Lessons in becoming myself
(Book)

In this story of a woman's search for a deeper understanding of herself, actress Burstyn explores the unexpected paths her life has taken. Born in Detroit during the Depression, she left home at eighteen, leaving behind a complicated relationship with her mother, to become a model. Eventually, she ended up on Broadway and on television in the late 1950s and early 1960s before turning to film. She delivered brilliant performances in The Last Picture Show; The Exorcist; Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, for which she won an Academy Award; Resurrection; and Requiem for a Dream. This book is a frank and unsparing account of Burstyn's search for personal and professional authenticity, the story of the quest for the examined life. Raised a Catholic, she has spent her life exploring a range of spiritual experience--from the Himalayas to Cambodia, from Mont Blanc to New York City--that goes deeper than labels.--From publisher description.