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I Know Why the Caged Bird SingsI Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
 

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou

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... (read more)

Top tags: memoir,  autobiography,  african american,  nonfiction,  coming of age (all tags)

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  • Readers Of African-American Authors Discussion Group
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Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
sthurner
  • Rated 5 stars

“Years ago I heard Angelou speak at a local college, and I was inspired to read her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Birds Sings. I found the story to be inspiring, a triumph over poverty and misfortune. I found the language to be literate and poetic, as the woman who wrote it is. I'm always amazed when people try to ban this book from the classroom, since the message is one of hope and empowerment.”

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Didn’t Like It

Cheryl S
  • Rated 2 stars

“This book reads really well for an autobiography (I usually think biographies are pretty boring). The language is beautiful as well.

However, I don't know much about this author. I think this really affected my enjoyment of the book. I found it incomplete, fragmented and asking myself what the point was of some of things she wrote about. If I knew more about her, I probably would have liked it more.”

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Community:
  • Rated 4.111376 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.038462 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • janice a

    janice a said:

    “classic writing”

    posted Thursday, March 27 2008
  • PhDBookworm

    phdbookworm said:

    “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 ( | view 2 replies )
  • Rebel26

    rebel26 said:

    “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
  • keren i

    keren i said:

    “what did you find out?”

    posted Monday, December 10 2007
  • Hava s

    hava s said:

    “"What you looking at me for?
    I didn't come to stay..."

    She is clearest voice the black people
    ”

    posted Saturday, November 24 2007
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