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This week we got two announcements about memoirs that will be out next year. Prince Harry dropped the bomb that he is penning his memoir which will be released in late 2022. And I am looking forward to reading it, with or without the royal tea being spilled, as Prince Harry has had a very interesting life. And less than 24 hours later, one of my auntie crushes, Viola Davis, announced that she was writing her memoir. It is called Finding Me and is scheduled for release in the spring of 2022. I honestly cannot wait for hers either. In a press release about the book, Viola says that it takes courage for people to share their stories and that she will be exploring her rise to fame, growing up in poverty and dealing with family drama. Below are a few more details from People:
“I believe that our stories, and the courage to share them, is the most powerful empathetic tool we have,” Davis said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. “This is my story … straight no chaser.”
The account will chronicle The Suicide Squad actress’ rise to stardom, from navigating poverty and family turmoil while growing up in Rhode Island to winning some of Hollywood’s most coveted awards. Davis won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Fences in 2017 and an Emmy for How to Get Away with Murder.
“Viola Davis is a powerful truth teller — through her work on stage and screen, as well as in her life,” HarperOne president and publisher Judith Curr said in a statement shared with the AP. “I’m looking forward to working with her on a book that powerfully reveals the risk and danger for a Black woman living in the fullness of her talents and gifts — and the reward and freedom that comes with it.”
I remember Viola talking about the librarian who would share her lunch with her and how much shame Viola felt because of being poor. I love how Viola took the pain of her childhood and used it to help others by partnering with the No Kid Hungry organization to make sure children were fed throughout the pandemic. Even though I feel like I already know a lot about Viola, I am looking forward to reading her memoir. There is something different about following someone’s life in a way that pieces all the bits that you know about them together. Viola is very humble, but extremely sincere and bold. I will always love how Viola said that she doesn’t mind being calledthe Black Meryl Streep as long as she is being paid Meryl Streep money.
One of my good friends knew Viola in L.A. when Viola first moved out there and was building her career. My friend said that Viola was one of the nicest people she had ever met. They even followed each other on Facebook for years. I am sure Viola’s book will be interesting and I am looking forward to reading about a Black woman’s rise to fame in Hollywood and the landmines she may have had to navigate. I want to hear Viola’s love story with her husband as well. I am looking forward to all of the Hollywood and royal tea that will spilled next year.
I’ll read this one.
Hopefully she’s writing it. She has some pearls like, “Potential has a shelf life.” Too true.
I just had this vision of Prince Harry & Viola Davis blurbing each other’s books and my day is better for it.
I’m just nuts about her. How to Get Away With Murder was one of the first things I streamed during lockdown. Of course I love her movies too. Also she is one I watch for on red carpets. Her beauty and style shine and it’s hard to take your eyes off of her.
She needs to release it in audio form too so she can work towards a grammy. Then all that’s left is a Tony for her EGOT, go Viola!
Viola is just lovely!