Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother … self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.
Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.”—James Baldwin
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Angelou is fantastic!!!
Maya Angelou was a gifted writer and poet who inspired us with her compassion and wisdom. Her life was not always easy but she used her life experiences to learn and empathize..they did not beat her down …they raised her up and fortunately this gifted woman choose to share this accumulated wisdom with us.
I believe this was her first book. Shared much of herself and it was almost like you knew her after reading.
The author was talking from her heart. She told a real story. She kept me interested.
All her books are excellent
Tragic in places but also hope-filled.
I first read this book while in high school. Loved it! Have re read many times and always uncover an enlightening morsel that I missed. Iconic!
Moving
all ovr good prose
The title alone rates 5 stars. Angelou’s honesty and integrity shine through her prose like a pilot light that never goes out, no matter what. eh
Beautiful
Maya Angelou was one of a kind. We were blessed to have her write and speak for so many decades. I will remember and be inspired by her for the rest of my life.
It’s Maya Angelou, what more can be said? Love her books. Read everything she writes.
Epically sensitive story of the poets childhood and a horrific incident that changed her life.
Maya Angelou made this book sing! Inspires, motivates, and gives hope.