Arts & Literature
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Just as I Am: A Memoir
"In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only succeeded as an actor, she has shaped the course of history." –President Barack Obama, 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony
"Just as I Am is my truth. It is me, plain and unvarnished, with the glitter and garland set aside. In these pages, I am indeed Cicely, the actress who has been blessed to grace the stage and screen for six decades. Yet I am also the church girl who once rarely spoke a word. I am the teenager who sought solace in the verses of the old hymn for which this book is named. I am a daughter and a mother, a sister and a friend. I am an observer of human nature and the dreamer of audacious dreams. I am a woman who has hurt as immeasurably as I have loved, a child of God divinely guided by his hand. And here in my ninth decade, I am a woman who, at long last, has something meaningful to say." –Cicely Tyson
"Just as I Am is my truth. It is me, plain and unvarnished, with the glitter and garland set aside. In these pages, I am indeed Cicely, the actress who has been blessed to grace the stage and screen for six decades. Yet I am also the church girl who once rarely spoke a word. I am the teenager who sought solace in the verses of the old hymn for which this book is named. I am a daughter and a mother, a sister and a friend. I am an observer of human nature and the dreamer of audacious dreams. I am a woman who has hurt as immeasurably as I have loved, a child of God divinely guided by his hand. And here in my ninth decade, I am a woman who, at long last, has something meaningful to say." –Cicely Tyson
Editorial Reviews
"This book is Ms. Tyson's abundant treasure to each of us: her life, in her words, just as she is. She shares truths usually whispered between close friends in the dim light of a back bedroom, those candid declarations not often spoken aloud. And she tells her story the way only a black woman can: in all of its dazzling authenticity, heels off and voice undulating, shifting between anguish and exuberance. The art of acting is the art of exposing, an emotional unveiling before others. Ms. Tyson is as revelatory on these pages as she has been on the stage." -- - Viola Davis, Academy, Tony, and Emmy award-winning actress and producer
Readers Top Reviews
Brooke LynnMichele T
Thank you Ms Tyson for your great work. Great book!!!
I like the title of this book. It was derived from an old Gospel Hymn as attested by Ms. Tyson. It is such an appropriate title describing and channeling her personal life and career. I received this book a day before the passing of Ms. Tyson, Wednesday (1/27/21). She transition on Thursday, 1/28/21. I am forever grateful for her presence for 90 years and the wisdom she shared in her Memoir that will forever be with us. Rest in Peace Ms. Tyson and thank you for your Grace and Excellence in everything you did. We love and miss you.
Truths, history,insight...just love it! I now want to write my life story.
#askmisspatience
Bought this Hardcover version on January 26 while watching Ms. Tyson being interviewed by Gayle King. As soon as I heard Ms. Tyson published Just As I Am: A Memoir in the course of her speaking immediately purchased the book to read and be a reviewer. When I found out she passed away today before the book arrived have been mourning and reflecting. She’s been someone I've admired for many reasons. Not just as a star. Why I am so interested in the book is for her perspective on life. I'm in my mid-fifties and am contemplating the rest of my days. What can I do now to continue striving for the best? Before jumping on here to do an unusually different review, prereading, downloaded the audible version to start today and finish by tomorrow. Since it's an evening I'm not going to be able to stay up long enough to finish. Narrated by Viola Davis, Cecily Tyson herself, and Robin Miles. OH MY GOODNESS. As if Viola Davis is not enough as the narrator. This Queen of empathy and overcoming so much is one of my heroes for personal reasons. Ms. Tyson is also reading. I’m not certain why I'm surprised. I've never been SO EXCITED to listen to a book. Robin Miles is topping off this trio narrating. I'm just blown away. Being able to hear Ms. Tyson speak her truth will be one of the greatest moments in my literary life. Upon leaving the earth from her body less than 24 hours ago, Ms. Tyson has left me her spirit. Who she truly is. To listen, know, and learn from in ways I can only imagine. Always admiring her for grace and poise as an actress. Her presence always drew me in. Ms. Tyson I truly didn't want you to go quite yet. I know no one wanted you to ever go. Since you have chosen this time, thank you for leaving your voice with this work. I will cherish these moments with you for the rest of my life. Thank you for being such a brave gift. I hope to aspire to be more upon hearing your example. Love, Patience Phillips
Brown Suga#askmisspa
I haven’t read the book yet but I received it 2 days ago and today she’s gone! :( I’m honored to have her book in my possession and can’t wait to read HER STORY! Rest In Peace Queen Cicely Tyson! We lost a gem today! :( The book is beautiful with some very nice photos of her and her family from when she was a child! 96 years YOUNG!!!!! What a BLESSING!
