Anything by Maya Angelou is an absolute necessity. It wasn't until I checked this particular work out of the library that I truly understood its significance.

This remarkable collection brings together a diverse range of Dr. Angelou's poems and prayers. Each piece is a powerful expression of her thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

The poems are filled with vivid imagery, profound insights, and a unique cadence that draws the reader in and holds their attention. The prayers, on the other hand, offer a sense of comfort, hope, and spiritual connection.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to read this collection. It has not only enriched my understanding of Maya Angelou's work but has also touched my heart and soul.

Her words have the power to inspire, heal, and transform. I highly recommend this collection to anyone who is looking for a source of inspiration, wisdom, and beauty.

Rating: 4 stars

I have to say, I truly enjoyed these poems to a much greater extent than I initially anticipated. They were nothing short of excellent and极其鼓舞人心. Each and every poem expounded upon distinct lessons that we ought to learn in our daily lives.

I firmly believe that it is of utmost importance to peruse this book and take into account how our actions have an impact on other people and our world.

This is an extremely diverse collection of poems that vividly showcase the hardships endured by different cultures. It was a wonderful experience to read through them, and it was also a relatively quick yet highly significant read.

The poems managed to touch upon various aspects of life, making the reader reflect on their own behavior and the consequences it may have. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in poetry and a desire to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and the human experience.

A brief and beautiful book of selections from Maya Angelou's eloquent writing. I picked it up at the library in honor of Black History Month.

Particularly because celebrating Black History is no longer encouraged by our current government. This is truly a sad state of affairs.

So, this act of picking up the book was a small but significant one. It was a way of pushing away the darkness that seems to be encroaching.

And as I read her words, they were never more poignant. "Continue …to astonish this mean world with acts of kindness."

These words hold such power and inspiration. In a world that can often be cruel and unkind, Maya Angelou's words remind us that we have the ability to make a difference through acts of kindness.

Her writing serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating and honoring the contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

Despite the lack of support from the government, we can still keep the spirit of Black History Month alive through our own actions and by sharing the powerful words and stories of remarkable individuals like Maya Angelou.

Gorgeous. True poetry.

It's really unfair of me to compare this poet to the last one I read. But, man, it's just like comparing a Michaelangelo to an amateur artist.

The works of this poet are so magnificent and profound, filled with vivid imagery and intense emotions. Each line seems to be carefully crafted, like a precious gemstone.

In contrast, the previous poet's work paled in comparison. It lacked the depth and artistry that this poet possesses.

Reading this poet's work is like embarking on a journey through a magical world, where every word has the power to touch the soul and inspire the imagination.

It's truly a privilege to have discovered this poet and to be able to experience the beauty of their poetry.

This collection contains a remarkable poem titled "Sons & Daughters."

The poem truly stands out and deserves a resounding 5 stars. It beautifully captures the essence of the relationship between parents and their children.

The words are carefully crafted, painting vivid images in the reader's mind.

It explores the joys, challenges, and unconditional love that exists within a family.

The poet's use of language is both powerful and moving, making it a truly engaging read.

Whether you are a parent or a child, this poem will surely touch your heart and make you reflect on the special bond that you share.

Overall, it is a wonderful addition to this collection and a must-read for anyone who appreciates great poetry.

She has given a short collection of poems at various events.

She read the audio, and it was a nice little 45-minute listen this morning.

Her poem given to the UN regarding war and peace particularly resonated with me.

This is because I am constantly thinking about the situation in Ukraine and my dear friend Sylvia.

The words in her poem seemed to capture the essence of the complex emotions and the urgent need for peace in a world that is often torn apart by conflict.

It made me reflect on the importance of standing up for what is right and working towards a more peaceful future.

As I listened, I could picture the scenes she was describing and feel the depth of her passion for peace.

It was truly a moving experience, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to her beautiful poetry.

This is a remarkable collection of timely poems by the renowned Maya Angelou. It vividly showcases her grace, dignity, and extraordinary eloquence.

Several of these poems have achieved iconic status. For instance, the inspiring “On the Pulse of Morning” was read at Clinton’s 1993 inauguration, captivating the nation with its powerful words. “Amazing Peace,” presented at the National Christmas Tree lighting at the White House, brought a sense of tranquility and hope. And “A Brave and Startling Truth,” read at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, offered profound insights.

However, it is her last poem in this collection, “A Prayer for Peace,” that truly stands out and resonates deeply. It is a heartfelt plea for harmony and an end to conflict, touching the souls of all who read it. Maya Angelou’s poetry continues to inspire and move us, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.

Read for my book club!

This poetry collection has truly caught my attention. I'm really looking forward to our meeting so that I can share more of my thoughts with my friends and rate it.

The writing in this book is of a much higher quality than that of the last poetry book I read, which was "Pillow Thoughts (Pillow Thoughts #1) by Courtney Peppernell".

The difference is night and day. The poems in this new collection are more profound, more beautifully crafted, and have a greater emotional impact.

There is simply no comparison between the two. I can't wait to explore this book further and see what other gems it holds.

I'm sure my book club friends will also be impressed by it.

Overall, I'm very excited about this discovery and can't wait to discuss it with everyone at our meeting.

4 - 4.25 stars

This particular work served as a wonderful introduction to the remarkable writing of Maya Angelou for me. It was a compact volume that consisted of a collection of poems and letters. These were crafted by her for special events where she was invited to speak, or to offer her thoughts and words about the people she knew. The beauty and depth of her language in this small sample were truly captivating. It made me eager to explore more of her literary treasures in the future. I have no doubt that her other writings will also be filled with the same profound insights, powerful emotions, and lyrical charm. I look forward to delving deeper into the world of Maya Angelou's words and being further inspired by her unique perspective and talent.

Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer is a rather slender volume of poems that revolves around the theme of peace. I'll be honest, poetry isn't really my strong suit. However, I've decided to give it a go. But I'm not quite ready to dive into a thick book of poetry just yet, so this slender one seems like a good start.

Even though the collection is named Celebrations, not all the poems are filled with joy. Many of them deal with hardship, yet they still hold onto the hope for peace and a brighter future.

Angelou composed (and read) a number of these poems for special events such as Mother’s Day, a Christmas Tree Lighting, a Bar Mitzvah, and Oprah’s birthday. One of my absolute favorites is “When Great Trees Fall.” It commemorates a life that has been lost, but it also reminds us that “They existed. They existed. / We can be. Be and be / better. For they existed.” This poem really touches my heart and makes me think about the importance of remembering those who have come before us and using their existence as inspiration to become better people.

A collection of poems that are not only beautiful but also, at times, prayerful. Angelou possesses an astonishing ability to be both brutally honest about herself and deeply introspective. Simultaneously, she presents an idea and a goal for the world she dreams of seeing. Her choice of words is truly moving and showcases her incredibly high command of the English language.

Even though I may not concur with all of her theology or philosophy, reading her work (or even listening to it) is an absolute treat. A collection such as this makes it abundantly clear why she is so widely loved. Her words have the power to touch the hearts and souls of readers, transporting them to a different world.

Angelou's poetry is a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with people on a profound level. It is a collection that will be cherished for years to come, inspiring generations of readers to look within themselves and strive for a better world.

“Clap hands… we have survived.”

This is a truly remarkable collection of poems. What makes it even more enchanting is the audiobook version, where Ms. Angelou herself reads. It is highly recommended. It's a quick read or listen, but it will leave a lasting impression on you. Angelou commemorates a wide range of occasions, both public and private. There's Mother's Day, a young boy's bar mitzvah, President Bill Clinton's inauguration, Oprah's 50th birthday, the vigils of Luther Vandross and Barry White, and many more.

Each poem is a unique meditation on the meaning of life and our connection to one another. It makes us think about what it truly means to have an impact. Through her words, Angelou invites us to reflect on the joys and sorrows, the celebrations and the solemn moments that make up our lives. Her poetry is a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience.