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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Interesting read and informative.
One of her best
I don’t know why i put off reading this book for so long, it was a great book.
Angelou’s books make you think, this one shows where she came from, how her life started out. Her writing is both beautiful and inspiring.
It gives a realistic idea of what it meant to grow up black in the early 1900’s.
Beautifully written, poignant, devastating, eye opening… should be required reading for anyone interested in literature and the African American experience.
Beautiful use of language!!!
one of my all time favorite books
Exceptional writing
Maya Angelou was an exceptional woman
Maya Angelou was a great human being. Her life story shows the pains she’s gone through and her strength to overcome. She is an inspiration to me not to whine, not to quit but to pick myself up and get on with life.
This book is the first in a series of three memoirs. I read this straight through, only stopping to eat or sleep. Haunting, evocative story of Maya Angelou’s childhood. Moving and emotional. You will never forget this book.
Very raw and honest look at being black in the America
Great each time I read it
I just love the writer’s wise observations and optimism The victim rises from the cocoon as a butterfly to thrive and survive.
Beautiful book. Definitely worth reading.
I didn’t care for this book! I had trouble followng it!
Amazing memoir of Maya Angelou’s unique youth. Highly recommended.
Everyone should read this book.
This is a great read. I applaud Ms. Angelo for sharing her story with all of us so that we may grow as women and as a society.