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Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now

maya angelou

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Maya Angelou, one of the best-loved authors of our time, shares the wisdom of a remarkable life in this best-selling spiritual classic. This is Maya Angelou talking from the heart, down to earth and real, but also inspiring. This is a book to treasured, a book about being in all ways a woman, about living well, about the power of the word, and about the power do spirituality to move and shape your life. Passionate, lively, and lyrical, Maya Angelou's latest unforgettable work offers a gem of truth on every page.


From the Paperback edition.

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 21,1993

This edition

Format
144 pages, Paperback
Published
May 12, 1997 by Bantam
ISBN
9780553380170
ASIN
0553380176
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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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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Renee96
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Maya Angelou's gentle wisdom is truly a gem, and what makes it even more special is the hint of humor that is skillfully intertwined within it.

Her words have the power to touch our hearts and make us think deeply, while also bringing a smile to our faces.

I often find myself longing for more of both - her profound wisdom and her light-hearted humor.

In a world that can sometimes be so serious and overwhelming, her unique blend of the two is like a refreshing breeze.

It helps us to see the beauty and the joy in life, even in the midst of challenges.

I wish there were more people like Maya Angelou, who could share their gentle wisdom and humor with the world, making it a better and more enjoyable place for all of us.

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MushiOtaku
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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When you find yourself in desperate need of some truly powerful feminist wisdom and words that can inspire and uplift you, I highly recommend turning to Maya. Her writing is not just beautiful but also deeply profound and moving.


"Wouldn't Take Nothing" is a remarkable collection of short essays. Spanning various topics such as feminism, faith, fashion, and travel, this 127-page classic is a true reflection of her life experiences and is filled with precious nuggets of wisdom that she is eager to impart upon others. The opening essay, "In All Ways a Woman," sets the perfect tone for the rest of the book.


As she so eloquently states, "Women should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible, and live long lives. The struggle for equality continues unabated, and the woman warrior who is armed with wit and courage will be among the first to celebrate victory." Her words serve as a powerful reminder that women are strong, multifaceted beings who deserve to be treated with equality and respect. Through her writing, Maya encourages us all to embrace our femininity, to be勇敢 in the face of challenges, and to never give up on the pursuit of our dreams.

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Anime_is_average
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Angelou is truly a remarkable figure, and she always has something fascinating to share. Her words have the power to captivate and inspire. In this collection of vignettes, each one offers a unique perspective and a nugget of wisdom. I found myself completely engrossed in her stories and could have easily spent more time with each one.

One of the vignettes that really stood out to me was the one about travel being a cure for bigotry. It made me reflect on my own experiences and how traveling to different places and meeting people from diverse backgrounds has broadened my horizons. Angelou's insights on this topic are both profound and timely.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection of vignettes and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring read. Angelou's words will stay with you long after you've finished the book. 4.5⭐️

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Takros_Knonnar
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Maya Angelou delves deep into the fabric of life and shares some of the profound lessons she has gleaned throughout her journey. Faith, racism, grieving, and respect are just a few of the many topics that are explored within the pages of this remarkable book.

Most of the lessons that this author expounds upon are truly inspiring, but there is one in particular that stands out and that I hold dear. It pertains to the concept of moving in new directions. There are times in our lives when we reach a crossroads and find ourselves dissatisfied with the trajectory our lives are taking or with the choices that lie before us. In such moments, Angelou advises that we must have the courage to step off the beaten path and forge a brand-new one for ourselves. In essence, we need to tap into our creativity and create new opportunities and possibilities. It is an incredibly rewarding feeling when we can finish reading a book and feel that we have acquired something of great value that we can then apply to our own lives, helping us to grow and evolve.

This idea of forging a new path is not only applicable to our personal lives but also to our professional and social lives. It encourages us to break free from the constraints of the status quo and to embrace change and innovation. By doing so, we can open ourselves up to a world of new experiences and adventures, and ultimately, lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

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Kiyose_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A wonderful book awaits women, filled to the brim with precious wisdom. This book is like a guiding light in the often complex journey of a woman's life. It offers insights and advice on various aspects, from relationships to career, from self-discovery to personal growth.


The words within its pages are carefully crafted to inspire, motivate, and empower women. It provides practical tips and strategies that can be easily implemented in daily life. Whether a woman is facing challenges or seeking to enhance her existing qualities, this book has something valuable to offer.


It is a must-read for every woman who desires to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. With its wealth of wisdom, it has the potential to transform lives and help women reach their full potential. So, pick up this wonderful book and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

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Saito-h
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I inhaled this book this morning.

I was truly amazed and couldn't believe that it knew me so well.

The words seemed to leap off the pages and speak directly to my soul.

It was like a warm embrace on a cold day, or a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a little inspiration or a boost of positivity.

It has the power to uplift your spirits and make you see the world in a whole new light.

After reading it, I felt like I could take on anything that came my way.

It was exactly what I needed at that moment, and I'm sure it will be for you too.

Don't miss out on this wonderful literary gem.

Pick it up and let it work its magic on you.

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jinxses
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I really enjoyed this quick read, especially towards the end. It gave me several lessons and reminders that are very beneficial.

Although I didn't find it to be transcendent and I didn't feel particularly connected to the passages about God, this book still touched me because the author tells common experiences that are easy to identify with. She teaches people to live through her experience.

"So you catch yourself about complaining, Sister. What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain." This piece of advice is really practical. It reminds us that instead of complaining about things we don't like, we should take action to change them or change our perspective.

"If I am careful enough about the kinds of seeds I plant, about their potency and their nature, I can, within reason, trust my expectations." This quote also makes a lot of sense. It implies that if we are thoughtful and intentional about the things we do and the choices we make, we can have reasonable expectations and trust that things will work out. Overall, this book has some valuable insights that can help us live better lives.
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AlterGio
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly adore and treasure every single word that this remarkable woman wrote.

Her book, which is filled with short essays, is a veritable treasure trove of wisdom and invaluable advice on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Each essay is like a precious gem, shining with insights that can help us navigate the challenges and joys of our daily existence.

Whether it's about finding inner peace, building strong relationships, or pursuing our dreams, her words offer guidance and inspiration.

I find myself constantly turning back to this book, seeking comfort and wisdom in its pages.

It has become a trusted companion on my journey through life, and I am deeply grateful for the gift of her writing.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to live well and make the most of every moment.
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