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Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer

maya angelou

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Grace, dignity, and eloquence have long been hallmarks of Maya Angelou’s poetry. Her measured verses have stirred our souls, energized our minds, and healed our hearts. Whether offering hope in the darkest of nights or expressing sincere joy at the extraordinariness of the everyday, Maya Angelou has served as our common voice.

Celebrations is a collection of timely and timeless poems that are an integral part of the global fabric. Several works have become nearly as iconic as Angelou herself: the inspiring “On the Pulse of Morning,” read at President William Jefferson Clinton’s 1993 inauguration; the heartening “Amazing Peace,” presented at the 2005 lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House; “A Brave and Startling Truth,” which marked the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations; and “Mother,” which beautifully honors the first woman in our lives. Angelou writes of celebrations public and private, a bar mitzvah wish to her nephew, a birthday greeting to Oprah Winfrey, and a memorial tribute to the late Luther Vandross and Barry White.

More than a writer, Angelou is a chronicler of history, an advocate for peace, and a champion for the planet, as well as a patriot, a mentor, and a friend. To be shared and cherished, the wisdom and poetry of Maya Angelou proves there is always cause for celebration.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,2006
Literary awards
grammy award, 

This edition

Format
128 pages, Hardcover
Published
October 24, 2006 by Random House
ISBN
9781400066100
ASIN
1400066107
Language
English

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About the author

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maya angelou

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Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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NaomiSparks
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is an exquisitely beautiful collection of poems.

Time and again, I found myself having to set it aside, for it had the power to draw tears from my eyes.

The emotions and themes within these poems are not only deeply moving but also incredibly relevant in today's world.

They touch on the human experience in a way that is both profound and relatable.

Whether you are seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of reflection, this collection of poems has something to offer.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has a love for poetry and a desire to explore the depths of the human spirit.

It is a truly remarkable work that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this collection of poems and embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional connection.

You won't be disappointed.

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amyourpapi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It was okay.

At first glance, this statement might seem rather平淡无奇. However, upon closer inspection, it holds a certain degree of ambiguity.

"Okay" can mean different things to different people. It could imply that something was satisfactory, but not necessarily outstanding.

Maybe it was an average experience, or a situation that met the basic requirements.

On the other hand, "okay" could also suggest a sense of resignation or acceptance.

It might indicate that although things weren't perfect, they were good enough for the time being.

In conclusion, the simple phrase "It was okay" can carry a variety of meanings, depending on the context and the perspective of the person using it.

It serves as a reminder that our perceptions and interpretations of events can vary greatly.
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silveda
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Maya Angelou's collection "Celebrations" contains poems that are closely associated with significant public and private events.

Most of these works carry a powerful message of peace and healing, striving to foster an environment where all individuals are treated equally.

Some poems, like the birthday poem "Continue" for Oprah Winfrey, celebrate particular individuals.

Angelou, being an accomplished speaker, was frequently invited to read her poems at important occasions.

She read "On the Pulse of Morning" at the 1993 inauguration of President Clinton, and in her poem "A Black Woman Speaks to Black Manhood" which she read at the Million Man March in 1995, she served as a spokesperson for African-Americans.

For the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, Angelou's "A Brave and Startling Truth" is dedicated to the hope for peace and "A climate where every man and every woman/ Can live freely without sanctimonious piety/ Without crippling fear". Her works have had a profound impact and continue to inspire people around the world.

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7Enima
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Maya Angelou reading her own masterful poetry?

Oh, yes please!! She is truly a remarkable poet with an extraordinary gift.

Her words have the power to strip your soul bare, laying it all out in the open for everyone to see.

She reveals your deepest vulnerabilities, making you face the parts of yourself that you may have been trying to hide.

Her poetry can bring you to tears, touching your heart in ways that few other things can.

But what's even more amazing is that after all that, she leaves you with hope and a higher sense of purpose.

It's as if she has taken you on a journey through the darkest parts of your soul and then led you out into the light.

There is simply nothing better than experiencing the magic of Maya Angelou's poetry in this way.

It is a truly transformative and life-changing experience.
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Alencia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I don't typically engage in reading poetry or listening to audiobooks, which are two of the activities in this reading program. However, I believed that an audiobook would be a great way to experience a poetry collection. So, I decided to look for a poetry collection by an African American author to complete another activity. Immediately, Maya Angelou came to my mind. The choice of "Celebrations" was outstanding. These poems were composed for different celebrations, such as Bill Clinton's inauguration, a National Christmas Tree lighting, a Bar Mitzvah, Mother's Day, Christmas, and memorial services for Luther Vandross and Barry White. The entire audiobook is just 42 minutes long, but I took my time, playing one or two poems at a time. Most of the time, I listened with my eyes closed, and I could envision what Maya Angelou was expressing. I'm not the kind of literary person who selects significant passages and explains their meaning, but many of her words truly struck a chord with me.

I found this experience to be quite enlightening. It made me realize that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones and trying new things can lead to unexpected discoveries. Although I don't usually read poetry or listen to audiobooks, this activity has shown me the beauty and power of both. I will definitely consider exploring more poetry and audiobooks in the future.

Overall, I'm glad I participated in this reading program and had the opportunity to listen to Maya Angelou's "Celebrations." It was a wonderful and memorable experience that I will cherish.
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DrBochka
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The lineup of reasons for these poems is truly bonkers. It ranges from Clinton's inauguration to Oprah's birthday and even to the United Nations' 50th Anniversary.

However, upon closer inspection, it makes perfect sense. Angelou has an extraordinary ability to observe and articulate human behavior. She can capture the nuance of its beauty as well as the cracks in its cruelty.

Moreover, she speaks of legacy in a way that implies there is potential for a global community. We are but a tiny, wonderful blip in the universe, according to her. Her perspective is not overly optimistic but rather filled with hope.

She is acutely aware of how much damage humanity can inflict upon itself and the surrounding nature and universe. Nevertheless, she firmly believes that we can trend upward.

Perhaps we may not witness our species crossing the finish line to True Greatness within our lifetime. But that's precisely why Angelou notices the progress of other things, like the length of a root or the smoothness of a rock in the stream.

Angelou is seeing all, eon by eon, one poem at a time, and through her words, she offers us a unique and profound perspective on the human experience.
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GalacticAshla
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Rereading:

There are truly some remarkable individuals who possess the extraordinary talent to convey a common human experience and dispense wisdom that is essential for everyone to hear and abide by, all within just a few lines of verse. Only a select few can achieve this feat. I believe Mary Oliver, I suspect Amanda Gorman, and one of the absolute best, Maya Angelou, are among them. This particular audiobook is one that I frequently return to, as it manages to pack an incredible amount of depth and meaning into a relatively small space.

Original Review:

This was my first genuine introduction to Angelou's poetry, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was thought-provoking, intelligent, and even more enhanced when listened to as an audiobook, with the author herself reading it. Her voice added an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the words, making the experience truly unforgettable. I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone interested in exploring the power of poetry and the profound insights it can offer.
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MsDoooS
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have always been puzzled as to why people publish Maya Angelou's poems with such an abundance of white space. However, I have a profound appreciation for her work. Her poetry is spiritual, powerful, and beautiful.

It has the ability to touch the deepest recesses of the soul and evoke a wide range of emotions. I remember being particularly moved by the poem that was written for Oprah's birthday. It was a piece that I initially thought would have no relevance to my own life. But as I read it, I found myself identifying with the words and the sentiments expressed.

It was as if Maya Angelou had somehow tapped into something universal within me. Her poetry has this remarkable quality of being able to speak to people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or experiences. It is a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with others on a profound level.
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