Status
Available
Call number
Call number
B Poi
Collection
Publication
Harper San Francisco (2000), Edition: First Edition, 256 pages
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 the contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questioning. 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. "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 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 who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition. Here, finally, is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, pride and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity, What emerges is a picture of a man seeking truth, passion, and balance 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.… (more)
Subjects
Original publication date
2000
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User reviews
LibraryThing member laytonwoman3rd
A man with Sidney Poitier's chops is entitled to take himself seriously. With the subtitle "A Spiritual Biography", the reader is advised to expect nothing less. For the most part, Mr. Poitier managed to balance his seriousness with enough self-deprecation and light-heartedness to keep this from
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being a "preachy" sort of book. Occasionally, though, in spite of his marvelous voice and diction (and those fleeting Island cadences!), I did find myself drifting away as one may do in church, losing the thread of his discourse on some too familiar sermon topics, such as the overindulgence of a generation of children which led to the sex-drugs-rocknroll culture, and so on. When talking about his experiences as a child growing up in the Bahamas, or as a young black man determined to make his way with honor in the world of theater and movie-making at a difficult time, Poitier is mesmerizing. Hearing him reminiscence about what it took to make films like "The Defiant Ones" and "A Patch of Blue" makes me very grateful for his moral presence in the world, as much as for his artistic contributions. His narration ranges from an easy conversational style to something more dramatic, almost Shakespearean at times. Recommended if you admire his work. Show Less
LibraryThing member Neverwithoutabook
I have been a fan of Sidney Poitier ever since I first watched "To Sir With Love"! Who hasn't? But is it the character? Or is it the man? I consider him to be one of our greatest actors and yet so quietly he came to greatness. Until reading this autobiography, I can't say I knew very much about
From his childhood, growing up in poverty on Cat Island in the Bahamas, to his battle with prostate cancer, this book reveals the life of a man of dignity. I found his childhood filled with treasured memories growing up with a freedom most children never know and also packed with lessons that most never learn, but that stood him well in later life. I found myself agreeing with his thoughts and comparisons of that childhood with respect to today's children with their video games and need for constant outside stimulus.
Times were different then, and so were the struggles he faced. He was a man who worked hard and took pride in what he accomplished. When things were difficult, he kept his focus and never gave up. I appreciated his discussions about the making of his films and his perspective relating the stories to what was happening historically. The one thing I have to respect him for is his humility. Often I noticed him giving credit to those who came before him for paving the way for him and those who came after.
I recommend reading this book. We can all learn something from such a thoughtful, intelligent, respectful human being.
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Sidney Poitier. Now, I can say that my respect for him is well-placed and I'm even more a fan. From his childhood, growing up in poverty on Cat Island in the Bahamas, to his battle with prostate cancer, this book reveals the life of a man of dignity. I found his childhood filled with treasured memories growing up with a freedom most children never know and also packed with lessons that most never learn, but that stood him well in later life. I found myself agreeing with his thoughts and comparisons of that childhood with respect to today's children with their video games and need for constant outside stimulus.
Times were different then, and so were the struggles he faced. He was a man who worked hard and took pride in what he accomplished. When things were difficult, he kept his focus and never gave up. I appreciated his discussions about the making of his films and his perspective relating the stories to what was happening historically. The one thing I have to respect him for is his humility. Often I noticed him giving credit to those who came before him for paving the way for him and those who came after.
I recommend reading this book. We can all learn something from such a thoughtful, intelligent, respectful human being.
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LibraryThing member hemlokgang
Audiobook...narrated by Sydney Poitier.....what a voice! I enjoyed this story of trying to live a life that did not dishonor his parents in any way! And that, my friends, is one measure of a man or woman!
LibraryThing member mcelhra
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
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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 consciousnes...more 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 and I found it hard to follow. I did love his definition of God and I will carry that with me. Overall it just wasn't as revolutionary as I thought it would be but it still held my interest. Show Less
LibraryThing member joiescire
Eh, just didn't pull me in. I know it is a classic, but I just couldn't get into it. As I was reading I couldn't wait to just be finished with it.
LibraryThing member youngerrlc
Great insights into the life of a very successful actor who endured growing up black in America
LibraryThing member MusicMom41
A philosopher once said that the unexamined life was not worth living. In this book, which he subtitles “a spiritual autobiography”, Poitier examines how he has lived his life since his beginnings in a semi-primitive (his description) society on Cat Island until his early seventies. Along the
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way we, the reader, get a vivid picture of many of the different problems blacks faced in the post war years of the 20th century until the present time—Poitier was in his early seventies when he wrote this and was still planning projects to do. He is very candid about the good fortune that seemed to bless his path as well as the multitude of problems he had to surmount, both from within himself and within the society of the 20th century. I was (and still am) a great admirer of Poitier and can remember sitting by the radio waiting for the announcement in 1963 of the winner of the best actor Oscar and praying that it would be he. The elation I felt was as emotional as if I had won myself. This book reveals much about how he became a man that could inspire that kind “devotion” in his fans. Show Less
LibraryThing member SirRoger
Sidney Poitier shares his own personal history as well as some of the life lessons that have guided him. He grew up on a small island in the Bahamas. His family was poor in the world's view, but rich in many other ways. Sidney eventually moved to the states, making his way to New York, and became
I recommend this book for the insight it gives into Mr. Poitier's life. He's somewhat of a legendary figure in American film, but he's a mortal person just like everyone else. I'm impressed most by his artistic integrity. When he began work as an actor, he did not settle for any less than the best in his own performance. He learned from his mistakes, worked hard to perfect his craft, and only accepted roles that had integrity, where there was a deeper connection and purpose.
I don't agree with all of the spiritual views that he discusses, but I do think he's a good example in many ways, and people can learn those good things from his life.
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an extremely successful and well-regarded actor on the stage and screen. He endured poverty, but always worked hard and learned from his mistakes. I recommend this book for the insight it gives into Mr. Poitier's life. He's somewhat of a legendary figure in American film, but he's a mortal person just like everyone else. I'm impressed most by his artistic integrity. When he began work as an actor, he did not settle for any less than the best in his own performance. He learned from his mistakes, worked hard to perfect his craft, and only accepted roles that had integrity, where there was a deeper connection and purpose.
I don't agree with all of the spiritual views that he discusses, but I do think he's a good example in many ways, and people can learn those good things from his life.
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LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
Considering the amount of formal education Mr. Poitier had as a youth, he is a well-spoken, thoughtful man. His reflections on what makes a man were somewhat at odds with the messages we get in our culture today. The idea of working hard, of value that comes from within rather than from without, of
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integrity - these are all rather unpopular in today's world. Yet, truly these are the things that make the kind of man that one can admire and look up to. In a very real sense, Mr. Poitier is an individual, rather than an example of of a race or an actor or a Bahamian or whatever other group you can think of to stick him in - and that is an achievement to be proud of. Show Less
LibraryThing member Peggy72
I would rate this as one of the best bio I've read along with Nelson Mandela's and Gerald Durrell's. Plainly written, Poitier takes a deep and personal look at why he is who he is through the prism of an idyllic childhood in the Bahamas and the racial upheaval of the time in the US. He's a man of
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pride and deep conviction but also vulnerability and humility. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member fullerteacher
Interesting. Mr. Poitier explains his years growing up on an island off the coast of Florida, he move to the states, his illiteracy and rise up through early theatre, where he learned to read, and eventually his life in Hollywood movie making.
LibraryThing member nicky_too
The title already says it's a spiritual autobiography and the story of his life and career really do take a second place in this book.
I absolutely loved it.
For people interested in the racism issue this is a must read. White people will never see racism as black people do and I found it a real eye
Sidney Poitier has an easy style, hardly ever uses difficult words. It makes the book easy to read and understand. It's obvious this comes straight from his heart. There's an awful lot of depth in this book which consists of barely 300 pages.
I absolutely loved it.
For people interested in the racism issue this is a must read. White people will never see racism as black people do and I found it a real eye
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opener to read about it.Sidney Poitier has an easy style, hardly ever uses difficult words. It makes the book easy to read and understand. It's obvious this comes straight from his heart. There's an awful lot of depth in this book which consists of barely 300 pages.
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LibraryThing member bookwoman247
Sidney Poitier is one of my favorite actors, and I enjoyed his autobiography. Some of it I found surprising.
I felt that this was written deeply from the heart, and that it must have been a sort of catharsis for him. It was very introspective and self-analytical.
I'm glad that I read this. Poitier is
I felt that this was written deeply from the heart, and that it must have been a sort of catharsis for him. It was very introspective and self-analytical.
I'm glad that I read this. Poitier is
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an interesting guy with a unique perspective and has had a distinctive life and career. Show Less
LibraryThing member Enamoredsoul
"When childhood is aborted, it's like aborted grief. In both cases, if you don't go through all the stages, giving each its due, the job never gets completed."
Sidney Poitier's autobiography is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. It has a gentle, lilting quality to its prose - but a
Sidney Poitier's autobiography is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. It has a gentle, lilting quality to its prose - but a
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powerful impact. His life is a true testament to the worth of God in your heart, goodness in your soul and the will to persevere. I recommend it to everyone! Show Less
LibraryThing member JoWright
A terrific read... to see someone come out of impoverished circumstances with such a profound depth of spirit and tenacity is amazing. That is only topped by the fact that this man was trying to make it in Hollywood... a black man in a white man's world... his story underscores his deep faith in
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himself that was unshakeable despite the odds. Poitier's sensitivty and philosophical approach to life and his work are beautifully captured. I would have enjoyed learning more about his wife and young family to better understand him as a husband and father. Show Less
LibraryThing member salewis1
My mother grew up with Sidney Poitier and I've always loved his movies. It was also recommended by others that I read this book. But OH MY GOSH, reading this book was like waiting for paint to dry...the cheap kind! Believe me. I love Sydney Poitier, but this was a painful read.
LibraryThing member arning
It's a very general biography with lots of personal insights about his interaction with society. But it's lacking in those same explorations of his personal interaction with his family.
LibraryThing member .Monkey.
This was a really great book about a wonderful & fascinating man. Poitier fills us in about growing up on Cat Island- where he had no perception of black vs white or racism or elitism, about life in Nassau where he encountered all those things, about life as a poor black kid in New York struggling
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to survive, and about the various chances and events that led to his being one of the most prominent black actors to grace the screen & stage. As the book is "a spiritual autobiography," it is filled all-throughout with his thoughts and general philosophies on life, which I believe to be quite insightful. Definitely recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member danoomistmatiste
Accidently deleted this so adding this again. This will be filed under the category of Unputdownable. Started at around 3 and was done by 8pm. This one is a must read and should be on top of everyone's reading list. Just show how sheer grit, determination and following one's own inbuilt moral
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compass can lead you to greatness. A truly great read. Show Less
LibraryThing member kakadoo202
Reminiscing about his life. Quick read.
LibraryThing member Rob.Larson
Very good book, but it got a little slow toward the end. Fans of Poitier will love it.
LibraryThing member txorig
I'm torn about this book. Yes, it shows what that Mr. Poitier has very strong principles (now, that is)and he appears to be very likable, BUT, the writing is not very good. I can't tell if he is just a bad writer or if he has a very bad editor. I haven't really looked to see if he worked with
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anyone on this, but suffice it to say, it took away from the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member kslade
Interesting insights into his values and how he developed them over the years. I would have liked more on his family but this is a great read that makes you contemplate life.
Pages
256