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The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)


 
 : The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)

List Price: $14.95
Amazon.com's Price: $10.17
You Save: $4.78 (32%)
as of 03/15/2010 22:35 EDT

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Average Rating:  out of 5 stars
 




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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 791.43028092
EAN: 9780061357909
ISBN: 0061357901
Label: HarperSanFrancisco
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 272
Publication Date: February 01, 2007
Publisher: HarperSanFrancisco
Release Date: January 26, 2007
Studio: HarperSanFrancisco

Features:
  • ISBN13: 9780061357909
  • Condition: NEW
  • Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.


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Editorial Review:

Product Description:
"I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I’ve suddenly come up with the answers to all life’s questions. Quite that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I’ve done at measuring up to the values I myself have set."
--Sidney Poitier

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. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what’s coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma’s voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters … and that’s it." 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 to 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.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating:  out of 5 stars


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - review
Received item in a very timely manner...would certainly recommend this seller to others...keep up the good work! God's blessings and prosperity to you!



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - St. Rita group loved!
We got so much out of this memoir. A very different perspective of a Hollywood figure; inspirational. We are a book club; all women. Liked it so much we are reading his: Letters to my great granddaughter next.



Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - Hard to follow
I was disappointed in this book - it was good but not as good as I thought it would be. I didn't find it to really be a spiritual biography, more just selected parts of his life. I agree with his basic point that children are overindulged these days and don't learn to appreciate the little things in life, but I disagree that whipping your children (like his parents did to him and his siblings) is a good way to command their respect. Much of the book seemed to be meandering stream of consciousness ... Read More



Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - The measure of Sidney Poiter
This book was given to me by a best friend. Sidney Poitier, the author of this book, is a man that I highly admire. His experiences that he shares with humanity in his book does truly reflect the measure of him as a man. The only problem I had with the book was that there were too many foul language that I personally did not like. However, his story is provocative and captivating and also gives you a little glimpse of an actor's life. I encourage aspiring young actors to read this book!



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - The Measure of a Man
Sidney Poitier is a wonderful, talented actor & an excellent writer. Enjoyed his book & being able to have a view into his life.



 




 

 

 



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