, and listeners will find themselves yearning for more.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A 2009 Audie Award Finalist
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Winner of the 2008 Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award
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A 2008 Grammy Award Nominee for Best Spoken Word Album
Life Beyond Measure Listener Reviews
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" I have always like Sidney Poitier and his films make you think... I enjoyed this book, about his life history basically and it gave me great encouragement to write my own book. I don't have the novelty of being famous and that helping me sell my book but to hear his simple life stories and people and events that changed and molded him I makes it clear that we are all molded and become a product of what we are surrounded by. He is a wonderful reader for the book, I listened to it and would recommend it to anyone who thinks they would enjoy a letter based biography "
— Mom, 2/20/2014 -
" I loved this book. definitely worth a read. "
— Vanessa, 2/5/2014 -
" I wish there was more in the book directly related to his life rather than musings about the universe and unanswered questions. But I LOVE hearing him speak :) "
— Shana, 1/17/2014 -
" Poitier once again delivers a life worth sharing. "
— Tyrrie, 1/13/2014 -
" would have been better if he hadn't tried to write it as letters to an infant. "
— Carolyn, 1/12/2014 -
" Reading this book felt like having a conversation with a doting grandparent or great-grandparent. I especially liked the sections where Poitier discussed his personal experiences and life lessons. "
— Ke, 1/4/2014 -
" good book but not as good as measure of a man "
— Catherine, 12/13/2013 -
" Parts of this were fascinating, but it went on too long! "
— Suzanne, 11/24/2013 -
" This is an autobiography couched in advice to his great granddaughter from the idea that he most likely wouldn't be around when she was ready to discuss these things with her. "
— Eileen, 11/21/2013 -
" I finally finished this one. I picked it up thinking that reading about Sydney Poitier's life and what he has learned over the years would be interesting. There were nuggets of interest in there hidden amongst a somewhat rambling narrative. Loved the photos! "
— Kristy, 9/27/2013 -
" Interesting book about an interesting man. It was neat to read about his life and how he got to where he is now - as well as his thoughts on different topics "
— Samantha, 8/17/2013 -
" His love of his great granddaughter is evident, however I believe the story is pertinent to her only. Very slow read. "
— Eva, 8/11/2013 -
" Poitier scrambled up from his life in a subsistence farming family in the Bahamas, and his story is interesting and admirable. Other than that, this book is nothing but platitudes. "
— Mary, 5/1/2013 -
" A lovely warm and gentle read. A wonderful distillation of his life and experiences. I am inspired to read his biography "
— HKd, 4/20/2013 -
" I'm not very much of a biography reader, but I was charmed by this one. A collection of letters written by Mr. Poitier to his granddaughter they offer insight and guidance on topics such as love, bravery, courage and faith. A worthwhile read and insight into a truly great man. "
— Kristen, 12/23/2012 -
" Blah I just coulnd't get into this one. To wordy and to much thinking for my kind of reading. "
— Megan, 8/27/2012 -
" I liked his last one better, though it was still interesting to listen to his take on things, especially from his own mouth. "
— Tanya, 6/28/2011 -
" I loved Sidney Poitier ever since To Sir, With Love. This book made me want to read his spiritual autobiography. "
— Marilyn, 6/11/2011 -
" I wish there was more in the book directly related to his life rather than musings about the universe and unanswered questions. But I LOVE hearing him speak :) "
— Shana, 4/6/2011 -
" A lovely warm and gentle read. A wonderful distillation of his life and experiences. I am inspired to read his biography "
— HKd, 3/31/2011 -
" I loved Sidney Poitier ever since To Sir, With Love. This book made me want to read his spiritual autobiography. "
— Marilyn, 12/15/2010 -
" Interesting book about an interesting man. It was neat to read about his life and how he got to where he is now - as well as his thoughts on different topics "
— Samantha, 9/2/2010 -
" good book but not as good as measure of a man "
— Catherine, 7/18/2010 -
" 5 Stars only because there weren't any more. "
— NoOnesNME, 11/24/2009 -
" A companion piece to his book The Measure of a Man, this one is written in the form of letters to his great granddaughter, and includes more of his personal philosophy as he reflects on life's lessons. "
— Chris, 7/26/2009 -
" I finally finished this one. I picked it up thinking that reading about Sydney Poitier's life and what he has learned over the years would be interesting. There were nuggets of interest in there hidden amongst a somewhat rambling narrative. Loved the photos! "
— Kristy, 5/14/2009 -
" What a wonderful man. "
— Teofila, 1/27/2009 -
" Poitier once again delivers a life worth sharing. "
— Tyrrie, 1/26/2009 -
" Blah I just coulnd't get into this one. To wordy and to much thinking for my kind of reading. "
— Megan, 9/16/2008 -
" This is a very thoughtful gift to the members of Sidney Poitier's future generations. Think it's an excellent idea to put such thoughts into writing. We've had friends who have done it and we need to do the same. "
— Ellie, 8/30/2008
About Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier (1927—2022) was the first black actor to win the Academy Award for best actor for his outstanding performance in Lilies of the Field in 1963. His landmark films include The Defiant Ones, A Patch of Blue, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and To Sir, With Love. He starred in over forty films, directed nine, and wrote four. He is the author of two autobiographies: This Life and an Oprah’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestseller The Measure of a Man. Among his many other accolades, he was awarded the Screen Actors Guild’s highest honor, the Life Achievement Award, for an outstanding career and humanitarian accomplishment.