With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together

By Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee

Book Overview

Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee are legendary stars of the American stage, television, and film, a beloved and revered couple cherished not just for their acting artistry but also for their lifelong commitment to civil rights, family values, and the black community. Now they look back on a half- century of their personal and political struggles to maintain a healthy marriage and to create the record of distinguished accomplishment that earned each a Presidential Medal for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. With Ossie and Ruby overflows with consummate storytelling skill developed by decades in the spotlight. From their early years as struggling actors in Harlem's black theater to Broadway and Hollywood stardom, they regale the reader with colorful, entertaining tales of the places they've been and the people they've met. But their charming humor is leavened with a more serious side, as they share their experiences of keeping a family together in a world where scandal and divorce is the rule, and of being artists and political activists in an era of intense racial ferment. Born into the struggle, their characters were shaped by the dynamic collisions of life, politics, and art; and from those experiences, they achieved some sense of their worth as married people, friends, and lovers. Warm, positive, and compelling, this is a book that will surprise and challenge readers everywhere -- black and white, male and female, young and old. Lifting the veil of public image, media hype, and mystique, Ossie and Ruby speak of the real-life dilemmas and rewards of their lifelong search for purpose and value.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688153968
• ISBN13: 9780688153960
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 2.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful

This is by far one of the most beautiful memoirs ever written. Through the challenges they face they have acomplished so much in their outside life as well as within their own partnership of love and devotion. Such a positive book to read. Also recommending: Books by Maya Angelou, The Color Purple, A Paper Life and Nightmares Echo

Very Powerful

i've followed Ossie DAVIS & RUBY DEE for a long time.and this book is solid.overcoming Race,Class & Personal issues this couple have continued to thrive.i've followed MR.Davis's films such as Cotton COmes To Harlem.also him in Lets Do It Again.and Both of them in SPike Lee's Do The Right Thing & Jungle Fever.also hearing Mr.Davis doing Malcolm X's Eulogy Speech was moving near the end of the film Malcolm X.it's a powerful book hearing about Them overcoming so much and giving the world twice as much back.

What a wonderful journey!!

What a great glimpse into the lives of two beautiful people. I have always known these 2 were special but what confirmation!! A tenderly written life story. This sometimes hilarious book was a walk thru history and a true love story. I am changed.

karmyclace@hotmail.com

This is by far the best book I have ever read. Ossie Davis says early in the text that his first love is writing. As a professional writer, I am amazed at the depth of his thoughts and eloquence with which he puts them together. Davis and Dee's memoirs are less like reading than enjoying a glorious symphony of essence of life. This is a must read for anyone who loves the English language.

an inspiring, and revealing tale told by 2 great Americans

When I was in college I had the very good fortune to attend several "An Evening with Ossie and Ruby" presentations on campus. These were a series of selected readings which Mr Davis and Ms Dee presented with honesty, skill and emotion. I became a fan at the first session. THey are people of talent, integrity, and human compassion.As a rule I do not read biographies but I had to read this book! and I am ever so glad I did.these are two people who broke barriers and reached new heights thus changing and improving both our culture and our arts. Their talent, commitment and perserverance is inspiring and reminds us that there are no small players in this drama called life.