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Scenes from My Life: A Memoir
A moving, unflinching 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
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.
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.
259 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2022
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October 22, 2022
Sharing the Scars
The face, the energy, the charisma, jumped out when Michael K. Williams took over the screen. HBO’s “The Wire,” long considered one of the best series ever, reverberated once his Omar character appeared. In a cast of brilliant actors somehow this awkward, troubled kid from the Bronx stepped in and captivated us.
I just wish the man was still around to see his story come out.
On September 6, 2021, word hit that Michael K. Williams had od’d. Like so many other tragic Hollywood deaths, the news was stunning. We knew Michael. We recognized him. We wanted the dialogue to continue. This could not be right– there was so much more for him to offer. His characters radiated danger and menace… but that was the script, the acting, right?
In “Scenes from My Life” Michael tells us about the insecure boy growing up in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood. We see him awaken and connect with life when Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” video kindles an obsession with performing. He turns himself into an in-demand dancer and eventually the very talented actor we all knew.
But there are the drugs. Over and over we see him fall victim to his addictions. Who knew that his resistance crumpled once he no longer had Omar to hide behind? From there we see a series of ups and downs as he fought his demons. When he first met Barack Obama he was so high on cocaine he could barely function. He repeats a number of times that he knows he is never free for good. Eventually he comes to believe his purpose is to be an example to others, to make his story heard and see if anyone else could stand on his shoulders. As you read the last few chapters you want to will a different ending… you want to fantasize the story of a man who brought himself back from the edge a number of times and lived to tell the tale.
Michael turned in his memoir shortly before overdosing on fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine. It is hard to judge another’s struggle, he is gone. Just a shame. More chapters should have been there for the taking. I recommend the book as a way to see into this man, as heartbreaking as it is to see him self-destruct and tumble away from us.
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#ScenesfromMyLife #NetGalley
The face, the energy, the charisma, jumped out when Michael K. Williams took over the screen. HBO’s “The Wire,” long considered one of the best series ever, reverberated once his Omar character appeared. In a cast of brilliant actors somehow this awkward, troubled kid from the Bronx stepped in and captivated us.
I just wish the man was still around to see his story come out.
On September 6, 2021, word hit that Michael K. Williams had od’d. Like so many other tragic Hollywood deaths, the news was stunning. We knew Michael. We recognized him. We wanted the dialogue to continue. This could not be right– there was so much more for him to offer. His characters radiated danger and menace… but that was the script, the acting, right?
In “Scenes from My Life” Michael tells us about the insecure boy growing up in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood. We see him awaken and connect with life when Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” video kindles an obsession with performing. He turns himself into an in-demand dancer and eventually the very talented actor we all knew.
But there are the drugs. Over and over we see him fall victim to his addictions. Who knew that his resistance crumpled once he no longer had Omar to hide behind? From there we see a series of ups and downs as he fought his demons. When he first met Barack Obama he was so high on cocaine he could barely function. He repeats a number of times that he knows he is never free for good. Eventually he comes to believe his purpose is to be an example to others, to make his story heard and see if anyone else could stand on his shoulders. As you read the last few chapters you want to will a different ending… you want to fantasize the story of a man who brought himself back from the edge a number of times and lived to tell the tale.
Michael turned in his memoir shortly before overdosing on fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine. It is hard to judge another’s struggle, he is gone. Just a shame. More chapters should have been there for the taking. I recommend the book as a way to see into this man, as heartbreaking as it is to see him self-destruct and tumble away from us.
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#ScenesfromMyLife #NetGalley
September 4, 2022
Drugs are the worst!
Drugs have taken so many wonderful and talented people from us, both famous and just regular people.
Michael K Williams was one of my favorite actors. He wasn't one those celebrities that you heard alot about. I knew almost nothing about him outside of his amazing work, but if I heard that he was going to be in a movie or show I immediately became more interested in it. Everything from The Wire, Lackawanna Blues, Boardwalk Empire, The Night Of, and Black Market. I haven't gotten around to watching Lovecraft Country yet but I'm sure his performance was awesome.
So you can understand just how upset I was when I heard that he had passed away from a drug overdose on September 6, 2021. I knew he had struggled with addiction but I had hoped that he had beat it. I mourned not only for Michael as a human but I also mourned all the amazing roles we will never get to experience.
Scenes From My Life is a heartbreaking and moving portrait of poverty, success, addiction and kindness. I learned alot about Michael K Williams in this memoir. I had no idea that he was a dancer...let alone that he danced for Madonna and Crystal Waters back in the 1990's. Michael K Williams not only was an incredible actor but in the last years of his life he began giving back to his community. He was working with social justice organizations, specializing in helping at risk youths.
If Michael K Williams hadn't died while he was still working on this book I would have given it 4 stars, because some parts needed more fleshing out. But since he died before finishing I think this book deserves the full 5 stars.
Drugs have taken so many wonderful and talented people from us, both famous and just regular people.
Michael K Williams was one of my favorite actors. He wasn't one those celebrities that you heard alot about. I knew almost nothing about him outside of his amazing work, but if I heard that he was going to be in a movie or show I immediately became more interested in it. Everything from The Wire, Lackawanna Blues, Boardwalk Empire, The Night Of, and Black Market. I haven't gotten around to watching Lovecraft Country yet but I'm sure his performance was awesome.
So you can understand just how upset I was when I heard that he had passed away from a drug overdose on September 6, 2021. I knew he had struggled with addiction but I had hoped that he had beat it. I mourned not only for Michael as a human but I also mourned all the amazing roles we will never get to experience.
Scenes From My Life is a heartbreaking and moving portrait of poverty, success, addiction and kindness. I learned alot about Michael K Williams in this memoir. I had no idea that he was a dancer...let alone that he danced for Madonna and Crystal Waters back in the 1990's. Michael K Williams not only was an incredible actor but in the last years of his life he began giving back to his community. He was working with social justice organizations, specializing in helping at risk youths.
If Michael K Williams hadn't died while he was still working on this book I would have given it 4 stars, because some parts needed more fleshing out. But since he died before finishing I think this book deserves the full 5 stars.
November 14, 2022
Scenes from My Life is Michael K. Williams memoir. He details his life growing up in Brooklyn with a strict mom, finding a passion for dance and then eventually, for acting. Mike shares the story of how he came to have the distinct scar on his face, the result of a bar fight. He also discusses his struggle with addiction.
Mike held roles on multiple shows, most notably, The Wire — He played Omar Little, a fearless man in the streets of Baltimore. It took Mike a long time to find and be comfortable with himself and he credits the role of Omar for helping him get there. If you haven’t watched The Wire yet, do it — The show is worth all the hype and Mike discusses his time working on it, including some major plot points, so watch before reading if you’ve had any interest in it!
Mike passed away at the age of 54 in September 2021. His co-author, Jon Sternfeld, opens Scenes from My Life’s introduction and Baltimore activist and soon to be Governor, Wes Moore, closes it. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Dion Graham who is one of my favorite narrators.
Mike held roles on multiple shows, most notably, The Wire — He played Omar Little, a fearless man in the streets of Baltimore. It took Mike a long time to find and be comfortable with himself and he credits the role of Omar for helping him get there. If you haven’t watched The Wire yet, do it — The show is worth all the hype and Mike discusses his time working on it, including some major plot points, so watch before reading if you’ve had any interest in it!
Mike passed away at the age of 54 in September 2021. His co-author, Jon Sternfeld, opens Scenes from My Life’s introduction and Baltimore activist and soon to be Governor, Wes Moore, closes it. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Dion Graham who is one of my favorite narrators.
May 6, 2022
I loved Michael K. Williams in Boardwalk Empire but I didn't know anything about him as a person. The news of his death on September 6, 2021 shocked and saddened me. His memoir tells about his struggle with drug addiction, how he started as a backup dancer and eventually became an actor. His real purpose became helping the kids in his community to give them a chance to change what has become an endless cycle of black and brown kids becoming incarcerated or dying of violent crimes. He wanted to make a real difference and I think he was only getting started before he bought a drug that was laced with fentanyl and ended up losing his life. I will remember him for this work more than portraying Chalky White.
A powerful memoir that I won't forget.
A powerful memoir that I won't forget.
June 22, 2022
An incredible story of someone who left this earth way too soon. Michael K Williams was a charismatic and gifted actor, my favorite character on The Wire. I sought out other shows of his as his presence and passion on tv was spellbinding. I had no idea of his philanthropic work. Most people probably don’t know how much he gave back to his community. So glad that interviewer Jon Sternfeld completed the book based on the extensive interviews with Michael. So well done. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 5, 2022
Michael K. Williams has an incredible life story and it just ends...tragically.
The rollercoaster ride of emotions Mike and Jon Sternfeld took me on was both exhilarating and sickening at times. One moment, I was sad for young Michael, the youngest son of a hardworking, tough mother loving her dark skinned son the way she was loved when compared to her light skinned son whom she praised. The next moment I wanted to protect him from his mom, the neighborhood goons and even himself. One minute, I'm happy to see him make his dreams come true and believe in himself despite the doubt of others. Then I'm sad when he turns to drugs for healing, escape and validation. The next moment, I'm proud when he chooses to enters rehab. Then I was disappointed with every relapse, numb to every entry into rehab and indifferent to each declaration of accountability. He says that "Being an addict means forward and back constantly. They're always one choice away." I was getting sick from the turbulence of his choices!
In recent years, Michael began all this great activism work with juvenile offenders, prison reform and his non-profit for kids. In 2019, he says that he's ready to "be a beacon of light for the youth." In June 2021, he declares "I don't want to be in the spotlight. I want to be the spotlight itself. Shine on others." On September 6, 2021, he was gone. Lost the fight with addiction.
Michael shares some really great stories and it's inspiring to read about his journey and the people that inspired and touched his life as I know he was done for others. His battle with drug addiction is not an uncommon one nor was it shocking. Being a fan, I knew of his struggle with crack cocaine but his death hits different especially after reading his memoir where he expresses so much passion to change lives. Another Black man gone too soon whose legacy will live on.
The rollercoaster ride of emotions Mike and Jon Sternfeld took me on was both exhilarating and sickening at times. One moment, I was sad for young Michael, the youngest son of a hardworking, tough mother loving her dark skinned son the way she was loved when compared to her light skinned son whom she praised. The next moment I wanted to protect him from his mom, the neighborhood goons and even himself. One minute, I'm happy to see him make his dreams come true and believe in himself despite the doubt of others. Then I'm sad when he turns to drugs for healing, escape and validation. The next moment, I'm proud when he chooses to enters rehab. Then I was disappointed with every relapse, numb to every entry into rehab and indifferent to each declaration of accountability. He says that "Being an addict means forward and back constantly. They're always one choice away." I was getting sick from the turbulence of his choices!
In recent years, Michael began all this great activism work with juvenile offenders, prison reform and his non-profit for kids. In 2019, he says that he's ready to "be a beacon of light for the youth." In June 2021, he declares "I don't want to be in the spotlight. I want to be the spotlight itself. Shine on others." On September 6, 2021, he was gone. Lost the fight with addiction.
Michael shares some really great stories and it's inspiring to read about his journey and the people that inspired and touched his life as I know he was done for others. His battle with drug addiction is not an uncommon one nor was it shocking. Being a fan, I knew of his struggle with crack cocaine but his death hits different especially after reading his memoir where he expresses so much passion to change lives. Another Black man gone too soon whose legacy will live on.
June 22, 2022
Michael K Williams is one of my favorite actors ever, and he's played several of my favorite characters on TV. When he died, I was gutted. I was sad for days. I'm still sad. I knew about the work he was doing in the community and how inspiring he was to at-risk youths and selfishly, I wanted to see him do his thing for years to come. When I saw this memoir was coming out, nearly complete at the time of his death, it shot up in my most anticipated releases of the year.
And it really delivered. MKW talks candidly about his upbringing, his confusion regarding his sexuality, how he was bullied as a child and found refuge in the arts and dancing, his descent into addiction, and some figures in his life that really set him straight. He details his journey from model to dancer to actor to community activist with poignancy, honesty, and wisdom. I feel like he really gets to the core of why art is so transformative, and so valuable, and why acting is such a powerful therapy tool for many (without a doubt, a lot of actors are working through their own baggage while playing roles). The way Williams discusses working through his trauma with the roles he's played, using Omar Little as a paper tiger to hide behind, using Freddy Knight from The Night Of as a mirror into his nephew's life and the life he could have had, using Montrose Freeman from Lovecraft Country as a way to explore generational trauma and how that his impacted his life, as well as many other examples, I really feel like this memoir is a love letter to the arts.
The last 40% of the book really focuses on community outreach and things Michael had done to engage and give back to the communities he's lived in, the youth who need guidance, and other very admirable programs and events he's given his time to. He seemed like a very good person who was using his gifts to change lives. I would say that if this memoir had been complete and released as is, it'd be a four star, because there isn't enough depth on the personal level during all of this (he talks candidly about many topics, but the last 15ish years of his life are basically glanced over) and I personally just like more breadth of experience, this memoir was very short. But of course, it wasn't finished, and who knows how much MKW was planning on adding if he'd had time. Jon Sternfeld did an admirable job making this feel cohesive and final, as if it was intended to be this way all along.
If you like Michael K Williams, or want to learn more about how art can transform lives, or learn about some of the harrowing things that people go through in these rough, poverty-stricken neighborhoods, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Rest in Peace, Michael. Ay-yo, Omar Coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
And it really delivered. MKW talks candidly about his upbringing, his confusion regarding his sexuality, how he was bullied as a child and found refuge in the arts and dancing, his descent into addiction, and some figures in his life that really set him straight. He details his journey from model to dancer to actor to community activist with poignancy, honesty, and wisdom. I feel like he really gets to the core of why art is so transformative, and so valuable, and why acting is such a powerful therapy tool for many (without a doubt, a lot of actors are working through their own baggage while playing roles). The way Williams discusses working through his trauma with the roles he's played, using Omar Little as a paper tiger to hide behind, using Freddy Knight from The Night Of as a mirror into his nephew's life and the life he could have had, using Montrose Freeman from Lovecraft Country as a way to explore generational trauma and how that his impacted his life, as well as many other examples, I really feel like this memoir is a love letter to the arts.
The last 40% of the book really focuses on community outreach and things Michael had done to engage and give back to the communities he's lived in, the youth who need guidance, and other very admirable programs and events he's given his time to. He seemed like a very good person who was using his gifts to change lives. I would say that if this memoir had been complete and released as is, it'd be a four star, because there isn't enough depth on the personal level during all of this (he talks candidly about many topics, but the last 15ish years of his life are basically glanced over) and I personally just like more breadth of experience, this memoir was very short. But of course, it wasn't finished, and who knows how much MKW was planning on adding if he'd had time. Jon Sternfeld did an admirable job making this feel cohesive and final, as if it was intended to be this way all along.
If you like Michael K Williams, or want to learn more about how art can transform lives, or learn about some of the harrowing things that people go through in these rough, poverty-stricken neighborhoods, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Rest in Peace, Michael. Ay-yo, Omar Coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2023
This memoir was so good -- I'm speechless, and that, as pretty much everyone who's met me would tell you, has never happened (well, almost.) I miss Michael K. Williams. Time to rewatch some Boardwalk Empire and The Wire this weekend. All I can say is... Read this book!
September 2, 2022
*I have never considered myself a celebrity memoir fan, but I have read some great ones this year (Simu Liu, Viola Davis) and this one is up there with them!
*Going in knowing that Michael “Mike” K. Williams died almost 1 year ago of a fentanyl-laced heroin overdose, gave this book such a sad overtone. William’s struggles with a drug addiction is definitely acknowledged and talked about in the book as he really roller coastered up and down with the battle throughout most his life.
*The story of how he ended up in Hollywood and eventually ‘The Wire’ I found fascinating. The story of how he got his scar and how that forever changed his life was horrible and redemptive. My favorite parts were hearing about his work within the juvenile justice system and why that was so close to his heart.
*🎧 I’m so sad that Mike wasn’t able to narrate the audiobook himself but the narrator (Dion Graham) was absolutely phenomenal!!
*Going in knowing that Michael “Mike” K. Williams died almost 1 year ago of a fentanyl-laced heroin overdose, gave this book such a sad overtone. William’s struggles with a drug addiction is definitely acknowledged and talked about in the book as he really roller coastered up and down with the battle throughout most his life.
*The story of how he ended up in Hollywood and eventually ‘The Wire’ I found fascinating. The story of how he got his scar and how that forever changed his life was horrible and redemptive. My favorite parts were hearing about his work within the juvenile justice system and why that was so close to his heart.
*🎧 I’m so sad that Mike wasn’t able to narrate the audiobook himself but the narrator (Dion Graham) was absolutely phenomenal!!
August 13, 2022
This is a hard book to review because Michael K Williams should be getting ready to make TV appearances to promote it. He should be on a small book tour to talk about it. People should be lined up to get a copy signed and hear him read sections in his signature gravely voice.
Instead, we have this. This collection of stories. Of meeting Barak Obama while coked out of his mind. Of a teenager asking him if he was happy and him not knowing how to answer. Of his parents, and his father taking him to a club on Flatbush Avenue when he was under the age of 10 and being dragged out when all he wanted was to watch that live music. Of recording Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” video and obsessively learning the moves.
There is no hiding the drug use. Williams is open about it and his constant struggle with it. He openly talked about the up and down fight with his demons, during the height of his fame. Does it make it sadder knowing how the story ends? Absolutely.
It's heartbreaking to know that we could have so much more of him, but it's good to know that we all had access to Michael K Williams for as long as we did.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Instead, we have this. This collection of stories. Of meeting Barak Obama while coked out of his mind. Of a teenager asking him if he was happy and him not knowing how to answer. Of his parents, and his father taking him to a club on Flatbush Avenue when he was under the age of 10 and being dragged out when all he wanted was to watch that live music. Of recording Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” video and obsessively learning the moves.
There is no hiding the drug use. Williams is open about it and his constant struggle with it. He openly talked about the up and down fight with his demons, during the height of his fame. Does it make it sadder knowing how the story ends? Absolutely.
It's heartbreaking to know that we could have so much more of him, but it's good to know that we all had access to Michael K Williams for as long as we did.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 11, 2023
Gut-wrenching memoir of a remarkable man that ultimately lost his battle with addiction. Best known as Omar Little of the acclaimed HBO series The Wire and as Chalky White in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.
One of the best and honest memoirs I’ve ever read. It broke my heart.
One of the best and honest memoirs I’ve ever read. It broke my heart.
February 26, 2023
If this book is not on your TBR, add it now! Hands down 5 stars. I am so grateful Michel K. Williams made the foreshadowing decision to write his memoir. It is heartbreakingly moving, yet uniquely inspiring. I learned so much about him.
⠀
Scenes From My Life is one of the most moving accounts of addiction I’ve ever read. What makes this memoir so utterly gripping is that it reads like a recovery memoir. But sadly, it’s not! After the writing of this book, Michael met his untimely expiration as a result of his addiction.
⠀
What I loved most about reading this book is that it felt like I was hearing Michael’s stories directly from him. Unlike the “memoir” The Beautiful Ones published after the untimely passing of the late great Prince, this book feels complete, and written in Michael’s own words.
⠀
The book starts in Michael’s youth and ends in 2021 at the end of COVID lockdown. He covers significant ground as he writes about his early days as a model, as well as being a background dancer for artists such as Miya, Ginuwine, and Crystal Waters. But one of the most affecting stories is how Michael got the scar across his face, and how that scar ultimately changed his life. Each chapter provides a clear understanding of Michael the creative, and how he battled his demons. I appreciate his deliberate, unselfish and openhearted delivery.
⠀
The final chapters of this memoir is reminiscent of the 1985 book Countering The Conspiracy To Destroy Black Boys by Jawanza Kunjufu. In these chapters Michael writes about his work with children of color, & the foundation he created to help youth caught in an unfair juvenile justice system. In his final years Michael discovered his purpose. Which was standing up against the normalization of dysfunction and trauma in Black communities.
⠀
Knowing how his life ended made reading this memoir a heart wrenching journey. I wish he was here to see the success of this memoir. He would be so proud of his literary impact.
⠀
Thank you Crown Publishing or gifting me a eARC in exchange for an honest review.
⠀
RIP Michael! You are truly missed.
⠀
Pub date 8/23
⠀
Scenes From My Life is one of the most moving accounts of addiction I’ve ever read. What makes this memoir so utterly gripping is that it reads like a recovery memoir. But sadly, it’s not! After the writing of this book, Michael met his untimely expiration as a result of his addiction.
⠀
What I loved most about reading this book is that it felt like I was hearing Michael’s stories directly from him. Unlike the “memoir” The Beautiful Ones published after the untimely passing of the late great Prince, this book feels complete, and written in Michael’s own words.
⠀
The book starts in Michael’s youth and ends in 2021 at the end of COVID lockdown. He covers significant ground as he writes about his early days as a model, as well as being a background dancer for artists such as Miya, Ginuwine, and Crystal Waters. But one of the most affecting stories is how Michael got the scar across his face, and how that scar ultimately changed his life. Each chapter provides a clear understanding of Michael the creative, and how he battled his demons. I appreciate his deliberate, unselfish and openhearted delivery.
⠀
The final chapters of this memoir is reminiscent of the 1985 book Countering The Conspiracy To Destroy Black Boys by Jawanza Kunjufu. In these chapters Michael writes about his work with children of color, & the foundation he created to help youth caught in an unfair juvenile justice system. In his final years Michael discovered his purpose. Which was standing up against the normalization of dysfunction and trauma in Black communities.
⠀
Knowing how his life ended made reading this memoir a heart wrenching journey. I wish he was here to see the success of this memoir. He would be so proud of his literary impact.
⠀
Thank you Crown Publishing or gifting me a eARC in exchange for an honest review.
⠀
RIP Michael! You are truly missed.
⠀
Pub date 8/23
February 28, 2024
This entire memoir broke my fucking heart if we’re keeping it a buck. Like, the fact that he was in the midst of changing things and doing what he needed to do for his community and could not and tried so hard to — it’s heavy.
I started reading this book a while back - a time ago - around the time it was released and I had to stop because it was just too much for my soul to take. Tho I was trying to see through his eyes and experience what he wanted us to experience. It was hard.
This book is a work of art. It’s a vision into someone moving through a world of emotions that have been denied to them, that the world, that society has attempted to force to recede, to disappear, in them. They found it. Michael K Williams found it, stepped into it, bathed himself in it, grappled with it and put it on display for us to see.
The saddest part is that it was all too big for him to hold, even as he tried to share it with us to explain what it was. It’s an incredible book. The photos at the end gutted me.
RIP.
More thoughts on it here: https://www.tumblr.com/thingsreadinth...
I started reading this book a while back - a time ago - around the time it was released and I had to stop because it was just too much for my soul to take. Tho I was trying to see through his eyes and experience what he wanted us to experience. It was hard.
This book is a work of art. It’s a vision into someone moving through a world of emotions that have been denied to them, that the world, that society has attempted to force to recede, to disappear, in them. They found it. Michael K Williams found it, stepped into it, bathed himself in it, grappled with it and put it on display for us to see.
The saddest part is that it was all too big for him to hold, even as he tried to share it with us to explain what it was. It’s an incredible book. The photos at the end gutted me.
RIP.
More thoughts on it here: https://www.tumblr.com/thingsreadinth...
September 5, 2022
He needed Omar but he was so much more than Omar.
July 17, 2022
Michael K. Williams memoir vividly recounts his life, from growing up in New York, to the accident that scarred him, to landing more TV roles, and eventually his social justice work. Often, his life takes two steps forward and one step back, nothing about his life was easy. The book does feel unfinished, which it probably is, given Williams’ recent death. Descriptions of the earlier part of his life feel much more authentic, self aware, and connected to a larger narrative. But the book feels complete enough that I get a sense of what Williams was aiming for before he passed. The parts about Williams social justice work are especially good, as well as the stories of the people Williams encountered during this work. You can tell that this wasn’t just intended to be Williams’ life story - he took this seriously as a platform to bring awareness to issues like addiction and the school to prison pipeline.
Thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2022
A rare glimpse.....
A rare glimpse inside a talented actors pain, successes, and drug addicted life. Michael Williams was a great actor, and you would have never known that it wasn't something he'd gone to school for. I appreciate his vulnerability and openness in this memoir. It was shocking to see he was fighting his battle while in the midst of being one of the greatest actors to grace the screen. Not only was his life hard, not only was his addiction stifling, but his quest to reach the youth was something to behold. I believe he had so much more good to do here, but I also understand the hold his addiction had on him. I hope he understood just how worthy and impactful he was to so many people.
A rare glimpse inside a talented actors pain, successes, and drug addicted life. Michael Williams was a great actor, and you would have never known that it wasn't something he'd gone to school for. I appreciate his vulnerability and openness in this memoir. It was shocking to see he was fighting his battle while in the midst of being one of the greatest actors to grace the screen. Not only was his life hard, not only was his addiction stifling, but his quest to reach the youth was something to behold. I believe he had so much more good to do here, but I also understand the hold his addiction had on him. I hope he understood just how worthy and impactful he was to so many people.
February 24, 2023
This book is especially difficult to read, because Williams died of an overdose just a few weeks before it was turned in for publication. Jon Sternfeld, Williams' co-author, says that the book was just about finished and that he culled the last bits from interviews and conversations. He also says, painfully, that Williams was in especially good spirits and optimistic the week that he died.
Williams grew up in the projects in Brooklyn, a kid more likely to be picked on than to pick on someone, known to his peers as "Faggot Mike." This nickname was accurate, if offensive, but he got it for being seen as weak and obeying his extremely strong-willed mother, rather than for expressing an actual attraction to me. The infamous scar on his face was, again, not because he wanted to fight but (as he tells it) because he stood up for a friend (who didn't want his help) and one of the guys threatening his friend waited for him outside the club and knifed him; he didn't even know it was serious until other people saw the blood.
Struggling constantly with crack addiction, he tells a story of moving in and out of rehab, in and out of using, as he was becoming a model and dancer. He made a surprisingly easy jump from modeling to dancing, and from dancing to acting, but he was at an extremely low point when David Simon's casting director, Alexa Fogel, chased him down to read for Omar on The Wire. (He had read for Fogel before, for a part he didn't get, and she remembered him.)
For people like me and so many of his fans, who discovered him through Omar, the chapters about The Wire and his relationship to Omar are the strongest part of the book. And then there's a lot to be learned and appreciated from his next journey--from actor to activist, making really effective and thoughtful steps to reach and help kids like him. His empathy shines off the page.
It's a quick read, completely not stereotypical, and worth your time. (And whether or not you have time to read it, don't miss his utterly brilliant 5-minute film, "Typecast," which can be found on YouTube.)
Williams grew up in the projects in Brooklyn, a kid more likely to be picked on than to pick on someone, known to his peers as "Faggot Mike." This nickname was accurate, if offensive, but he got it for being seen as weak and obeying his extremely strong-willed mother, rather than for expressing an actual attraction to me. The infamous scar on his face was, again, not because he wanted to fight but (as he tells it) because he stood up for a friend (who didn't want his help) and one of the guys threatening his friend waited for him outside the club and knifed him; he didn't even know it was serious until other people saw the blood.
Struggling constantly with crack addiction, he tells a story of moving in and out of rehab, in and out of using, as he was becoming a model and dancer. He made a surprisingly easy jump from modeling to dancing, and from dancing to acting, but he was at an extremely low point when David Simon's casting director, Alexa Fogel, chased him down to read for Omar on The Wire. (He had read for Fogel before, for a part he didn't get, and she remembered him.)
For people like me and so many of his fans, who discovered him through Omar, the chapters about The Wire and his relationship to Omar are the strongest part of the book. And then there's a lot to be learned and appreciated from his next journey--from actor to activist, making really effective and thoughtful steps to reach and help kids like him. His empathy shines off the page.
It's a quick read, completely not stereotypical, and worth your time. (And whether or not you have time to read it, don't miss his utterly brilliant 5-minute film, "Typecast," which can be found on YouTube.)
May 18, 2022
I enjoyed what I saw of Michael K. Williams’s acting even though I’ve never seen the shows for which he was most well-known (about to remedy that--just placed a hold on my library’s copy of The Wire). I was sorry when I learned of his death, but what made me most interested in reading this book was the high praise given to Williams by Wendell Pierce, one of his former costars and someone I respect.
This memoir had been worked on for over two years when he died, and was completed by his coauthor based on their interviews. Williams struggled throughout his life to overcome his childhood and addiction, and sadly never completely succeeded. From the accounts I’ve seen, he did succeed in becoming a very good actor whose roles sometimes caused problems in his own life, and a more open and empathetic man than most.
The book is a quick, if not emotionally easy, read. I think it slows down a little near the end when dealing with his social concerns and the work he'd started doing with children and prisoners. I wish he'd had more time for what he considered his most important work.
Thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the early copy to review.
This memoir had been worked on for over two years when he died, and was completed by his coauthor based on their interviews. Williams struggled throughout his life to overcome his childhood and addiction, and sadly never completely succeeded. From the accounts I’ve seen, he did succeed in becoming a very good actor whose roles sometimes caused problems in his own life, and a more open and empathetic man than most.
The book is a quick, if not emotionally easy, read. I think it slows down a little near the end when dealing with his social concerns and the work he'd started doing with children and prisoners. I wish he'd had more time for what he considered his most important work.
Thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the early copy to review.
April 3, 2023
I felt so conflicted while reading this book. It was frustrating, encouraging, sad, and uplifting all rolled into one. It isn’t too often that an addict will so easily share their struggle especially when it can be quite embarrassing.
Michael K. Williams not only played a pivotal role (Omar) in my most favorite series, he was memorable as every character he shared with us. Scenes From My Life reminds us of one very harsh reality: No amount of professional success, money or even fame can save a person from the disease of addiction if we do not face and address childhood trauma. This was an extremely engaging read and I truly hope Mr. Williams has found peace in death that he fought so hard to find while living.
Michael K. Williams not only played a pivotal role (Omar) in my most favorite series, he was memorable as every character he shared with us. Scenes From My Life reminds us of one very harsh reality: No amount of professional success, money or even fame can save a person from the disease of addiction if we do not face and address childhood trauma. This was an extremely engaging read and I truly hope Mr. Williams has found peace in death that he fought so hard to find while living.
September 30, 2022
What a journey! Ever since watching him as Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire, I’ve been a fan of Michael K. Williams (Lovecraft Country was good too.) He had a striking face and a deep well of emotions that were impossible to ignore. This book explains his background, his struggles, and how he got the infamous scar across his face. Another candid memoir (he worked on it before his untimely death), Williams gets raw and honest. Heartfelt through and through, it was hard to put down,and even more poignant for the sad ending of a vibrant light.
October 22, 2022
Like a lot of people I got introduced to Michael K Williams from his character Omar in The Wire, and anyone who’s watched that can agree that Omar was such a captivating and groundbreaking character. In this memoir we get to learn and see so much about how and what made Michael the amazing man that he was.
Even though he sadly passed away before he was able to turn in the manuscript, his co author said that he had years of tapes from interviews with Michael so everything was written in his own words which I appreciated. One of my favorite parts of the book was towards the end when he said that he never wanted to be in the spotlight, but rather be the spotlight shown onto others and I think that was such a true testament to his character.
Even though he sadly passed away before he was able to turn in the manuscript, his co author said that he had years of tapes from interviews with Michael so everything was written in his own words which I appreciated. One of my favorite parts of the book was towards the end when he said that he never wanted to be in the spotlight, but rather be the spotlight shown onto others and I think that was such a true testament to his character.
September 14, 2022
I had been seeing post about this book on social media and how other were saying how good the book was, so I decided I would give it a try. I can't say that I was a fan of Michael K. Williams because I don't remember seeing him in any movies and/or shows. I did think the book was very good and sad at the same time. He had his struggles that he had to deal with. The abandonment of his father, his mother not supporting his dreams, being molested by those who worked in an environment where they should've been trusted. Michael had his ups and down of being on crack and it was sad that he never could really get a hang on this addiction. From reading the book he did try, but when you don't deal with the root of your addiction it can be hard. Plus you also have to change your environment. I loved that he was authentic about his struggles and he was always there for his community seeking to help those teenagers. He kept it real with them and didn't try to talk at them, but was honest with them. I wish that the resources that are available now was available to him during his struggles. I hate to hear that died of a drug overdose. This book was powerful in that you were able to read and see the struggles. Just because a person makes it in the movie and/or music industry doesn't mean that all is good for them. They still have whatever their struggling with following them.
September 6, 2022
Well written story with great cadence and excellent selection of scenes from his life. If you're a huge Michael K. Williams fan and have heard his in depth interviews, you'll find the text to be very familiar. The book adds more context about his work and insight into his life. I once heard that Black people, with all our beautiful hues, are here to help us all learn how to be human. Black people uplift humanity, and Michael K. Williams did that through his work. "These are my people. It's a privilege to tell their stories." He made it his mission to help others build empathy, compassion, and understanding with every role by "opening the window into a world of men that we pass by or don't know about ... that [we] would have never given humanity to. He has made people think twice." (Wendell Pierce) "Michael K. Williams dedicated his time and his heart to his community. He gave voice to their stories in a way few others could." -Black Market.
🙏🏾 May your work always inspire us, Black man, and may your breadcrumbs from the life you lived continue to feed us. 🖤 PS. Read this book, Scenes from My Life.
🙏🏾 May your work always inspire us, Black man, and may your breadcrumbs from the life you lived continue to feed us. 🖤 PS. Read this book, Scenes from My Life.
August 27, 2022
Sad knowing I know how the story ends but he didn’t. Post-mortem publication discusses his addiction, recovery and relapse again and again -but his desire to help others not walk his path makes the memoir heartbreaking
March 12, 2023
I love a good memoir. But I especially love how he turned his vulnerabilities into strengths. This was a very raw memoir and to know that he lost his life to something that he battled with for decades was heart breaking. Highly recommend
September 10, 2022
An insight into a flawed but beautiful human whose desire was to make life better for others.
June 23, 2023
If I could give this 10 stars, I would. So far, this is my favorite book of the year. It was powerful. It was motivational. It was so much more than I thought it would be. And it's so different than other celeb memoirs. I only wished Michael K. Williams narrated the book, because he's voice is deep and mesmerizing. Sadly, he lost his life as soon as this book was finished. Yes, there is repeated information, but it wasn't as bad.
Seriously, I thought this book would be about his drug use and maybe his homosexuality mixed in with his craziness in Hollywood. That was there for sure, the drug use being the central part that infected his life. But it was not just about that. I didn't realize what an activist he was and how much he put back into the community, his own long forgotten community ravaged by violence and drugs. I loved his take on juveniles and the school to prison train. I've long been in opposition to how we handle juveniles and crime, especially locking up 12 year olds in adult prison, but Michael takes it to another level. He has real life solutions. He talks to politicians. He gets involved in his community. He talks to the youth and has them meet with lawyers (new and old), police, community members, and anyone else who will listen to maybe make a difference.
I'm so sad that his life, his light, his fire was taken so soon, because who knows what he more he could have done. This book inspires me to do more, to get out there, to help. I hope you get the same out of it like me.
Seriously, I thought this book would be about his drug use and maybe his homosexuality mixed in with his craziness in Hollywood. That was there for sure, the drug use being the central part that infected his life. But it was not just about that. I didn't realize what an activist he was and how much he put back into the community, his own long forgotten community ravaged by violence and drugs. I loved his take on juveniles and the school to prison train. I've long been in opposition to how we handle juveniles and crime, especially locking up 12 year olds in adult prison, but Michael takes it to another level. He has real life solutions. He talks to politicians. He gets involved in his community. He talks to the youth and has them meet with lawyers (new and old), police, community members, and anyone else who will listen to maybe make a difference.
I'm so sad that his life, his light, his fire was taken so soon, because who knows what he more he could have done. This book inspires me to do more, to get out there, to help. I hope you get the same out of it like me.
December 11, 2022
I wish I had liked this a little more - Michael K. Williams’ honesty and courage in telling some of the hardest parts of his story should be commended, and there’s a really lovely arc around giving back to the community here, but it does feel like he holds back in certain places, particularly in the later half. The book is also a little repetitive at times, and it feels like his untimely death really had an impact on the structure and substance of this. Also kind of sad to get no reflections on Boardwalk Empire at all. The first 100 pages are great, though, and hint that this could have really been something special. Mr. Williams and his book are yet another tragic victim to the fentanyl crisis.
September 9, 2022
I knew this book was going to be hard for me to read, because I lost my sister to drugs. I wish I could thank Michael for his honesty for what it's like to be an addict. He's helped me to see there was nothing I could've done to save her. I hate that he's not here to see how his truly poetic words & generous heart have helped so many people. Why is it all of the beautiful souls are taken from us too f-ing soon? The world was such a better place with Michael in it. F drugs.
September 22, 2022
What a life. He shares so openly his challenges, failures and times he tried so hard to do the right thing. Often he did and other times fell short. He wanted to help others and he really did. In the end he couldn't save himself. Highly recommend.
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