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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This book was difficult to read, but obviously her life was difficult. This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.
Engaging!
Loved it, inspirational
Top notch author. I loved to hear her speak.
My first Maya Angelou book. I loved her story.
It was the right time in my life for me to hear her words. I don’t think there’s a wrong one.
Classic
Enlightening!
A great read, but it will make you cry.
Inpiring
very interesting memoir
Maya Angelou is a fantastic writer!
Maya Angelou’s first memoir is brilliantly written. Compassionate and honest, it is an unforgettable book I’ve read more than once just to be inspired again.
Heck, it’s Maya Angelou. She’s fabulous. Always read Maya.
Quite possibly the best autobiography I’ve ever read. Maya Angelou was a truly remarkable woman with a fascinating life. This is the first in a series of autobiographical books she’s written. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Highly recommend
I can’t imagine anyone having to grow up so unprotected. Not many can overcome such abandonment and turn their life into an incredable life. A life of giving hope to all of us!
This book detailed trauma, hope and reconciliation. I still first reading it even though it was years ago.
This is not a happy book. The characters were well drawn and the story well written.
A classic for many good reasons.