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  • Dying of Politeness

  • A Memoir
  • By: Geena Davis
  • Narrated by: Geena Davis
  • Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (94 ratings)

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Dying of Politeness

By: Geena Davis
Narrated by: Geena Davis
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Publisher's Summary

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Geena Davis (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

‘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

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What listeners say about Dying of Politeness

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Fantastic Geena!

I loved Geena’s autobiography and having her read it was extra special. Her honesty and dry wit add depth to her extraordinary stories. Thank you Geena for all your efforts in supporting women and girls in visual media, including behind the scenes.

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Onya Geena

Geena Davis has a voice that
is great to listen to and a real inspiration for women and girls. Good to hear some of her story straight from her. Thanks Geena.

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Beautiful story, Beautiful human

Geena you’re an amazing human, my hubby will agree that you would be incredible in a marvel movie! Do it! Thanks for such a great story!

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Strong female character - when done right.

Davis, story is compelling. One of the original girl bosses from the 90s - in a time when it wasn’t thrusted down our throats in unbelievable fashion. Davis career and life it seems if full of ups and downs, with unabashed excitement for what she is going to take on next and what she wanted to accomplish. And like her best characters in screen (Thelma and Charlie Baltimore) she is strong, but tinged with flaws to overcome or live with.

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Brilliant

So much respect for this human! Just loved hearing Geena talk about her growing up, her early life, her parents, family, perceptions and her advocacy. Loved it! Thank you.

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Geena is far more than a pretty face

very intelligent and aware of her place in the world so Geena's story was enjoyable. However I expected more than a catalogue of her roles and star experiences.

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Thanks Geena, great story and in your own voice. Magic moments, fun times and minimising patriarchy, yes.

Geena’s strength and authenticity is so palpable, no wonder she’s so funny. And with a straight forward can do approach to anything in front of her now that is star quality.

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new age woman

Gina thanks for sharing your story with us. thanks for making gender equality a real thing, for standing up for all.

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Could go to the Olympics for audiobooks

I absolutely loved this book. Geena’s story and her brilliant narration brought so much joy. I laughed out loud, cried behind sunglasses whilst on my morning commute and often caught myself just grinning while listening to this book. It grabbed my attention immediately and I didn’t want it to end. Knowing how much Geena likes to do things well, it comes as no surprise that this book is worthy of a gold medal.

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I loved this so much

Such an interesting and entertaining book, and I listened on Audible which Geena narrated, so it was extra personal.

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