Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter

by Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier is one of the most revered actors in the history of Hollywood. He has overcome 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 death.

Life Beyond Measure is the perfect book to inspire readers to live the fullest life with integrity, from one of our most respected celebrities and a national treasure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Essays

285 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

In 1964, Poitier became the first Bahamian to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, for his role in Lilies of the Field. Poitier was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Reviews

[Kym Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sidney Portier is one of the most stately and beloved actors of our time. As one of the earliest actors to break racial barriers in the film industry, and the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1963 for his performance in "Lilies of the Field" he has become an icon for achievement in his career and humanitarian accomplishments.

This book, while written when he was 81-years young is a series of historical and genealogical letters he's written to his great-granddaughter Ayele. It made me think about the conversations I didn't have with my foreparents that I truly wish I could have had. I personally found this book fascinating to me because I am in the process of conducting my genealogy research. Mr. Portier's personal accounts regarding the many facets of his life, the lessons he learned and continue to learn, memories of his life on Cat Island and his trek to the United States connected to many stories, told and untold of our familial evolution.

Now, this book is not a saucy novel or a book that one may find immensely exciting, but its narrative is captivating to me and one that I can connect to. While I enjoyed it on a personal level I have a few of the many takeaways that I would like to recap:

1. The good wars are the ones we fight in the name of children, in the name of the poor, in the name of those oppressed by overwhelming odds or forces beyond their control.

2. Understand that terrorism is not just the landscape of the terrorists; it is also inhabited by those who cry out the word to spread fear for their own political gain.

3. Racial, religious and sexual bigotry must be your enemies. Go for the jugular when you encounter the principal adversary: Ignorance.

Enjoy!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even more than I love the title, I love the inspiration for this book! Life Beyond Measure is a series of letters written by Sidney Poitier to his great granddaughter. He wrote this book so that she would know him, from his own perspective. As a result, we get to learn about the first African American to win the Academy Award for best actor.

I found myself smiling and giggling through the earlier chapters of this book as Poitier writes of his childhood on Cat Island in the Bahamas. He writes about days spent playing with his reflection in the clear blue Atlantic Ocean, the first time he ever tasted anything cold (there was no electricity on the island), and the first time he saw himself in a mirror– he was 10 ½ year old! To this day, he has never seen an image of himself as a young child.

At 15, Poitier’s father sent him to Miami to live with this brother. He wasn’t there long before realizing that his brother could not afford to support him. At 16, Poitier moved to New York where he first truly learned the definition of winter and spent many nights sleeping on the street.

Having dropped out of school to work at age 12, Poitier was barely able to read. While living in New York, a co-worker at a restaurant where Poitier washed dishes spent evenings teaching him how to read. This random act of kindness changed the entire life trajectory of the man we now know as Sidney Poitier.

This book covers Poitier’s former addictions, the two loves of his life (his first wife, and his current wife), his decision to become an actor, moments of truth, near death experiences, racism, shyness, fear, awkwardness in relationships, money matters; basically, this book covers it all!

I don’t normally read acknowledgements, but ironically this section had the biggest impact on me. Poitier urges people of his generation to write the stories of their lives for those that follow behind them. “We are losing our histories”, he writes “….and many of us are the last witnesses to the oral and familial accounts of how we got here.”

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up an audio version of this book at a yard sale because I am a huge fan of Sidney Poitier's grace and grit. Bonus -- the book is read by the author, so I also got his melodic voice which still has traces of his Caribbean childhood. This book was a lovely ear-read, soothing in traffic, but containing a variety of flavors: the dangers of close calls, the philosophy of Life The Universe and Everything including history and God, the stories of his childhood, the discussion of race relations and courage, the importance of education, and other things a man would want his great-granddaughter to know. Some of these stories were retellings from his autobiography, but with a discussion of lessons learned. Some were great reminders of what is possible if we let ourselves explore possibilities, such as the story of how Sidney learned to read and comprehend beyond a first-grade level while working as a dishwasher in NYC, and the stories of his culture shock when he saw his reflection for the first time at 10 or first encountered cars or electricity after a childhood on a primitive island. A few of the discussions were a bit over my head or intense, but I enjoyed the entire experience as an exploration of not only the life of this remarkable man but also of how people process information and the internal conversations we have as we go about our lives.

A couple friends of mine who enjoy audio books expressed an interest in this book, so I will pass it along to one of them.

[Henrietta H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beautiful from beginning to end. Sidney Poitier was honest about his short-comings, his failings, and his wonderful accomplishments humbly and, at the same time, steadfast. From his early beginnings on Cat Island to his life on stage and screen, he shared his letters to his great-granddaughter Ayele with us faithfully. He asked questions of her, and of us. The questions were not easy or simple ones, and they are far reaching in their answers.

The prose of this book was lyrical and beautiful. It was not a language of sing-song, but of intelligence and description that brought alive the life of the man and the life of the person, the writer effortlessly.

The discussions within these pages are on-going and call us, the reader, into the realm of being part of the answer, not just part of the question. In this book, the reader is always a part of the answer, never the reason why the world is as it is. We are called upon to be warriors of virtue and good, knowing full well that some cannot live up to this calling, but those that can, those that can and do believe they can make a difference in the world, will grasp the words of this book and move forward to make the world a better place, even if it is just the small portion of the world they live in.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. The thinker and non-thinker alike will get something from these pages. You will come away, after reading this book, feeling different; feeling better for having visited the pages.

[Belissa Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life Beyond Measure is a wonderful book. Throughout this book I learned and received alot of wisdom. In this book Sidney Poitier is writing a series of letters to his great granddaughter. I don't this book was only for his great granddaughter cause it can also help many other people as well. I think this book could also be used as a biography over his life. Because when he is making the letters he is also telling alot about his life. Sometimes I go back and just look at the highlighted points I have in this book just to think over them again.
I would definitely refer this book to someone who is looking for some wisdom. I wouldn't it to little age groups because of the big words that are in the book. But anyone in high school or maybe even middle school should read it. I enjoyed this book and I hope whoever else reads it feels the same way I do too.

[Joy H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. The Goodreads summary describes it all very well. I agree when it says: "_Life Beyond Measure_ is the perfect book to inspire readers to live the fullest life with integrity...".

I also agree with Publisher's Weekly when it says: "Written as a set of letters to his great granddaughter, _Life Beyond Measure_ is bursting at the seams with inspirational stories aimed to advise and motivate us all. 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."

So true. Poiter has been a grand companion as I ride in my car, listening to Poitier's warm presentation.

[Teofila · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful man.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracias sir.🧡🙏☺️🎁

[melydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book I would ever have read had it not been shoved into my hands by a friend. It's also not a book that ever would have been published had it not been written by someone famous for something else - in this case, acting. It's a hodgepodge of autobiography and personal philosophy. The memoir sections were very interesting, from his childhood in the Bahamas to his accidental acting career in New York City. I wish he'd touched more on his experiences, but it's clear his focus here was on philosophy, framed as letters to his great-granddaughter. Alas, much of this was fairly dull, and often strayed into "pontificating Grandpa" territory. It wasn't bad, but it was a bit boring.

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hi

Another one of my collection of memoirs, and still have many to go.

I read memoirs, as a break from my exciting crime/thriller books.

Second book I have read of his and heavy going and slow.

memoirs the best were

Tony Curtis, Maureen O Hara, Ernest Borgnine.

Worst and there has mean a few.

Dick Van Dyke, very slow. I will think od more

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure. Sidney Poitier passes down his life story and his wisdom and advice to his great-granddaughter Ayele. But really, this book is for all of us.

Read my full review here: http://www.outofthepastblog.com/2014/...

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lamenting the reoccurring late-70s/early-80s style online when someone made a reference to To Sir, With Love. Having meant to watch the classic for years, I did and was bowled over by Poitier and his talent. I had see him in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner years before, during my Hepburn period and had very little recollection of him... so I picked it up again to see why.

The reason, I determined after watching that, A Patch of Blue, and pretty much everything else my library would let me get my hands on, was because my memory was faulty. He was stunningly talented. The nuances, as he plays a young widower, and outshines veteran Hepburn and positively shames Tracy. The way you can see him think, in A Patch of Blue and that perfectly- timed finale in To Sir are breathtaking. Do yourself a favor and watch them all.

So, when I noticed the biography, I had to check it out. I found his stories/opinions every bit as thoughtful, precise, and full of value as the films mentioned above. At least try one or the other.

[Brent Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although The Los Angeles Times reviewer gave Mr. Poitier a generous accolade as "a national treasure," those lofty words are nevertheless incomplete. This fine actor, and the roles he has played as a leading man, taught a generation of men and women the most important lessons possible about racial equality and social justice. He led our collective thoughts at a time when we were most impressionable.

Through his authoritative lead characters for timeless movies -- such as "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" and "In the Heat of the Night" -- Poitier gave the Baby Boomer generation palpable and enduring context for their cultural revolution around equal rights. Martin Luther King delivered the moral imperatives for change: Sydney Poitier enacted the stories that made King's lessons tangible, comprehensible and personal.

This generation is now rapidly passing the hallmark birthdays of 50 and 60 and can learn again from Sydney Poitier, the author. Today's generational zeitgeist includes the pressing need to assess our collective legacies; to leave future generations a more inclusive, humane and just world; and to bequeath our successors a better society than the divisive nation of our youth.

Again, he speaks to a generation that has also admired him since our teen years, a generation that has listened to him as a wise mentor. He taught us right from wrong without a single lecture or admonishment. He just demonstrated what a nation built on equality needed to become.

This book challenges each of us to consider our heritage, not just for the next generation, but for generations yet to be born. Mr. Poitier's bravery, tenacity and humanity are worth further consideration, study and reflection, as inspired by this new book.

Read this masterwork if you're a Boomer. It will remind you of why we sacrificed much and worked hard to help transform Poitier's revolutionary acting roles into mainstream cultural norms today.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about Sidney Poltier's life. He wrote his book to tell his great granddaughter about his life, and to give her advice for her life. It was great to read a book about a famous person, who didn't write about all of his sexual experiences. He told about the illegal things he did as a young teenager, and how he decided not to live his life that way. He left his home at the age of 15, and had to make his way in life. He learned all he could from people around him. He was a dishwasher in a restaurant, and a man he worked with, helped him to learn to read. He tells how he got his interest in acting, and how he got his first part. When he first tried out for a part, he couldn't read.

[Álvaro Dezidério · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sempre tive muita dificuldade para entender a razão dos afrodescendentes americanos insistirem em contar suas histórias de vida. No primeiro ano da faculdade, ia para a biblioteca universitária no intervalo das aulas regulares e cursos fora do horário de aula e lia histórias sobre Rosa Parks, os protestos de Montgomery, as pregações do Reverendo King, e outras coisas assim. Mas não entendia de fato a razão de todo mundo querer escrever. Até que uma década atrás meu pai me emprestou o livro Negras Raízes de Alex Haley, onde a história de sua família é contada desde a chegada do escravo Kunta Kintê, até chegar nele, o Sr Haley (o livro virou série de TV). Na obra, o autor explica que dada a ruptura e a perda de ligação com o passado em razão da escravidão negra, escrever sobre as histórias dos homens e mulheres negros na América era fundamental para evitar este novo rompimento com o passado. Tendo isto em mente é fácil entender o livro “Uma vida muito além das expectativas: Cartas para minha bisneta, de Sidney Poitier.”


O livro é uma coleção de cartas escritas pelo ator Sidney Poitier para sua bisneta, Ayele. Sidney, com 80 anos, resolveu contar a sua fabulosa história, sob diversos pontos de vista. Em 23 diferentes cartas ele narra toda a sua trajetória. Desde os tempos em Cat Island, nas Bahamas passando pela chegada à América segregacionista, e a carreira como ator. As cartas são a forma de ele contar sua vida, pelo seu ponto de vista é claro, associando as passagens a assuntos relacionados, com fé, medo, vício, desafios, orgulho, dentre outros. Como um menino meio gago, e que não sabia ler se torna um dos maiores atores de sua geração é um daqueles temas de superação e motivação. O relato do início da carreira é fabuloso. Um anúncio em uma banca de jornal em que ele teve que perguntar ao dono da banca o que estava escrito até o cozinheiro do restaurante onde Sidney lavava pratos de noite, que o ensinava a ler depois do expediente, são os pontos que fazem toda a diferença na vida das pessoas. Aquele negócio de esbarrar com alguém que sem razão nenhuma lhe ajuda de um jeito que mudará sua vida.

Uma das coisas que mais me chamou atenção foi a sua determinação em não aceitar papéis em filmes que reforçassem o estereótipo negro da época. Ele simplesmente se recusava. O que é algo surpreendente na América nos anos 50, ainda durante a vigência das "leis Jim Crow" no sul do país, e antes inclusive da promulgação da Lei dos Direitos Civis. Isto sim é coragem. A forma como ele descreve o encontro com Nelson Mandela, o dialogo respeitoso, e o pedido de permissão para interpretá-lo na tela, dá uma boa ideia do caráter e respeito de Mr Poitier. A resposta de Mandela, dizendo que se fosse qualquer outro ele não deixaria, da uma boa ideia da amizade entre os dois.

Eu sou fã de Sidney há anos. Desde que assisti o filme “Adivinhe quem vem para o jantar” virei fã. Foi impossível para mim não me identificar com a história, até por que já passei por situações semelhantes. Quem já viu o filme deve lembrar-se da cena do telefone na hora do jantar. Curiosamente já passei por uma quase igual. Enfim...

Sidnei foi o primeiro ator negro a ganhar o Oscar em 1963 com o filme Uma voz nas Sombras. É o único vivo a receber três ursos de prata no festival de Berlim e possui o Oscar honorário pelo conjunto da obra. Meus preferidos são o Campo dos Sonhos, Adivinhe quem vem para jantar, No calor da noite, Ao Mestre com carinho (esse me deixa emotivo até hoje, mas acho que todo professor se sente assim com este filme ), e o genial Um por Deus e outro pelo Diabo. Na lista tem mais 50 filmes e documentários de sucesso.

Para não virar uma resenha/spoiler vou parar a descrição do livro por aqui e deixo a curiosidade do possível leitor ou leitora entrar em ação. Como recomendação, acho que vale muito a pena.

Realmente é uma vida e um livro muito além das expectativas.

[Shippseattle]

Sidney Poitier is one of the most revered actors in the history of Hollywood. He has overcome enormous obstacles in extraordinary times and is a r...more

[close]
Sidney Poitier is one of the most revered actors in the history of Hollywood. He has overcome 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 death.

Life Beyond Measure is the perfect book to inspire readers to live the fullest life with integrity, from one of our most respected celebrities and a national treasure.

[close]

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[NON · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter is a series of letters that Sidney wrote to his great granddaughter and it is meant for her to read when she is a young woman to understand her great grandfather, to know his perspective and his story from his own words and perhaps learn from his vast experience. But it doesn't feel like he was talking to her; it reads like he was talking to us, to me. The writing style is rhythmic and easy to read. I'm always speechless on what to say/write about Poitier? He is such an honest and a humble man. He has a beautiful soul and elegant sense of humor. He impacted and taught a generation of men and women as he stood firm in the face of inequality and social injustice. His story is a great lesson of triumph against all odds from zero to a hero. Life Beyond Measure is a testament to all that; it's heartwarming, inspiring, and simply beautiful.

I totally recommend the audio-book because it's narrated by Sidney himself which is a great bonus.


"I chose not to be alone as a loner by being at home in nature."

"Being a great listener often makes you an even better learner."

"I am very protective of my aloneness."

"Skepticism is healthy. We’re better off, by refusing to certify the legitimacy of everything we hear or read."

"My advice to you is to start to look for your own neutral zone early."

"We blame some of these traits on the young, but we, the old, have been the ones at the steering wheel."

"There is so much turmoil inside me. Big questions, little questions—you name it."

"We all have a capacity for love, for kindness, for passion. We have a capacity for the opposite, but love is infinitely more effective in the world than hate, although they exist as equal opposites. So I reject hate and choose to explore the nature of love, both emotionally and philosophically."

"But I feel this about my life: I feel that I am constantly in the presence of God."

What a man!

[Sharon Nale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man gets a 5 just for HOW he reads the book. His voice is so calming, yet powerful. His wisdom goes beyond what I expected of him, since I had only seen him act in many of his movies, and heard him on Oprah one time.

This book, written after the birth of his very first great-grandchild, is masterful. He wrote it for that child, and any potential great grandchildren born after. He thought he would not live long enough to see her grown up. Yet he did live about 15 years after, if my math is correct.

Sidney was born and raised on Cat Island, Bahamas, then later went to Nassau, and finally onto Florida for life with an older brother for awhile, which didn't last long. He left Florida for NY City, at age 16, on the bus to strike out on his own.

His life was interesting in many ways. He didn't know what he looked like until his late teens (forget exact age), as he had never before seen a mirror. He said that he swam before he ever learn to walk.

He thought he wouldn’t likely live long enough to see this child grow up. Ayele was born in 2005. He was inspired to write letters to this new great grandchild to pass along his wisdom and tell her where her family came from and explain their cultural background. We should all do this for those we leave this earth.

I fell asleep last night, listening to the end of the book, and his voice came to me through my dreams. In conversation of the two people in my dreams, I heard his wisdom . Sidney's voice droned on in my earbuds, entering my dream state. I had to listen again to the last chapter, to make certain I was hearing him correctly, and not still dreaming!

Good book!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

"With knowledge you can grasp tight a belief: that you can be better, that the world can be better. With that, you can claim hope.
Hope is the eternal tool in the survival kit for mankind."

This and other quotes threaded in several letters to his granddaughter make up the bulk of Poitier's recollections on his 80 plus years. Lean on historical cinematic accounts that shaped his legendary screen career; heavy on advise. Not too bad if you can skim over some while searching for more gems of observation. My favorite:

“This has all been to reveal to you, my dearest great-granddaughter, that in our travels to become who we are and who we were meant to be in the grand scheme of things –whether we see ourselves as outsiders or belongers, or as shy or private, or as outgoing, gregarious extraverts ----what really counts above all is that we do see ourselves. By seeing and knowing ourselves, we are given dominion over our lives – the capacity to steer our own ships, for better and for worse."

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poitier delivers this wonderful memoir by way of letters to his infant great-granddaughter. Somehow, he was able to weave into this book a beautiful mix of philosophy, his life experiences, offerings of wisdom, and descriptions of himself as an individual -- all directed toward, not just his great-granddaughter, but to any and all of us. I especially enjoyed his descriptions and stories about his youth -- born and raised on Cat Island Bahamas, then to Nassau, then to NY City, and on to his Hollywood career. Poignant! Eloquently written. Memorable. All this from a man who was (and I stress WAS) uneducated and lived a totally isolated childhood where he knew love in abundance, but knew nothing of the world that existed beyond a small area of an tiny island. I was fascinated by the fact that he didn't know what he looked like until his late teens (forget exact age), as he had never seen a mirror. A compelling read -- sometimes light, often deep, always interesting.

[India Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and didn't think that I would. Some parts were a little slower than others but I think for someone in their early 20s to read this like I was, it is a great book for the psyche. What I learned from this book is that other than the things we can't control in life, there are very few, if any, excuses not to try and improve our circumstances. I've never forgotten hearing him talk about his life pre-America and the hardships he endured once he got here. I have many flashbacks of his advice and stories when reflecting on some of my own issues, and THAT is what a great story/book should do. I highly recommend this book to people who are trying to make the most of their resources or need encouragement while pursuing a dream. Such an honorable man with a humbling story!

[Beth Neu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really interesting to learn about Mr. Poiter's early years in the Bahamas and how his parents impacted his outlook on life. I was impressed with how much he respected them and all they did. It is hard to imagine growing up in such rural, and really isolated, circumstances and all you would have to quickly learn in order to get along in a large city. This is not a typical autobiography, in that it is written in the form of letters to his first great-granddaughter, with lessons he wants to share/impart on her for her future. I enjoyed the unique style and the fact that it was heartfelt, serious, insightful and entertaining all at the same time. I hope his grandchildren and great-grandchildren appreciate this gift he has given them.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find Sidney Poitier’s life to be quite amazing. It is hard to comprehend how an illiterate 16-year old who spent his youth on a remote island in the Bahamas (without running water or electricity) could land in NYC alone at age 16 with $15 to his name and end up where he did.

It would have been conceptually impossible for anyone to rise above such humble beginnings but such was greatly compounded in the 50's when racial segregation was still practiced in the US. His story is very inspiring.

He was the highest paid Actor in America for a year or so after the release of these classic movies

"In the Heat of the Night"
"Guess Who's coming to Dinner"
"To Sir With Love"

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sidney Poitier is amazing. Despite having no formal education, he is eloquent in his writing. He's a brilliant actor but that came about by accident. In this series of letters he wrote for his great-granddaughter, he talks about various aspects of his life, where he got his own moral compass, the kinds of deep thoughts he has. Since he was 80 when she was born, he figured she wouldn't have a lot of her own memories of him but he didn't want it to be left to others to tell her about him. I enjoyed the middle section of the book most of all because he spoke about various experiences of his life. A fascinating man.

[Sandi Grandberry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really expected to like this book. I met Syndey Poitier in an Airport in Maryland. He accidentally put his neck scarf in my bucket when we went through security. He offered me a hug, but I had some kind of "I don't want to be a silly fan" moment and didn't let him hug me. I do love his work, and he is amazing on a live interview, but his book is a little too much about what he is going to say and less about what he has to say. I have gotten a little futher into the book and it is a little better now, but, not what I expected.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Poitier's life on Cat Island as a child. The lack of technology (no running water, no electricity) makes the reader think about what we can do without in modern developed society. He had a wonderful childhood despite the lack of conveniences and the island was self-sufficient for the most part. It was clear that his family & upbringing had a strong positive impact on the wonderful man he became. A great read, and what a treasured gift for his great-granddaughter Ayele!

[Mom Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an OK book. I liked his first book, "The Measure of A Man", better. There were moments in the book when it was very interesting, but most of the book was more philosophical, and while I like the way Sydney expresses himself he would not be someone I would immediately go to for philosophy. I liked the parts where he described what he had to overcome to achieve in life and what he learned from his experiences. His essays on metaphysical subjects were not of much interest or information.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of this book, and I like Sidney Poitier. At the age of 80, he writes each chapter as a separate letter to his brand new great-granddaughter, telling her all the things he would like her to hear straight from himself, knowing that their shared time together is not likely to be too long. He talks a lot about his young, poverty-stricken years growing up in The Bahamas, and how he went to the United States, eventually to New York City, and how he got his start in the movies. The last few chapters are mostly his philosophies on life.

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought a copy as a Mother's Day gift to my mother, but it didn't arrive on time to be such. However, when she DID get it, I was told she loved it on sight so that made me feel good and I see the copy by her bedside so I know she's reading it. From what little I have read, the book is very good. Basically some insights of his life to tell his young great granddaughter when she gets of age. It reminded me of his previous books, but I enjoy his offerings now matter how he does it.