Unscripted

Three actors pen evocative, intimate personal histories.

VIOLA DAVIS

Having grown up a "spunky, sassy mess," inFinding Me: A Memoir,from HarperOne, the triple crown-winning actor describes racism, poverty, her mother's love, and a life guided by her constant question: "What did I learn from this?" Her first trip to Africa is a highlight; in The Gambia, she feels a sense of home.

SIMU LIU

In We WereDreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story,from William Morrow, the Marvel actor describes his complex and at times abusive parents; immigrating from China to Canada; xenophobia; teen rebellions; escape through acting—and weaves humor, raw detail, and empathy throughout.

SELMA BLAIR

Named simply "Baby Girl Beitner" at birth, inMean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up, from Knopf, Blair describes her path from moody infant to activist. Along the way: tarot readings, fighting alcoholism, an M.S. diagnosis, a custody battle, love and heartbreak, auditions and triumphs— onscreen and off.

KEZIAH WEIR