A Book of the Year in The Observer and The Times and winner of the Visionary Honours Award. 'David Harewood writes with rare honesty and fearless self-analysis about his experiences of racism and what ultimately led to his descent into psychosis . . . This book is, in itself, a physical manifestation of that hopeful journey.' - David Olusoga, author of Black and British This powerful and provocative memoir charts critically acclaimed actor David Harewood’s life from working class Birmingham to the bright lights of Hollywood. He shares insights from his recovery after an experience of psychosis and uncovers devastating family history. Maybe I Don't Belong Here is a groundbreaking account of the impact of everyday racism on Black mental health and a rallying cry to examine the biases that shape our society. As a young actor, David had a psychotic breakdown and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He was physically restrained by six police officers, sedated, then hospitalized and transferred to a locked ward. Only now, thirty years later, has he been able to process what he went through. What caused this breakdown and how did David recover to become a successful actor? How did his experiences growing up contribute to a rupture in his sense of his place in the world? David’s compelling story poses the question: Is it possible to be Black and British and feel welcome and whole? 'One of the best books on mental health, race, Britain and the thrill of acting I have ever read.' – Stephen Fry About The Author
David Harewood MBE is an actor, director, author and activist. With a career spanning almost 35 years, David has performed on stage with some of the most prestigious theatres and across TV and Film on some of the biggest networks in the world. In 2021 David wrapped the final season of Supergirl, a role that alongside DC Comics and Warner Bros saw him make his directorial debut, adding yet another string to his bow of creativity and talent. Through his exploration of important and often difficult subjects, David has become a driving force for systematic and cultural change. From his documentary ‘David Harewood: Psychosis and Me’ highlighting his battle with mental health in his twenties, to the influences and injustices that come from simply being born as a person of colour in documentaries such as Black is the New Black, Could Britain Ever Have a Black Prime Minister and Why Is Covid Killing People of Colour?, in addition to his work with UNICEF to protect children in danger – David is a true change maker in every sense of the word. He has helped raise awareness as well as millions of pounds for so many charities, organisations and individuals across our collective global communities.
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Introducing Lenny Henry’s hilarious new adventure Publishing 13th October 2022 Hardback £12.99 Audio edition read by Lenny Henry is also available Recommended for readers ages 9+ The Book of Legends is the new middle grade novel from the award-winning and much-loved author, comedian and actor, Lenny Henry. Highly illustrated throughout by Keenon Ferrell. Two ordinary kids are about to go on one EXTRAORDINARY adventure! Monsters? Check. Magic portals? Check. A dangerous adventure? Check. Bran and Fran’s mum is the storyteller at Once Upon a Wow bookstore, but when she goes missing and her stories turn out to be a portal to another world, they're going to have a huge, magical adventure on their hands. Luckily, they have Wilma, the Wizard's Wife, and Zack, the wisecracking Zebracorn, to help them on their journey. And they're going to need help because there are evil princes, mud monsters and Viking armies all standing in their way... “There are very few kids of colour - and even fewer kids of colour who are also deaf - going on adventures to magical kingdoms, and I feel so privileged to be publishing this book that will make sure this generation of kids can have the experience of seeing themselves in a story that I wished for when I was their age." Lenny Henry About the Author
Sir Lenny Henry has risen from being a star on children's television to becoming one of Britain's best known comedians, as well as a writer, philanthropist and award-winning actor. He is co-founder of Comic Relief. Lenny is a strong advocate for diversity and co-authored the book Access All Areas: The Diversity Manifesto for TV and Beyond. His first middle grade adventure story for children, The Boy With Wings, launched in 2021 and this year sees the publication of The Book of Legends. The second volume of his memoir, Rising To The Surface was published on 1st September. Twitter: @LennyHenry |
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