by Cicely Tyson
First published 2021
Cicely Tyson opens her life story by setting aside the glamour of her celebrated career. She presents herself without embellishment, as both the acclaimed actress who worked on stage and screen for sixty years and the quiet church girl who rarely spoke. Tyson traces her path from a teenager who found comfort in old hymns to a woman navigating the complexities of Hollywood while maintaining her faith. She explores her roles as daughter, mother, sister, and friend alongside her professional identity. The memoir reveals how she learned to observe human nature while pursuing ambitious dreams. Tyson examines the pain and love that shaped her, describing herself as guided by divine influence. Writing in her nineties, she finally shares the meaningful story she has long carried within her.
Genres: drama, christian, 20th-century, african-american, autobiography, biography-memoir, faith, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: faith-journey, personal-growth
Period: 20th Century, 21st Century
432 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins Publishers