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The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography Audiobook
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(3.01) - 5,291 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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. 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 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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"This is another book I read for book club. It is not a typical autobiography but is instead and introspective look and what and who made Sidney Poitier the man he became. It covers little of his chronological life story and much more about his early years and struggles. It should make for an interesting discussion."
— Kristina (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Reflective, generous, humane…moving…[Poitier] writes with vivid emotion.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“Reading The Measure of a Man is somewhat akin to having a worthwhile conversation with a revered older relative; he doesn’t always tell you what you want to hear, but you appreciate it just the same.”
— Washington Post -
“With the unwavering sense of dignity and worth…this man’s authenticity is earned by the life he describes.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“Revealing…Poitier invites us to reexamine his work and. through it, our history.”
— New York Times Magazine -
“Candid memoirs from the actor who has starred in more than forty movies, directed nine, and written four.”
— USA Today -
“An affecting new memoir.”
— Dallas Morning News -
“In this powerful book, [Poitier] shares his touchsotnes with us and makes us question what foundations guide our own lives.”
— Ebony
Awards
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Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award
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An Oprah’s Book Club Selection in 2007
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New York Times bestseller
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Winner of the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album
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A USA Today bestseller
The Measure of a Man Listener Reviews
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Gideon Mose, 8/6/2023
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" Great story of life reflections and key points in his development and growth "
— Larry, 1/21/2022 -
" Audio book -- read by Poitier -- what a treat! "
— Karen, 2/7/2014 -
" The Measure of a Man is extremely articulate and introspective. This entire memoir centers around Poitier's father's teaching that the true measure of a man is how well he provides for his children. Sidney Poitier reads his own autobiography with his signature eloquent voice. He tells the story of early life on Cat Island in the Bahamas, his journey to the United States, and the arch of his Hollywood career. Most amusing is how Poitier drops in profanity without breaking his sage-like tone. "
— Meredith, 2/2/2014 -
" I respect this man so liked reading the book, but expected it to be better written......... "
— Timi, 2/2/2014 -
" A friend recommended this book. I enjoyed it. Sidney Poitier is a remarkable man. Sidney looks back at his life and reflects on the nature of the universe and God. I can't imagine all the adversity that he went though althought he does a good job at walking you through some of it. "
— Kristi, 2/1/2014 -
" great memoir of an actor fighting poverty ethnic differnce and racism "
— Gypsy, 1/19/2014 -
" Sidney Poitier. The man came from humble beginnings and has gone to the precipice of domestic and international acclaim. Truly one to admire. "
— Christopher, 1/3/2014 -
" Sidney Poitier is a great actor and what a life he lived. "
— Dottie, 12/13/2013 -
" Interesting man. He was not caught up in the Hollywood hype and determined early on only to participate in quality projects. "
— Donnilyn, 12/9/2013 -
" Fantastic book! Good read:) "
— Kristi, 12/7/2013 -
" A bit of memoir and lots of insight from this wise man. "
— Rose, 12/5/2013 -
" I have always loved Sidney Poitier; one of my favorite actors of all time. This second autobiography, told me why. "
— Mohawkgrl, 3/28/2013 -
" I usally don't read lots of biographies or autobiographies but this one was very interesting. Poitier is a very resilent individual. We need more people like him in America! "
— Cindy, 1/25/2013 -
" I love this book. One of my favorites "
— Kia, 11/26/2012 -
" Interesting, but slightly preachy. "
— Samantha, 6/7/2012 -
" Sidney Poitier has long been one of my favorite actors, he's so handsome. I enjoyed reading about his childhood in the Bahamas & moving to the States. He has a solid, realistic view of life that I admire. "
— Debbie, 1/31/2012 -
" Totally enjoyed enjoyed this book. It made me think, laugh, cry, and more. Highly recommend! "
— Dominique, 1/19/2012 -
" It is great how he talked about life experiences from whence he came. He has endured much and is a great man. "
— Melika, 1/16/2012 -
" Amazing man. What dignity. "
— Jo, 11/18/2011 -
" Good book. Worthwhile read. Sidney Portier is very self aware and wise. His writing is very insightful and grounded. "
— Lacey, 5/29/2011 -
" Thoughtful and moving, a spiritual autobiography of a lovely human being "
— Rosemary, 5/9/2011 -
" Great book, every father should read this book. "
— Steffany, 4/18/2011 -
" Couldn't finish it, actually - didn't even get very far into it. <br/> <br/>It felt like rambling. "
— Nicole, 3/13/2011 -
" Interesting about his upbringing and am glad that he has an appreciation for the important things in life. I lost patience with the last chapter, however, where he gets more mystical than I was in the mood for. Enjoyed learning about the racism he encountered when coming to the US in 1943. "
— Patmcclain, 3/11/2011 -
" Yeah, I think we could hang out. "
— Brixton, 3/10/2011 -
" Good but unresolved in many instances of his experiences...need to know more (my fault for not reading his Hollywood biography, perhaps). "
— M.C., 3/8/2011 -
" A must read for ALL African-American men. This icon's story should resonate will any man of color who grew up in the U.S. "
— Aeros, 3/6/2011 -
" I actually listened to this book on tape and heard Sidney Poitier's voice - it was funny and serious. It was shocking to hear him use four letter words. : ) "
— Monica, 2/10/2011 -
" My husband and I loved this great work of Sidney Poitier... Masterpiece. "
— Ati, 2/7/2011
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.