Synopses & Reviews
From two-time Academy Award winner and screen icon Geena Davis, the surprising tale of her "journey to badassery" — from her epically polite childhood to roles that loaned her the strength to become a powerhouse in Hollywood.
At three years old, Geena Davis 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 the path to finding yourself never did run smoothly. In this simultaneously hilarious and candid memoir, Davis regales us with tales of a career playing everything from an amnesiac assassin to the parent of a rodent, her eccentric childhood, her relationships, and helping lead the way to gender parity in Hollywood — all while learning to be a little more badass, one role at a time. 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.
Review
“Academy Award-winning actor Davis's spunky memoir presents her self-actualization via film roles: "I kicked ass onscreen way before I did so in real life….Davis displays trademark gumption, if uneven introspection, in this spunky chronicle of showbiz.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“With saucy self-deprecation, robust glee, and touch of goofiness, Davis recounts behind-the-scenes anecdotes from her award-winning film and TV career….Davis' memoir will be hot, given its dual draw of Hollywood tales and urgently needed gender-rights advocacy.” Booklist
Review
“Academy Award winner Davis makes an engaging literary debut with a candid, appealing memoir recounting her evolution from self-effacing young woman to feisty activist...An entertaining and ebullient memoir.” Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Two-time Academy Award winner Geena Davis is one of Hollywood's most respected actors, having appeared in several roles that became cultural landmarks, such as Thelma in Thelma & Louise, Dottie Hinson in A League of Their Own, and Mackenzie Allen in Commander in Chief. She is also a world-class archer and is now recognized for her tireless advocacy of women and girls, as Founder and Chair of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.