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Cicely Tyson’s new memories sold out on Amazon, the day after the passing of the Oscar-winning actress.
Memories of Tyson, Just as I am, was released last Tuesday and quickly reached the top of Amazon’s bestseller list after the actress’s death was confirmed by her manager on Thursday afternoon. As of Friday, physical copies of the book were sold out on Amazon, although they are still available at Barnes & Noble at the time of this writing.
Tyson’s memoir is still available for reading online on Amazon Kindle or as an audiobook on Audible. The audiobook is narrated by Tyson and Robin Miles, with Tyson’s close friend and How to escape murder co-star Viola Davis narrating the preface.
Amazon
Just as I am was Tyson’s literary debut. The actress and activist co-wrote the book with Michelle Burford, the founding editor of O, The Oprah Magazine, and the 432-page hardcover was published by HarperCollins. The publisher released a statement on Twitter, calling Tyson “Icon” and “caption”.
Tyson had just appeared in CBS This Morning Tuesday to discuss his memoirs with host Gayle King, telling King that he had waited years to write his story because he felt he still had more to offer. “That’s why I’m still here,” she said.
The memoir traces Tyson’s roots of growing up in Harlem and being raised in the church, to become a successful model and actress. Although she achieved incredible acclaim in Hollywood – winning Tonys, Emmys and an honorary Oscar – Tyson also experienced incredible racial and personal trauma during her years in the spotlight. As one of the most prolific black actresses in the industry, Tyson decided from the beginning that he would take on the mantle of the black narrative and pledged to use his voice for change. She decided, told King, that “I would use my career as a platform”.
In the booklet, Tyson writes, “I am a daughter and mother, sister and friend. I am an observer of human nature and dreamer of audacious dreams. I am a woman who hurt as immeasurably as I loved her, a daughter of God divinely guided by His hands. And here in my ninth decade, I am a woman who, finally, has something significant to say. “
Asked by King how she would like to be remembered, Tyson was contemplative. “I did the best,” she said. “That is all.”
In addition to being a celebrated actress, Tyson was also a renowned producer, writer and civil rights activist. Cicely Tyson was 96 years old.