Scenes from My Life

A Memoir

De: Michael K. Williams, Jon Sternfeld

Narrado por: Dion Graham

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD • A “gripping, revelatory” (NPR) memoir of hard-won success, struggles with addiction, and a lifelong mission to give back—from the late iconic actor beloved for his roles in The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, and Lovecraft Country

“Williams’s cool rasp leaps off every page, his story told in the direct yet impassioned language that defined his greatest characters.”—Vulture

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, NPR, The Root

When Michael K. Williams died on September 6, 2021, he left behind a career as one of the most electrifying actors of his generation. From his star turn as Omar Little in The Wire to Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire to Emmy-nominated roles in HBO’s The Night Of and Lovecraft Country, Williams inhabited a slew of indelible roles that he portrayed with a rawness and vulnerability that leapt off the screen. Beyond the nominations and acclaim, Williams played characters who connected, whose humanity couldn’t be denied, whose stories were too often left out of the main narrative.

At the time of his death, Williams had nearly finished a memoir that tells the story of his past while looking to the future, a book that merges his life and his life’s work. Mike, as his friends knew him, was so much more than an actor. In Scenes from My Life, he traces his life in whole, from his childhood in East Flatbush and his early years as a dancer to his battles with addiction and the bar fight that left his face with his distinguishing scar. He was a committed Brooklyn resident and activist who dedicated his life to working with social justice organizations and his community, especially in helping at-risk youth find their voice and carve out their future. Williams worked to keep the spotlight on those he fought for and with, whom he believed in with his whole heart.

Imbued with poignance and raw honesty, Scenes from My Life is the story of a performer who gave his all to everything he did—in his own voice, in his own words, as only he could.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Williams’s cool rasp leaps off every page, his story told in the direct yet impassioned language that defined his greatest characters.”—Vulture

“Gripping, revelatory . . . Scenes from My Life tells a story which could have been a movie on its own.”—Eric Deggans, NPR

“Striking.”—GQ

“Refreshingly straightforward . . . Scenes from My Life is an altogether superior memoir.”—The Washington Post

“Moving . . . [Williams’s] warmth and hard-earned wisdom shine through the pages, his story ending far too soon.”—The A.V. Club

“This incredibly powerful, incredibly moving book should be on everyone’s must-read list.”—Brad Thor, New York Times bestselling author of Rising Tiger

“It is too easy to call this memoir moving, although it is that. It also does not seem enough or adequate to call it powerful, emotional, and honest—although it is all of those things. Perhaps above all, the truest thing that I can say about this book is that it is honest. It is so honest that it repels the cowardice in the reader, as it also calls forward one’s highest self. You want to cover Michael in armor, in a blanket, in love, and in forgiveness. Being the consummate artist-human that he was, Michael’s words thank you for your care but asks you to first give those things to yourself. It is truly a profound read.”—Tressie McMillan Cottom, author of the National Book Award finalist Thick

“A bittersweet memento of a generational talent gone too soon.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Scenes from My Life will cement Williams’s legacy as a kind, thoughtful man who used his public prominence to give back to his community.”—BookPage

“Immensely inspiring and candid . . . This bittersweet and poignant work will leave readers in awe.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Touches the human soul

RIP to Michael K. Williams. This book is a work of art. Great narrators

Message Received

The narrator was spot on. It was easy to visualize the places and charcoal in this piece of work. As a NYer they were all familiar to me. Although this was his story, in actuality it was every child's story that lives in an environment similar to this. Once the story shifted to the children in need as he was, a system designed against them and the work that still remains you were able to see the breadcrumbs. He drew you in, slowly but steadily. Allo we'd you to see his works through his eyes and others in similar situations. I really enjoyed the piece. May he Sleep in Peace and his soul be at rest.

Speaking truth to self

Waited to read this because Michael K. Williams passed. I read it in one day. I always wanted to know his story after watching him in the “Wire”. I thoroughly embraced his honesty and openness to tell his truth. Its always eye opening to learn where a person come from and the obstacles they tackled to get to where they are. His journey was short but Im sure his legacy will live on. Great read!

enjoyable

I enjoyed this book. learned a lot about one of my favorite actors. May he continue to rest in peace

Phenomenal

Such a touching book. I've always been a fan of Michael Williams. This look inside the story of his struggles and his successes is pure gravity. I left searching, now for my purpose...my "Why?"

Poignant

I was eager to experience Michael’s story. A peer inside his life to be sure; learning of his motivations, childhood challenges and complex relationships was illuminating.

There is of course the recounting of his experience with addiction. It’s natural (as it is in one’s own life) to want to see those you care about win the battle. And I found that I kept hoping for some kind of reassuring resolution - despite going into the book knowing already how the story ends. It was nevertheless the story of a life with incredible wins, often punctuated by even more painful losses.

From the point of view of Michael’s extraordinary contributions to our community, the winning is undeniable. But it’s the loss of his life that overshadows everything for me.

Perhaps his untimely death, a month shy of completing this memoir, is why the last quarter of the book feels a bit redundant to me and mostly centered on his external contributions. In fact, the story seems to not offer new insights after leaving The Wire.

It would have been nice to have more personal story, and nuance concentrated on those years than what is presented here.

Otherwise, it’s certainly a worthy read that I’d recommend. I enjoyed the stories much more than the writing.

Great Book

This is a great book for anyone to read. It's very cNdid and touching.

Great listen

I wish he had lived to read this aloud, what a talented soul. He lived his life. I am recommending this book to all!

Great Read!!

what a great read. It leaves me wanting more, wishing his life was my cut short. His message was clear and activated something within me to reach back to the communities in which we "Make it out"

Powerful

I am completely moved by this work. This was powerful and beautiful! God rest his soul abs thank you for being a messenger!