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A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life
In this inspirational memoir, Grey's Anatomy actor Isaiah Washington explains how filling in the gaps of his past led him to discover a new passion: helping those less fortunate. DNA testing revealed that Washington was descended from the Mende people, who today live in Sierra Leone. For many people, the story would end with the results of the search; for Isaiah, it had just begun. Discovering his roots has given him a new purpose, to lead an inspirational life defined by faith and charity.
After visiting Sierra Leone, and researching the country and its needs, Washington forged a strong relationship with the Mende people, and was inducted as Chief Gondobay Manga in May 2006. He established The Gondobay Manga Foundation to institute many improvements suggested by the country's people, addressing educational concerns, practical issues (road building, water supply, and electricity), and rehabilitative projects.
Dual citizenship has been a dream of African-Americans such as W.E.B. DuBois, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, but Washington became the first to realize that honor in 2008. A twofold milestone, it was also the first time an African president granted citizenship based on DNA.
After visiting Sierra Leone, and researching the country and its needs, Washington forged a strong relationship with the Mende people, and was inducted as Chief Gondobay Manga in May 2006. He established The Gondobay Manga Foundation to institute many improvements suggested by the country's people, addressing educational concerns, practical issues (road building, water supply, and electricity), and rehabilitative projects.
Dual citizenship has been a dream of African-Americans such as W.E.B. DuBois, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, but Washington became the first to realize that honor in 2008. A twofold milestone, it was also the first time an African president granted citizenship based on DNA.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 27, 2011
About the author
Isaiah Washington
2 books41 followersIsaiah Washington IV is an American actor, author & activist. A veteran of several Spike Lee films, Washington is best known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. In 2005, Washington originated the role of gifted cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. His portrayal earned him two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award. Washington was born in Houston, Texas, where his parents were residents in the Independence Heights community. The family moved to Missouri City, Texas around 1978, where he was one of the first graduates from Willowridge High School (1981). Washington went on to serve in the United States Air Force and attended Howard University. Washington married Jenisa Marie Garland on February 14, 1996. The couple have three children (Isaiah V, Tyme, and Iman).
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 27, 2011
I just finished reading Isaiah Washington's A MAN FROM ANOTHER LAND! He made me laugh, cry, mad, sad, dream, hope, believe. He made me SEE! DNA has memory!!!
The book is a transparent testimony of Isaiah's journey through life as a man, actor, activist, humanitarian, and child of God.
♥ After reading this enthralling testimony all I can say is: I WANT MY AFRICAN DNA TEST NOW!!! I want to know my African self NOW!! Not tomorrow, not next week, not next month ~ NOW! Read his book & you'll feel the overwhelming urgency too!
I am so incredibly impressed with Isaiah! Encore! Encore! I hope the book comes out in audio so he can bring it come to life with his outstanding acting skills!
The book is a transparent testimony of Isaiah's journey through life as a man, actor, activist, humanitarian, and child of God.
♥ After reading this enthralling testimony all I can say is: I WANT MY AFRICAN DNA TEST NOW!!! I want to know my African self NOW!! Not tomorrow, not next week, not next month ~ NOW! Read his book & you'll feel the overwhelming urgency too!
I am so incredibly impressed with Isaiah! Encore! Encore! I hope the book comes out in audio so he can bring it come to life with his outstanding acting skills!
June 9, 2011
I received this book for free as part of a Good Reads giveaway. I must admit I do not watch much television and have not seen any of Isaiah Washington’s movies. Thus, I am not familiar with him as an actor, but only as an author – a very good one.
In his book, Mr. Washington recounts how he was adrift until, by chance, he was given a DNA test and learned that he is descended from two tribes in Sierra Leone. This knowledge changed him, gave him a sense of belonging, and set him on a quest to connect with and help the people of Sierra Leone. His story is an engaging one for anyone who has ever wondered about or attempted to locate his or her ancestors or, having discovered one’s roots, has felt a powerful connection to the country of ancestry. The story of Mr. Washington’s efforts to aid Sierra Leone is reminiscent in some ways of Three Cups of Tea. The difference is that Mr. Washington actually has a DNA connection to the people he is seeking to help.
The book is well written and extremely interesting. If I were Mr. Washington’s editor, however, I would have encouraged him to provide more information about the history of Sierra Leone, the slave trade from there, and the recent war – none of which I know very much about, even after having read Mr. Washington’s book. Likewise, I would have advised him to provide more information about the events that led to him being released from his contract for Grey’s Anatomy. The author assumes that the reader is familiar with tabloid stories about these events. Many readers are not, or will have forgotten, or even if familiar with this episode in the author’s life, would have been interested in Mr. Washington’s side of the story, which is merely alluded to. These gaps, along with some anecdotes that come across as being narcissistic (e.g., complaints about a cameraman who failed to have the camera rolling when Mr. Washington performs a heroic feat) are a weakness of the book. Overall, however, this is a very interesting and enjoyable read.
In his book, Mr. Washington recounts how he was adrift until, by chance, he was given a DNA test and learned that he is descended from two tribes in Sierra Leone. This knowledge changed him, gave him a sense of belonging, and set him on a quest to connect with and help the people of Sierra Leone. His story is an engaging one for anyone who has ever wondered about or attempted to locate his or her ancestors or, having discovered one’s roots, has felt a powerful connection to the country of ancestry. The story of Mr. Washington’s efforts to aid Sierra Leone is reminiscent in some ways of Three Cups of Tea. The difference is that Mr. Washington actually has a DNA connection to the people he is seeking to help.
The book is well written and extremely interesting. If I were Mr. Washington’s editor, however, I would have encouraged him to provide more information about the history of Sierra Leone, the slave trade from there, and the recent war – none of which I know very much about, even after having read Mr. Washington’s book. Likewise, I would have advised him to provide more information about the events that led to him being released from his contract for Grey’s Anatomy. The author assumes that the reader is familiar with tabloid stories about these events. Many readers are not, or will have forgotten, or even if familiar with this episode in the author’s life, would have been interested in Mr. Washington’s side of the story, which is merely alluded to. These gaps, along with some anecdotes that come across as being narcissistic (e.g., complaints about a cameraman who failed to have the camera rolling when Mr. Washington performs a heroic feat) are a weakness of the book. Overall, however, this is a very interesting and enjoyable read.
May 12, 2011
Autobiography of Isaiah Washington and his search for his roots.
Takes Mr. Washington on a fascinating journey, learning about his ancestors and the past. He finds not only his roots but his calling, as well as a new country. His loves, his aspirations and his accomplishments. Mr. Washington accomplishes what many others dream of. He has found his past, and in so doing, he finds his future. He works to improve the future of man. Some nice photo's in this book also.
Takes Mr. Washington on a fascinating journey, learning about his ancestors and the past. He finds not only his roots but his calling, as well as a new country. His loves, his aspirations and his accomplishments. Mr. Washington accomplishes what many others dream of. He has found his past, and in so doing, he finds his future. He works to improve the future of man. Some nice photo's in this book also.
September 12, 2015
I really liked this book. Not just because this is my cousin, but the content gives light to an adventure he has taken that seem to awaken him to something more than just our family tree.
November 20, 2011
DNA
I am a big fan of Isaiah Washington from TV to movies so I was excited to read his memoir for a chance to get to know the man behind the acting. In this memoir, “A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life,” Washington chronicles his journey, struggles, and triumphs. It’s not often that you “feel” a book, but in these pages, readers can feel.
Thought provoking and compelling, “A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life” is a memoir I can easily recommend to others. I already liked Washington prior to reading his memoir, now I have a new level, a deeper level of appreciation and respect for him. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and wish him nothing but continued success.
Reviewed by: Gail
I am a big fan of Isaiah Washington from TV to movies so I was excited to read his memoir for a chance to get to know the man behind the acting. In this memoir, “A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life,” Washington chronicles his journey, struggles, and triumphs. It’s not often that you “feel” a book, but in these pages, readers can feel.
Thought provoking and compelling, “A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life” is a memoir I can easily recommend to others. I already liked Washington prior to reading his memoir, now I have a new level, a deeper level of appreciation and respect for him. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and wish him nothing but continued success.
Reviewed by: Gail
July 4, 2011
His work in Sierra Leone and how he got there is interesting, but a bit New Age for me. I think he's trying to revive his image/career.
Read
October 20, 2011If you’re interested in reading a modern memoir that spans everything from media-saturated modern Hollywood to genealogy to African life and history, this title may fit the bill.
July 23, 2013
Very enlightening. This title has made me start a search for my true self. Very good.
September 14, 2018
A great book about self identity from a famous Black American actor.
November 19, 2024
What a fascinating testimony! Though a choppy read, I loved this straightforward passionate account of Isaiah discovering his Roots. Without leaving a bunch of spoilers my favorite part was the 'South Africa visit'… and his later connecting with the Mende and Temne people of Sierra Leone. I couldn’t stop smiling about the coronation... and the message he passed along on behalf of his great ancestors! Totally unexpected, as was the reply he got back. So much is contained in this memoir! What a beautiful testimony. The kind of personalized education difficult (if not impossible) to find in history books. Absolutely impressive. Highly recommended!!! Read 2011 hardback edition.
July 22, 2011
When I was in college, I spent a summer on a work camp in Moyamba, Sierra Leone. It was through a program called Crossroads Africa. About a dozen American and Canadian college students joined forces with young Africans to start construction on a high school.
As we worked together, we shared stories of our lives. I remember how joyous the young Africans were. I loved dancing on the weekends, at large get-togethers with everyone from toddlers to grandparents dancing together.
The joyousness and kindness of the people I met in Sierra Leone has stayed with me all these years, and when the country was engulfed in civil war for over a decade, I grieved. When the war ended, I rejoiced, but I haven’t really kept up that much with news there.
Yesterday in a nearby public library I picked up A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life and got totally engrossed in it. It’s by American actor Isaiah Washington, who discovered through a DNA test that he was 99.9% Sierra Leonean on his mother’s side, of the Mende and Temne peoples. I had worked among the Mende. His discovery led him to start a foundation and to do everything he could to help the people there.
His descriptions of the poverty he encountered in Sierra Leone portrayed things as being far worse than when I was there in 1963. I was in tears at several points in the book, very inspired by what his foundation does, including trying to improve the lives of one million children in Sierra Leone.
I watch few films or TV (would rather read) so I didn't know anything about his life as a celebrity and the trials he went through. Found it interesting, though.
As we worked together, we shared stories of our lives. I remember how joyous the young Africans were. I loved dancing on the weekends, at large get-togethers with everyone from toddlers to grandparents dancing together.
The joyousness and kindness of the people I met in Sierra Leone has stayed with me all these years, and when the country was engulfed in civil war for over a decade, I grieved. When the war ended, I rejoiced, but I haven’t really kept up that much with news there.
Yesterday in a nearby public library I picked up A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life and got totally engrossed in it. It’s by American actor Isaiah Washington, who discovered through a DNA test that he was 99.9% Sierra Leonean on his mother’s side, of the Mende and Temne peoples. I had worked among the Mende. His discovery led him to start a foundation and to do everything he could to help the people there.
His descriptions of the poverty he encountered in Sierra Leone portrayed things as being far worse than when I was there in 1963. I was in tears at several points in the book, very inspired by what his foundation does, including trying to improve the lives of one million children in Sierra Leone.
I watch few films or TV (would rather read) so I didn't know anything about his life as a celebrity and the trials he went through. Found it interesting, though.
January 24, 2024
So, this is my second review for this memoir because some one made a really bad comment on my previous review. So this time I am going to stay on the point and tell you what I think about the memoir.
Well, it started out nice, but I wanted to know more about his teen years. It sounded entertaining and exciting, hence I am a teenager. So, to me this memoir was not entertaining to read. If you are over 18 and like to get up in people's business, this is stuff you might want to try. This author does open up a lot to others. He did put a lot about himself.
Here are some of the links that you might want to explore. Links will open in new tab.
Official site for this memoir ---->Click Here<----
Here is the author's wikipedia page --->Click here<---
Well, it started out nice, but I wanted to know more about his teen years. It sounded entertaining and exciting, hence I am a teenager. So, to me this memoir was not entertaining to read. If you are over 18 and like to get up in people's business, this is stuff you might want to try. This author does open up a lot to others. He did put a lot about himself.
Here are some of the links that you might want to explore. Links will open in new tab.
Official site for this memoir ---->Click Here<----
Here is the author's wikipedia page --->Click here<---
January 31, 2013
So many things are compelling about Isaiah Washington's life story, but in reflecting on this book the thing that strikes me the most is his unwavering commitment to connecting with his African roots while experiencing a double standard in the media that cannot be separated from those same roots (one notes that Mr. Washington said an intemperate word on set in the middle of a heated argument with another actor and received the entertainment industry's shunning, while Donald Trump went on to question the birthplace of the first African American President of the United States and his show was renewed).
This story is inspiring, and relevant and speaks to our current conversation about race and history in American society. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
This story is inspiring, and relevant and speaks to our current conversation about race and history in American society. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
March 6, 2015
3.5 out of 5. "A Man From Another Land," has opened my mind in new dimensions. It came at the perfect time in my life shortly after reading the life changing "Autobiography of Malcolm X," I am now buoyed up even more to trace and find my roots as I am on my own personal path to self discovery in this world and for one to move forward they must know who they are, and where they are coming from if they are to delve successfully into the future. I too am a woman from another land determined to fulfill her purpose and destiny, this book has solidified my resolve even more.
Currently Reading
September 10, 2012Isaiah Washington is quite candid. While I am still reading, it s an interesting and funny, at times, read. Can't wait to finish. So far he's has accomplished what many claim to pursue, true knowledge of African heritage & culture and the commitment to social responsibility.
October 27, 2011
Sort of interesting.
November 16, 2011
It was alright. was hoping for a little more of the greys drama..
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews