description: In this candid spiritual memoir, legendary actor Sidney Poitier reflects on life itself as he reveals the spiritual depth, passion, and intellectual fervor that has driven his remarkable life. Poitier credits his childhood of poverty on idyllic Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of self-worth, family values, and simple ethics that he has never since surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke countless barriers to launch a pioneering career portraying important, dignified characters in some of the most morally significant films of the late 20th century. Drawing on his personal journey, Poitier explores such themes as sacrifice and commitment, pride and humility, rage and survival, and paying the price for artistic integrity. His engaging memoir spans a time in history from Jim Crow segregation through the early Civil Rights conflicts to present-day cultural struggles and spiritual seeking. Poitier shares his provocative thoughts on racism in Hollywood, consumerism and the media, child-rearing, illness and mortality, honoring a higher consciousness, and realizing how fully a part of "the grand scheme" each of us is. This book is a powerful testament to the rewards of being true to one's self, acting passionately on one's convictions, and boldly walking on the edge.
language: English
title: THE MEASURE OF A MAN: A Spiritual Autobiography
titlecomplete: THE MEASURE OF A MAN: A Spiritual Autobiography
genres: Biography, Book Club, Spirituality, Memoir, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Autobiography, History, Biography Memoir, African American
ratings_count: 12780
awards: awardedAt: 978336000000
name: Audie Award
category: Nonfiction, Unabridged, awardedAt: 978336000000
name: Grammy Award
category: Best Spoken Word Album
publisher: Harper San Francisco