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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Get out your hankie, and then be prepared to rejoice.
Lyrical, astonishing, offering insights
Maya is a wonderful story teller
Maya Angelou is another fantastic writer. I love, love, love the way she writes. One of a kind, she is missed. Her work will live on forever
One of the many books that I recommend for gaining insight and empathy into the life of a courageous African-American woman.
The plights & tragic circumstances the author goes through breaks my heart. Not an easy read for sensitive readers. This book is very well written Highly recommended.
A necessary book of our times.
Wonderful autobiography by a brilliant writer.
Oh, my. Where to start? Suffice it to say, this book is a must read, period. The only ways I really know of to begin to understand another culture and, really, other people–especially those who are not part of the group to which one belongs–are to totally immerse oneself in that culture or read books like this, written by people who ARE of that culture (not someone looking in from the outside who thinks they understand it).
Loved it.
poetic, emotional, lovely from one of our greatest writers. this is a not to miss
True to the Women
A classic!
excellent.
Maya recounts her life story. Grab a box of tissues. Maya is one of my favorite authors of all time. The words jump from the page, and she inspired me to become a writer. She has a way with words that will hit you in the stomach. It’s rich language packs so many emotions.
Excellent read.
I love this book! I have read it several times. Maya Angelou is one of my favorite authors. The story is so heart reaching . Her story is so beautifully told.
Maya Angelou was first introduced to me when I was in college. It was required reading and it opened up my sensitivity to the injustice of racism. I think this should be a required reading for all people to get a sense of the real world that can be so disheartening so often , an example for how a person can overcome, and influence others to liberation from many of life’s injustices.
Thought-provoking about life in America for black people, and how they had struggle in order to get to the place we have today.
Coming of age book. You will be in your feelings.