We all know that Spike Lee is famous for films that critically dealt with race and class in the United States. But all the things we have ever wanted to know about this short, fascinating man are in his book, "That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It". It is a chronological account of his cinematic work from the beginning of his career and into the 20-year span of his career. (it was published in 2006). The book primarily focuses on the part of his life that he is most famous for, starting from the 80s. It includes interviews of his friends, colleagues, family, and actors he has worked with such as Denzel Washington and Rosie Perez. Although there is a lot of first-person discussion of momentous occasions in Spike Lee's life as a film maker, the book was written as told to Kaleem Aftab--a critic who Spike Lee came to respect over the years.
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Embedded within his conversation about the films he has made is a deeper discussion of equality and social justice. He punctuates the heavy subjects of gentrification, environmental racism, and police brutality with humor at times in a way that only he can. You will get some stories from this book that were very well kept secrets before its publication.
This is a great read for fans of Spike Lee's work as well as those interested in learning more about the ways art can impact society.