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Mother: A Cradle to Hold Me

maya angelou

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Perfect for Mother’s Day, or for any day on which we wish to acknowledge this all-important bond,  Mother  is an awe-inspiring affirmation of the enduring love that exists in every corner of the globe.
 
With her signature eloquence and heartfelt appreciation, renowned poet and national treasure Maya Angelou celebrates the first woman we ever knew: Mother. “You were always the heart of happiness to me,” she acknowledges in this loving tribute, “Bringing nougats of glee / Sweets of open laughter.” 
 
From the beginnings of this profound relationship through teenage rebellion and, finally, to adulthood, where we stand to inherit timeless maternal wisdom, Angelou praises the patience, knowledge, and compassion of this remarkable parent.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 11,2006

This edition

Format
32 pages, Hardcover
Published
April 11, 2006 by Random House
ISBN
9781400066018
ASIN
1400066018
Language
English

More editions

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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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
31(31%)
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
The513Cyclone
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Though the beginning of this story was really nice and engaging,

it was truly the last part that completely won me over.

As I was reading the last page, I could feel a distinct lump forming in my throat.

The emotions that were conveyed in those final paragraphs were so powerful and moving.

It made me reflect deeply on my own mother-daughter relationship.

This book is definitely a great read for anyone who has a special bond with their mother or daughter.

It explores the complex and beautiful nature of that relationship in a way that is both relatable and touching.

Whether you have a harmonious or sometimes challenging mother-daughter dynamic, this story will surely resonate with you on some level.

It has the ability to make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the importance of family all at the same time.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking read.
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KarmaSwanson
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This was truly an astonishing discovery.

It was so incredibly easy to read, almost effortlessly flowing through the lines.

Accessible poetry, who would have ever thought that such a thing could exist?

It defies the common perception that poetry is often晦涩难懂 and reserved for a select few.

Here, in this collection, the words seem to dance on the page, inviting the reader in with their simplicity and charm.

Each line is like a little gem, shining with a unique light and offering a new perspective.

Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or someone who has always been intimidated by the form, this accessible poetry is sure to captivate and delight.

It shows that poetry can be for everyone, a source of inspiration, joy, and connection.

So, don't be afraid to give it a try and let the words work their magic on you.

You might just be surprised at what you discover.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
SG3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This would be an excellent Mother's Day gift!

It is not only simple but also sweet. Mothers are always there for us, sacrificing their time and energy to take care of us. On this special day, we should show our appreciation and love for them. This gift is a wonderful way to do just that. It doesn't have to be something expensive or elaborate. Sometimes, the simplest things can mean the most. The sweetness of this gift lies in the thought and care that went into choosing it. It could be a handmade card, a beautiful flower, or a small token of appreciation. Whatever it is, it will surely bring a smile to your mother's face and make her feel loved and special on Mother's Day.
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PlasmaAndroid
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Beautiful poems are like precious gems that sparkle with the essence of human emotions and creativity.

Each poem has its own unique charm, capable of transporting the reader to different worlds, evoking a wide range of feelings.

Some poems are gentle and soothing, like a soft breeze on a warm summer's day, while others are powerful and passionate, like a stormy sea.

Whether it's a sonnet that expresses the depth of love, a haiku that captures a moment of beauty, or a free verse that explores the mysteries of life, poems have the ability to touch our hearts and souls.

I love them all, for they are a source of inspiration, a refuge in times of trouble, and a celebration of the human spirit.

They remind us of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world around us, and they encourage us to look deeper, feel more, and live more fully.

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ds87
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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2.5 ⭐️’s

I have been paying attention to Maya Angelou for some time now, mostly through video media rather than directly engaging with her work. However, I feel that this particular piece was not the most ideal introduction to her writing.

Having observed Angelou for a while, I noticed her discussions about her relationship with her mother. It didn't seem that they were extremely close; rather, their relationship was quite complicated, as was their connection.

I mention this because, although this small book of the poem, which spans 32 pages, is sweet, it also comes across as overly sentimental or sappy. It has the kind of appeal that Hallmark media might have. You can extract something from it, but it lacks true depth. The poem felt more like it was created for the consumption of others rather than being a deeply personal expression from her. It was definitely more average than I had expected from Angelou.

Nevertheless, this experience does not deter me from continuing to explore her writings. I am extremely excited to delve deeper into her books. I can listen to her speak for hours, and I am more than willing to invest that same level of interest and dedication into her work. I firmly believe that there is much more to discover and appreciate in Maya Angelou's literary contributions.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Mih0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A cute, heartfelt little ditty for Mother's Day.

It's a special song that is dedicated to all the wonderful mothers out there.

The lyrics are simple yet full of love and appreciation.

It tells the story of a child's deep affection for their mother and how much they mean to them.

The melody is catchy and easy to remember, making it a joy to sing along to.

Whether it's played on the radio, sung at a Mother's Day concert, or simply shared among family and friends, this little ditty is sure to bring a smile to every mother's face.

It's a beautiful way to show our moms just how much we care and how grateful we are for all that they do.

So, on this Mother's Day, let's all sing this cute, heartfelt little ditty and make our mothers feel truly loved and special.

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Revisionary
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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4.5 stars

This is a really cute poem overall.

The moment I started reading it, I was drawn in by its charm.

The words seemed to flow effortlessly, creating a beautiful and engaging piece.

I truly enjoyed the message that the poem conveyed.

It was simple yet profound, making me think and feel.

The poet did an excellent job of expressing their thoughts and emotions in a way that was easy to understand and relate to.

Overall, I would highly recommend this poem to anyone who enjoys reading poetry.

It's a great example of how a few well-chosen words can have a big impact.

I can't wait to read more of the poet's work in the future.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Eskies
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I read this book with my Mom, and it was truly a beautiful experience.

Maya Angelou skillfully writes about the relationship between a child and their mother, spanning from infancy all the way through the teenage years and into adulthood.

As we reached the teenage part where it said, "During the years when you knew nothing/And I knew everything, I loved you still," my mom and I couldn't help but burst into laughter. It was so incredibly true.

This book is an absolute gem and a perfect choice for Mother's Day. It beautifully captures the essence of the mother-child bond, with all its joys, challenges, and unconditional love.

Whether you're a mother or a child, this book will touch your heart and make you appreciate the special relationship you have with your mom.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and heartwarming read.
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