Just as I Am by Cicely TysonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Upon being approached to read this book for a book club I had my doubts. I am wasn't a big Cicely Tyson fan. I had only seen her in a few movies in her later years and Roots. I had no idea the span of her work. I had no idea her history and what a grand history it was. This book is just shy of 500 pages (a big one) and it took me a few days to read it consistently. Ms. Tyson lived just they way she acted as authentically as possible no punches pulled.
I for one didn't know 1/4 of the information she provided. I didn't know she was married to Miles Davis and how Betty Davis began (the tea of it all). Her relationship with some of the great actors of our time (Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones, Sydney Poitier, there are too many to name). She even had a school named after her.
Getting the backstory of those we deem untouchable is quite interesting. In Cicely Tyson's 90 plus years of life; she experienced quite a lot. I am recommending this book to everyone. It was quite a journey seeing different year marks of national events she witnessed first hand; from wars to civil rights to just living in New York in the 20's. I just feel there was more to be told and I wish she were still here to deliver a part 2.
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