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By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Like many screen legends before him, Sidney Poitier may have thought a self-penned memoir would be good idea for a historical record of his life and times.
But I'm sure The Academy Award winning thespian didn't imagine that the recently released 'Measure of a Man,' would be #1 on the 'New York Times' Bestsellers List.
On Feb. 11, the critically acclaimed tome will debut in the top spot on the prestigious list.
And a great debt of gratitude is owed to none other than media maven Oprah Winfrey, who christened the book as her 56th Book Club collection on Jan. 26 -- giving it a sales boost that is second to no other marketing machinery.
Yesterday, the book debuted in the #6 spot on the 'USA Today' bestseller list.
"Sales of [the book] soared across all sales channels over the weekend after the announcement on Friday," said Mark Tauber, the Vice President and Deputy Publisher of HarperSanFrancisco, who released the autobiography. "We are tracking #1 in many accounts for the week ending Saturday, even though we have just two days of sales. Being selected by Oprah's Book Club has done a great service in bringing this wonderful book first published in 2000 back to the attention of the American public. The ranking at amazon.com, for example, went from #288,958 to #2 within hours of the show airing on Friday, a result echoed in all accounts. We are very happy for Mr. Poitier."
Poitier, who was the first black man to win an Academy Award (as Best Actor in the 1963 film 'Lilies of the Field') is happy too.
"I am overwhelmed far beyond the point where words, alone, could fully express either my appreciation or my gratitude; so, I must depend on the quality of my deeds in the years ahead to get the job done properly," he said about the book being chosen for the book club.
"Meanwhile, I proudly accept this honor on behalf of the forces that brought it about: the love of my parents, the ever-present kindness of strangers, and the hidden mysteries of the universe and, of course, Oprah Winfrey," he continued.
Poitier's "Oprah Connection" continues during a one-on-one interview with recent black Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx for her primetime Oscar special, airing on Feb. 22 on ABC.
Comments: (86)
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By: Helene Keyser on 2/15/2007 6:10AM
Mr. Poitier knew about black pride before it became popular. He always was well spoken, did not seek the limelight, always acted in a respectful manner, and always acted in movies that a black person could go to the movies and come out feeling proud to be black. In those days of the Blackula and Shaft movies, that was very special. Lilies of the Field, Guess who came to dinner, his movies made blacks stand out in a meaninful way. His movies always carried a message to change opinions regarding long standing and imbedded feelings and thoughts about black people. He is the unsung hero of the African American and their struggle for equal rights.
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By: victoria on 2/15/2007 7:26AM
Oprah is Ms. Midas. anything she touches turns to gold
The world respects and listens to what she has to say.
Good fortune comes to the people and things she promotes. Good for them and for her. You go girl!
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By: Jeanie Barlow on 2/15/2007 3:10PM
I mean his skin color means nothing to me. He could be green or purple or any color. I appreciate his talent both in movies and in his writing.
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By: AL Walker on 2/15/2007 7:27PM
I love Oprah. She is a credit to not only the black race, but the human race. The same for Mr. Poitier. Haters, stop hatin.
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By: Sam Penceal on 2/21/2007 1:47PM
I got my first measure of the man when we played tennis together during our L.A. vacation in the 70s. He called and invited me to play four times after my man, Bird, introduced us. He then came to visit us at the 369th Armory in Harlem while in NYC. I was impressed with what a regular, down to earth guy he is. I had this real good feeling about him.
My appreciation of the measure of the man increased exponentially after I finished his book. I started reading the book shortly after it came out but never finished it. I recently obtained an audio copy and listened to Sidney read his work. It was a great treat. If you have some doubt about the measure of this man or his commitment to Black People’s struggles or to the less fortunate or to the downtrodden, do yourself a favor and get an audio copy of the book. Even if you’ve read the book, listen to Sidney read it. You will hear the passion, the anger, the effort, the disappointment and the exhilaration he has experienced during his journey from boyhood to stardom. Despite any misgivings one might have about Oprah, she has served humanity well. High lighting the importance of this book is another example. Listen to it!
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By: Jannah on 3/19/2007 8:14AM
Let's learn to celebrate and recognize the GOOD of others rather than search through their mistakes and pass our fickle judgments. Sidney Poitier after all is not GOD,just a human being who is the living embodiment of what Charles Perkhurst once said,"Purpose is what gives life meaning."Remarkably, he has lived up and beyond the heights of his calling.
May the energy of his life inspire us to make the most of our talents, gifts and potentials to better and improve the condition our world.If ever Poirtier's legacy faced the verge of extinction, it has just gained immortal life with the 'buzz' of his 'New York Times'best seller book.
Kudos to Oprah's choice and the ultimate respect for Poitier's legacy!!HIP HIP HOORAY!
Blessings!!!!
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