Scenes from My Life

A Memoir

By: Michael K. Williams, Jon Sternfeld

Narrated by: Dion Graham

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD • A “gripping, revelatory” (NPR) 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

“Williams’s cool rasp leaps off every page, his story told in the direct yet impassioned language that defined his greatest characters.”—Vulture

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, NPR, The Root

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.

©2022 Michael K. Williams, Jon Sternfeld (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Williams’s cool rasp leaps off every page, his story told in the direct yet impassioned language that defined his greatest characters.”—Vulture

“Gripping, revelatory . . . Scenes from My Life tells a story which could have been a movie on its own.”—Eric Deggans, NPR

“Refreshingly straightforward . . . Scenes from My Life is an altogether superior memoir.”—The Washington Post

You’re Missed!

Not only an outstanding actor but also an advocate for those who were abused by the system that was created to help them. You cannot heal, what you do not reveal

what a story

what a life this man had. definitely worth the time. How much can 1 person take.

Inspiring and bittersweet

So happy he wrote this so we could have a closer look at his life. Just so sad it ended early

read in 1 week!

great read! I wish he was still here to receive his accolades . very easy listen it was like we were having a conversation

Beautiful truth

So many wonderful jewels in this breathing story. It is somewhat
my life and the life of so many I grew up with in East Harlem. Rest in power, Michael🦋

A journey and a coming home

When I picked up his memoir, all I knew about Michael K. Williams was that he was a consummate actor who was riveting on screen, and that he died in late 2021 of a drug overdose. His memoir is like his performances—absolutely compelling and completely authentic. He was a natural storyteller, and the memoir feels like a conversation. He writes with a unique, deeply personal voice, one that is stilled all too soon. The narration by Dion Graham is flawless.

A truly inspiring story

If you’ve experienced deep hardship and trauma at a young age, this is a must read.

As someone with rough beginnings, it gave me the kind hope and introspection that you just can’t find in any mainstream self-help book.

One quote that I find myself repeating every day is: “Heavier than the blood in our veins are the stories we inherent about ourselves.”

I couldn’t stop listening

Love this book. It was a Great read. Couldn’t stop listening. He will be greatly missed.

Phenomenal

I didn’t want it to end!! What an incredible human. I wish he could have narrated it but the person who did was amazing!

Powerful Story of a Legendary Actor

I loved everything about this book. It was genuine, authentic and uncut. I recommend it for people of various ages but I highly recommend it for the youth. Michael K Williams story can help save lives and help kids make smart decisions. This book was excellent and it touched my heart!