Scenes from My Life

A Memoir

By: Michael K. Williams, Jon Sternfeld

Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Michael K. Williams, Jon Sternfeld (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“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

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

Inspiring and heartbreaking

This book brought me to tears multiple times and also made me laugh. This book is all about connection. Reminds us all what we are capable of even when we feel like we are at our worst. Thank you for this. RIP Michael K. Williams.

Love this book

When we watch people on TV and movies we don't realize how bad their life was until they share all the aspects of rising above the limitations in life and have success. I truly have a new found respect for Mike and I wish he was still here today to keep sharing knowledge with us all. If we all can open our hearts to finding compassion for everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or religion then I think this world can be so much better.

Gripping, touching, heartbreaking and inspiring.

Enjoyed the listening of this audiobook. Narrated very well. Rest in Peace MKW. Gone too soon.

Awesome 💜

Michael was one if my favorite actors. He had sad eyes. 😞 Great Book..i onlybwish he were here to have narrated it..

He Almost Made It

Williams' story has left me with a mixture of pride and deep sadness. Pride for the man who fought the demon of addiction; and sadness that despite his efforts and those of his friends he lived much of his life in the haze of drugs. l am proud that this beautiful Black man with a scar on his face reached the heights that he did , yet he never forgot his humble beginnings nor those who lived and died in his neighborhood and those like it. I believe that there are young people in N.J., NYC, Philly, etc., who are grateful for Michael K. Williams. This is a book that is not only a memoir but a call to action.

Amazing

The last 10 minutes was especially good for my soul. I can only imagine the impact he would have had if he’d been here longer.

Magnificent

Michael had finally found his purpose and was putting together a call to action for the rest of us just before he passed. This book is a glorious testament to his journey.

Amazing

Such an inspiring journey! I’m gonna listen to it again. Mike dropped so many jewels.

Rip

This was a good read.(listen to). It really showed me pets of the person that I never knew about.

Awesome!!!

You never know how a person is living unless you walk in their shoes. I loved Mike in the “Wire “. I lived in Queens and married a guy from Brooklyn. I experienced the “Crack Epidemic “ thru family members. Parts of the book brought back memories. I’m a Caribbean woman who migrated to New York so I know the trials and tribulations. I’m so sad with the passing of Mike. He has gone too soon….