I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou

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James Baldwin writes: "This testimony from a Black sister marks the beginning of a new era in the minds and hearts and lives of all Black men and women...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. I have no words for this achievement, but I know that not since the days of my childhood, when people in books were more real than the people one saw every day, have I found myself so moved... Her portrait is a Biblical study of life in the midst of death."

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raybblin says

"She single handedly reinvented the autobiography (dare I say invented from salve narratives) in the 20th Century" - GREAT ANALYSIS! So on point. It pierced me like a bullet with its truth!

posted Friday, March 28 2008

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laviyah says

I read this so long ago, I think in HS. I do not recall the portion about the dentist. I should, because my mother and her brothers had the same experience. Although this white dentist took their money but did not give them proper treatment.

posted Thursday, March 27 2008

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(laviyah’s previously rated this books 5 stars)

janice a says

classic writing

posted Thursday, March 27 2008

phdbookworm says

Read this some years ago for my honours. Heart rending book. Kinda reminded me of Oprah's upbringing. Coincidentally, Oprah and Maya are great friends. Could the book have been the springboard of their friendship? While I know Oprah is stiil alive, does anyone know the earthly status of Maya Angelou?

posted Friday, February 1 2008

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booklov3r says

Patricia,
Do you feel that you disconnect stems from your life experiences?

Linda!

posted Wednesday, January 16 2008

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(booklov3r’s previously rated this books 1 stars)

rebel26 says

Maya Angelou is my hero. She's managed to live through all the traumas & injustices life could throw at her and emerge with grace, strength, beauty, and love. She's an amazing person, this book was so beautifully written, really inspiring.

posted Monday, January 14 2008

sophie abdool says

i really lyk to concetrate on the author's motive
she wanted us to know that side if her and now that we do
pick the humour and ask yo self if u'll ever write some thing like that

posted Tuesday, December 11 2007

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keren i says

what did you find out?

posted Monday, December 10 2007

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evelyn s says

We must remember that history was different then when she wa a child. now we hopefully have 'seen the light', as it were. times have changed for the better. But when you read a book of someone's life or even a fictional novel set in a diifferent time, you must be at one with that time whilst reading the pages. Evelyn S

posted Sunday, November 25 2007

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(evelyn s’s previously rated this books 5 stars)