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Dying of Politeness

Dying of Politeness

by Geena Davis

HarperOne ·2022 ·288 pages
Near the Top
Near the Top
I Index
53/99
Maybe Someday

45/99

Critics' Rating Index

Near the Top

61/99

Readers' Rating Index

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Scholars' Citation Index

84/99

Volume of Reviews

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About This Book

'I adored this book. It's so Geena and so inspiring and such a wonderful read' Emma Thompson A Times Film and Theatre Book of the Year 2022From two-time Academy Award winner and screen icon Geena Davis, Dying of Politeness is the candid, surprising tale of her journey from her epically polite childhood to the roles that put her in the spotlight and gave her the strength to become a powerhouse in Hollywood. At three years old, Geena announced she was going to be in movies. Now, with a slew of iconic roles and awards under her belt, she has surpassed her childhood dream, but her journey has been one of fits and starts, with a pothole or two along the way. In this hilarious memoir, Geena regales us with tales of a career playing everything from an amnesiac assassin to the parent of a rodent in Stuart Little; a soap star in her underwear to a housewife turned road warrior in Thelma & Louise; a baseball phenomenon in A League of Their Own to the first female President of the United States in Commander in Chief, and more. She is frank about her eccentric childhood; her many relationships, including her spontaneous Las Vegas wedding to Jeff Goldblum; her archery exploits which led her to the Olympic trials; and how she became a tireless advocate for women and girls, founding her own institute which engages film and TV creators to better represent women and actors from diverse backgrounds. Dying of Politeness is a touching account of one woman's journey to fight for herself, and ultimately fighting for women all around the globe.


Reviews

"With saucy self-deprecation, robust glee, and touch of goofiness, Davis recounts behind-the-scenes anecdotes from her award-winning film and TV career."

Carol Haggas· Booklist Read review ↗ Near the Top

"She gets into her love of archery and the lack of roles for women over 40, but gives scant details of her experience of motherhood...or her four divorces."

Publishers Weekly Read review ↗ Maybe Someday

"It's an endearing and inspiring account of one 'offbeat' woman finding her own voice ..."

Helen Brown· The Telegraph (UK) Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"One measure of a worthwhile book – and one with convincing messages – is that you want to read it again."

David Hugh Smith· The Christian Science Monitor Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Some readers may feel cheated that there is more detail here about her pets than her children, or that she is so reticent about the end of her three marriages, but she has clearly had to establish boundaries around her family's privacy in the face of press intrusion."

Stephanie Merritt· The Guardian Read review ↗ Near the Top

"In particular, her take on the appeal of Thelma and Louise is spot on."

David Keymer· Library Journal Read review ↗ Near the Top

"An entertaining and ebullient memoir."

Kirkus Read review ↗ Near the Top

"Davis's frank appraisal of her psychological and physical merits, and demerits, is not only disarming, but likely to strike a chord with many of her reader."

Anne Billson· The Times (UK) Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

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