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Finding Me: A Memoir Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Viola Davis (Author, Narrator), HarperAudio (Publisher)
4.8 out of 5 stars 23,143 ratings
Editors' pick Best Biographies & Memoirs

Winner of the 2023 Grammy for Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording!

Audie Award Winner for Audiobook of the Year!

Narrated by Viola Davis

In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever.

This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn’t always see me.

As I wrote Finding Me, my eyes were open to the truth of how our stories are often not given close examination. We are forced to reinvent them to fit into a crazy, competitive, judgmental world. So I wrote this for anyone running through life untethered, desperate and clawing their way through murky memories, trying to get to some form of self-love. For anyone who needs reminding that a life worth living can only be born from radical honesty and the courage to shed facades and be . . . you.

Finding Me is a deep reflection, a promise, and a love letter of sorts to self. My hope is that my story will inspire you to light up your own life with creative expression and rediscover who you were before the world put a label on you.

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  1. Listening Length
    9 hours and 15 minutes
  2. Author
    Viola Davis
  3. Narrator
    Viola Davis
  4. Audible release date
    April 26, 2022
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    HarperAudio
  7. ASIN
    B09F56PHTF
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 9 hours and 15 minutes
Author Viola Davis
Narrator Viola Davis
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date April 26, 2022
Publisher HarperAudio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B09F56PHTF
Best Sellers Rank #751 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#5 in Self-Esteem (Audible Books & Originals)
#8 in Biographies of Women
#10 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
23,143 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this memoir compelling and well-written, describing it as a gripping story that made them reflect on their own lives. The book is praised for its honest portrayal of Viola Davis's life and career, with customers noting her amazing talent as both an actress and writer. Customers appreciate the book's pacing, with one mentioning it grabs attention from the first sentence, and its portrayal of resilience through strength and perseverance. They value its vulnerability, with one customer noting how it provides a deeply personal glimpse into the author's experiences.

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695 customers mention "Readability"674 positive21 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a compelling memoir written by an incredible storyteller.

"Viola Davis: Finding Me is an intimate and powerful memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed..." Read more

"...written words on the page were not compelling enough, she narrates the audiobook version as well, and I was hooked...." Read more

"...Me, is a captivating and deeply personal journey that explores her life with raw honesty and vulnerability...." Read more

"...Her words dance off the page, painting vivid pictures of her experiences and emotions, making you feel like you're right there beside her, sharing..." Read more

512 customers mention "Inspiration"494 positive18 negative

Customers find this memoir inspiring, describing it as a compelling and great read about perseverance that makes them reflect on their own lives.

"...Davis' voice is compelling and inspiring, making her triumphs feel all the more significant...." Read more

"...Memories are immortal. They're deathless and precise. They have the power of giving you joy and perspective in hard times. Or, they can strangle you...." Read more

"...It’s incredibly moving to see how she unpacks her achievements and challenges, revealing that even with all the accolades, there is always more to..." Read more

"...Her words dance off the page, painting vivid pictures of her experiences and emotions, making you feel like you're right there beside her, sharing..." Read more

230 customers mention "Actress"230 positive0 negative

Customers praise Viola Davis as an extremely talented actress with a beautiful voice, describing her as an amazing woman.

"...Davis' voice is compelling and inspiring, making her triumphs feel all the more significant...." Read more

"...read, but I found myself completely drawn in by her laid back and familiar tone while telling about the situations in her life that shaped her into..." Read more

"...She is so colorful and authentic and this story of her life is so inspiring. An amazing read." Read more

"...What a strong, beautiful survivor inside and out on this roller-coaster of life....she's prepared to enjoy the ride...." Read more

175 customers mention "Honesty"172 positive3 negative

Customers praise the book's honesty, describing it as raw with truth and an exemplar of authenticity.

"...What stands out in Davis' narrative is her vulnerability and authenticity—she doesn't shy away from the pain of her past, including childhood trauma..." Read more

"...It was unapologetically honest, and raw, and real...." Read more

"...Viola Davis’s vulnerability, candor, and strength in Finding Me make it an essential read...." Read more

"...What truly sets this memoir apart is Davis's unyielding authenticity. Her honesty is a breath of fresh air in an age of carefully curated facades...." Read more

87 customers mention "Pacing"73 positive14 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book riveting and captivating from start to finish.

"Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and profoundly moved by Viola Davis's remarkable memoir, FINDING ME...." Read more

"...All of it. And every single experience swallows you and takes you to the darkest and most painful moments of her life...." Read more

"...not simply by the hardships that Viola endured, but by her strength, grit, and determination throughout it all...." Read more

"...Deeply personal and moving, this is not a typical autobiography." Read more

87 customers mention "Resilience"87 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's strength and resilience throughout her life story, noting that her perseverance never waned and she remains deeply vulnerable.

"...In this raw and unflinching account, Davis explores her humble beginnings in Rhode Island, her struggles with poverty, racism, and self-worth, and..." Read more

"...is unmatched, and I was thoroughly moved by her courage and tenacity...." Read more

"...Viola Davis’s vulnerability, candor, and strength in Finding Me make it an essential read...." Read more

"...She breaks barriers and defies the odds, carving out her own space in an industry that often underrepresents and undervalues people of color...." Read more

45 customers mention "Vulnerability"45 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's openness and vulnerability in the book.

"...What stands out in Davis' narrative is her vulnerability and authenticity—she doesn't shy away from the pain of her past, including childhood trauma..." Read more

"...Viola Davis’s vulnerability, candor, and strength in Finding Me make it an essential read...." Read more

"...In FINDING ME, Viola Davis has given us a gift—a gift of vulnerability, courage, and inspiration...." Read more

"...I became a full fan when HTGAWM was out. I love the vulnerability, strength and multiple victories found within this book. Go get it!" Read more

42 customers mention "Success"42 positive0 negative

Customers describe this memoir as an extraordinary and powerful work, with one customer noting how it serves as a great testament to staying the course.

"...on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and triumph...." Read more

"...Such an inspiring story of pain, healing and hard work." Read more

"...I really enjoyed how she worked so hard throughout her life and how she benefited from her struggles...." Read more

"...She openly shares her struggles, highlights her successes, and offers a profound insight into her journey from an impoverished childhood to..." Read more

Healing Energy
5 out of 5 stars
Healing Energy
Viola Davis's memoir, Finding Me, is a captivating and deeply personal journey that explores her life with raw honesty and vulnerability. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how Davis reflects on the duality of her existence—how the 8-year-old girl who survived the harsh realities of poverty and discrimination made it to where she is today, but still feels like the 50-something version of herself has some unfinished business. It's a theme that resonates throughout the narrative, as Davis shares how her childhood shaped her, while acknowledging that her adult self is still in the process of fully "finding" her peace and confidence. What I particularly enjoyed was how Davis beautifully balances triumph with struggle. Her recounting of her childhood in Rhode Island, the hardships she faced, and the painful realization that she wasn’t just fighting for success but also for her own sense of worth is compelling. Yet, it’s not just a story of overcoming—she also digs deep into her ongoing journey of self-acceptance, learning that even after achieving monumental success, the work of healing and growing is never truly finished. Her reflections on race, identity, and the complexities of fame are both thought-provoking and relatable. What makes Finding Me so engaging is the way Davis invites readers into her psyche—not as a distant icon, but as a real, flawed person who is still learning to embrace her full self. It’s incredibly moving to see how she unpacks her achievements and challenges, revealing that even with all the accolades, there is always more to discover about who we are and who we are meant to become. Viola Davis’s vulnerability, candor, and strength in Finding Me make it an essential read. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a testament to the idea that personal growth is a lifelong process, and no matter where you come from or what you’ve accomplished, there’s always more work to be done. This book will inspire readers to look inward and continue their own journey of self-discovery.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Joanna Mikhail
    5.0 out of 5 stars Finding me: A Memoir
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Viola Davis: Finding Me is an intimate and powerful memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actresses. In this raw and unflinching account, Davis explores her humble beginnings in Rhode Island, her struggles with poverty, racism, and self-worth, and her rise to stardom, all while confronting the complexities of identity and belonging.

    What stands out in Davis' narrative is her vulnerability and authenticity—she doesn't shy away from the pain of her past, including childhood trauma and discrimination. Her reflections on being one of the few Black women in mainstream Hollywood offer valuable insight into both the personal and systemic barriers she faced. Davis' voice is compelling and inspiring, making her triumphs feel all the more significant. Finding Me is not just the story of an actress; it’s a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of truth.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Aly H
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars is not enough...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If I called myself a fan of Viola Davis before, I can definitively say that I'm even more enthralled with her now. Finding Me was a heartbreaking, inspiring, and deeply meaningful glimpse into the life of this highly acclaimed actress. As if her written words on the page were not compelling enough, she narrates the audiobook version as well, and I was hooked. I typically listen to audiobooks in the car and switch to the physical version when I am home and able to read, but I found myself completely drawn in by her laid back and familiar tone while telling about the situations in her life that shaped her into the vibrant and resilient person that she is today.

    Growing up in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Viola's family was extremely poor. She details a childhood that would leave the average person in tears at the trials she had to endure at such a young age. And while she never loses sight of who she is and where she came from, the fact that she looks back at everything that happened to her and is able to find joy in it is a testament to her strength and character. Her capacity for love and forgiveness is unmatched, and I was thoroughly moved by her courage and tenacity.

    This memoir reached into the depths of my soul and made me burn with empathy. It was unapologetically honest, and raw, and real. Her musings were both entertaining and intelligent, and they encourage the reader to reflect on their own feelings regarding life's purpose and their self worth. In a world where it is so easy to become hung up on the past and allow old trauma to create scars in your future, Viola's story shows the endless possibilities of what can happen when you take control of your own destiny and become the author of your story.

    "Memories are immortal. They're deathless and precise. They have the power of giving you joy and perspective in hard times. Or, they can strangle you. Define you in a way that's based more in other people's tucked-up perceptions than truth."
    12 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jthomas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Healing Energy
    Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Viola Davis's memoir, Finding Me, is a captivating and deeply personal journey that explores her life with raw honesty and vulnerability. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how Davis reflects on the duality of her existence—how the 8-year-old girl who survived the harsh realities of poverty and discrimination made it to where she is today, but still feels like the 50-something version of herself has some unfinished business. It's a theme that resonates throughout the narrative, as Davis shares how her childhood shaped her, while acknowledging that her adult self is still in the process of fully "finding" her peace and confidence.

    What I particularly enjoyed was how Davis beautifully balances triumph with struggle. Her recounting of her childhood in Rhode Island, the hardships she faced, and the painful realization that she wasn’t just fighting for success but also for her own sense of worth is compelling. Yet, it’s not just a story of overcoming—she also digs deep into her ongoing journey of self-acceptance, learning that even after achieving monumental success, the work of healing and growing is never truly finished.

    Her reflections on race, identity, and the complexities of fame are both thought-provoking and relatable. What makes Finding Me so engaging is the way Davis invites readers into her psyche—not as a distant icon, but as a real, flawed person who is still learning to embrace her full self. It’s incredibly moving to see how she unpacks her achievements and challenges, revealing that even with all the accolades, there is always more to discover about who we are and who we are meant to become.

    Viola Davis’s vulnerability, candor, and strength in Finding Me make it an essential read. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a testament to the idea that personal growth is a lifelong process, and no matter where you come from or what you’ve accomplished, there’s always more work to be done. This book will inspire readers to look inward and continue their own journey of self-discovery.
    Customer image
    Jthomas
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Healing Energy

    Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2024
    Viola Davis's memoir, Finding Me, is a captivating and deeply personal journey that explores her life with raw honesty and vulnerability. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how Davis reflects on the duality of her existence—how the 8-year-old girl who survived the harsh realities of poverty and discrimination made it to where she is today, but still feels like the 50-something version of herself has some unfinished business. It's a theme that resonates throughout the narrative, as Davis shares how her childhood shaped her, while acknowledging that her adult self is still in the process of fully "finding" her peace and confidence.

    What I particularly enjoyed was how Davis beautifully balances triumph with struggle. Her recounting of her childhood in Rhode Island, the hardships she faced, and the painful realization that she wasn’t just fighting for success but also for her own sense of worth is compelling. Yet, it’s not just a story of overcoming—she also digs deep into her ongoing journey of self-acceptance, learning that even after achieving monumental success, the work of healing and growing is never truly finished.

    Her reflections on race, identity, and the complexities of fame are both thought-provoking and relatable. What makes Finding Me so engaging is the way Davis invites readers into her psyche—not as a distant icon, but as a real, flawed person who is still learning to embrace her full self. It’s incredibly moving to see how she unpacks her achievements and challenges, revealing that even with all the accolades, there is always more to discover about who we are and who we are meant to become.

    Viola Davis’s vulnerability, candor, and strength in Finding Me make it an essential read. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a testament to the idea that personal growth is a lifelong process, and no matter where you come from or what you’ve accomplished, there’s always more work to be done. This book will inspire readers to look inward and continue their own journey of self-discovery.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Gleice Santos Silva
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on September 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love it
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  • Sheila Ryan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Find Yourself in Her Story
    Reviewed in Japan on December 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Viola Davis is a great writer with a gripping tale. Her sheer determination and drive to succeed took her from a rat-infested ghetto to the heights of Broadway and Hollywood. How she got there is the crux of this memoir, which shows readers how to find themselves.
    Report
  • Erika Zuarth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and encouraging
    Reviewed in Spain on August 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Beautiful book. Highly recommended
    Report
  • Liz Lord Barnes
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I have ever read in my life
    Reviewed in Australia on January 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this book it’s inspiring, moving and a fabulous story of love and hope whilst still being raw and real. Listen to it as an audiobook as it is Violas voice and it is her telling us her story. Loved it - well done to Viola it is going to inspire a lot of women to follow their dreams.
    Report
  • Anukrit Bhargava
    5.0 out of 5 stars Speechless
    Reviewed in India on July 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    "Finding Me" will make you find courage, hope, the willingness to fight despair, but most importantly, will make you find yourself. Within each paragraph, within each chapter, you will find a bit of yourself in the various phases of Viola and her journey.

    A brilliant read. Thank you for sharing this with the world, Viola. We needed it more than we could ever know!
    Report