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Dying of Politeness

A Memoir

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Dying of Politeness

By: Geena Davis
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Summary

‘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 2022

From 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.

Entertainment & Celebrities Gender Studies Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences Women Celebrity Memoir Funny Witty Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

Praise for Dying of Politeness:

‘Candid, self-deprecating and vastly entertaining…. 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 readers’ The Times, Peter Sheridan

‘Her combination of humour and self-deprecation is immediately appealing’ The Observer, BOOK OF THE DAY

‘A marvellous memoir… an endearing and inspiring account of one “offbeat” woman finding her own voice… I’m often bored by the second half of celebrity memoirs, but Davis’s just keeps building momentum. It’s a real-life feel-good movie, in which the downtrodden heroine finds her power. She guards her privacy without ever getting pompous or dull. If you want to know about the pimples on Brad Pitt’s bum, then she’ll spill. If you want to know how she conceived her kids at 47? Back off, that’s her business… I closed her book with the firm conviction that she’s the celebrity I’d most like to hang out with’ Daily Telegraph

‘Entertaining… After decades of silently seething, Thelma & Louise star Geena Davis lifts the lid on Hollywood sexism’ Daily Express

‘The book’s a blast… it really is a supremely jolly read’ The Times, Polly Vernon

'Brilliant… read it cover to cover. Absolutely awesome'
Chris Evans

‘Davis is truly inspiring, and her book is warm and relatable’ Woman’s Weekly

All stars
Most relevant
I’ve always loved Geena’s films so I was thrilled to see she’d written a book. Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

Great life of a great actor

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I enjoyed this autobiography
But I felt that Geena only gave us the bare bones of her life story
She deliberately held back from talking in any detail about the loves in her life or her kids
Which was a pity
But still some great nuggets here

Polite but maybe too much so

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Loved it and loved the voice the characters the whole story - thank you Deena - you’re awesome!

Loved that she read it herself - such a lovely voice and character- Thanks Gina

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A great read, highly recommend. Lovely insightful story so far! I hope there will be another in 20 years.

Commander in Chief

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I loved junior Davis for years and wasn't sure what to expect, and it was so generous of her to open up about her vulnerabilities, and how she strive to
Overcome some of the limitations is placed on her... I'm absolutely saddened that this book is finished!

wonderfully honest and relateable

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