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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I truly relished Maya's nuggets of wisdom within this book.

Her words were like precious gems that shone brightly, offering valuable insights and perspectives.

Each tidbit was carefully crafted, presenting profound ideas in a simple and understandable way.

It was as if Maya was sharing her life experiences and lessons learned, making it easy for the reader to connect and apply them to their own lives.

The book was not only informative but also inspiring, leaving me with a sense of motivation and a desire to grow.

I found myself constantly reflecting on the wisdom I had gained, and it had a positive impact on my mindset and outlook.

Maya's tidbits of wisdom will surely stay with me for a long time, serving as a guiding light in my journey through life.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration and a dose of practical wisdom.
July 15,2025
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As Angelou said, \\"life is just adventures, and the sooner we realize this, the faster we will be able to consider it an art\\" and that \\"the art of living life requires an ability to forgive\\". The compilation of texts posted here is of great value regarding what we should arm ourselves with to be guided to be better with ourselves and consequently with others.


In passages about the conditions of women, religiosity, racism, our clothing and their impacts on others, as well as the need to be vigilant about the ways we allow others to address us, Angelou does as in Letter to My Daughter and guides her reader to abandon pettiness in favor of openness to oneself and to others in a beautiful and essential work as the writer was and is. I had an excellent reading.


Angelou's words offer profound insights into the human experience. Her understanding of life as an adventure encourages us to embrace new opportunities and challenges with courage and curiosity. The idea that the art of living requires forgiveness is also a powerful one, as it allows us to let go of grudges and move forward in a more positive way. The texts in this compilation cover a wide range of important topics, and Angelou's guidance on how to approach them is both practical and inspiring. Overall, this is a wonderful collection of writing that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their understanding of themselves and others.

July 15,2025
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This was an excellent book to peruse during a laid-back vacation in Maryland. I retrieved it from a bookshelf in the guest room at the Martin's residence.

I commenced reading while savoring a fresh and warm bagel for breakfast. An hour later, I had completed it.

Some of my favored aspects included the story of Miss Annie Johnson who forged her own path. Momma's (Maya's grandmother) remarks about complainers were also quite interesting. Additionally, the chapter regarding "Getups" or fashion was captivating.

Here are some quotes from the book: "We are more alike, my friends, Than we are unalike." And "Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art: to bring all our energies to each encounter, to remain flexible enough to notice and admit when what we expected to happen did not happen." This book truly enhanced my vacation experience and provided me with valuable insights and entertainment.

It was a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and allowed me to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of reading. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

July 15,2025
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Wisdom and grace, these are the remarkable attributes that I most closely associate with Maya Angelou.

Currently, in my personal life, there are numerous aspects that require my attention, and of course, the situation in my country is far from ideal. It's often difficult not to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and constantly in search of solutions and answers.

It is also Black History Month, and Angelou is an inspiration to women everywhere, regardless of their race. She covers a wide range of topics, from style and humor to faith and charity. One can randomly open any page of her book and discover something impressive, something to think about, and something to strive to emulate.

Two quotes in particular have stayed with me. The first is a wonderful definition of what it means to be a woman: "Woman 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 either and courage will be among the first to celebrate victory." Written almost fifteen years ago, this quote is still highly relevant today, perhaps even more so.

The second quote can be applied in many different ways, whether it's in making health decisions, in our personal lives, or in the current political climate and how we feel about the events happening in our world. "Each of us has the right and the responsibility to assess the roads that lie ahead, and those over which we have traveled, and if the future road looks ominous or unpromising and the roads back uninviting, than we need to gather our resolve and, carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction. If the new choice is also unpalatable, without embarrassment, we must be ready to change that as well." While it may be easier said than done, it serves as a valuable reminder. Maya Angelou is truly a wise woman who has witnessed and experienced so much.

July 15,2025
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We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike. This simple yet profound statement holds great truth. In a world that often seems divided by differences, it is essential to recognize the commonalities that bind us together. We all share basic human emotions such as love, joy, sadness, and fear. We all have dreams and aspirations, whether it is to have a happy family, a successful career, or to make a positive impact on the world. We all face challenges and obstacles in life, and we all have the capacity to overcome them. By focusing on our similarities rather than our differences, we can build stronger relationships, foster greater understanding, and work together towards a more harmonious and peaceful world. Let us remember that we are all part of the same human family, and that our similarities far outweigh our differences.
July 15,2025
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Maya Angelou was an incredibly wise individual. Her profound insights and remarkable wisdom are truly astonishing.

The essays she has written have only served to strengthen and solidify my unwavering belief in her as one of the greatest writers of all time.

Her words have the power to touch the hearts and souls of readers, leaving a lasting impact.

Maya Angelou's writing is a testament to her literary genius and her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas with such grace and eloquence.

She has a unique perspective on life, and her works offer valuable lessons and inspiration.

It is no wonder that she is held in such high regard by people all over the world.

Maya Angelou's contributions to the world of literature are truly invaluable, and her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

July 15,2025
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While I have a deep love and admiration for Maya Angelou, I must admit that this particular book left me with a somewhat scattered and piecemeal impression. It felt as if she was touching on a wide variety of topics, but not fully exploring any of them in great depth. I found myself longing for her to select just a few of the themes she presents in the book and really delve into them, providing more detailed insights and analysis.


Overall, it was an okay read. There were certainly some interesting passages and ideas, but it didn't quite capture the essence and power that I have come to expect from her works. It's not that it was a bad book by any means, but rather that it didn't reach the same heights as some of her other masterpieces. I will continue to be a fan of Maya Angelou and look forward to reading more of her work in the future, hoping to find that same level of inspiration and beauty that I have experienced in the past.

July 15,2025
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Another Magnificent Maya Masterpiece!

Once again, I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to read another remarkable book penned by this wonderful American hero, Maya Angelou. She has the unique ability to gather her profound thoughts and concepts and present them in a series of captivating essays. Each essay is a treasure trove of wisdom, offering valuable insights into life, love, and the human experience.

As is typical of her writing style, the words flow beautifully and effortlessly, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of the story. This engaging style makes the topics she explores not only interesting but also highly believable.

This holiday season, I have treated myself to a collection of Maya Angelou books, and this particular one was a pleasant discovery that I had previously missed. Reading her works has enriched my life, and I am confident that it will have the same effect on you should you take the time to explore them.

I cannot recommend her books highly enough. They are a source of inspiration, motivation, and enlightenment, and I encourage everyone to give them a chance.
July 15,2025
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Some selections are interesting.

However, they are not as developed as I would like them to be.

It seems that there is still room for improvement in terms of depth and detail.

Perhaps more research could be done to enhance the content and make it more engaging.

The ideas presented have potential, but they need to be further explored and expanded upon.

This would help to create a more comprehensive and satisfying piece.

Overall, while the selections have their merits, they could benefit from additional development to reach their full potential.
July 15,2025
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Several of the essays presented in this collection were unfortunately too trite and simplistic. They seemed to lack depth and originality, failing to offer any truly novel perspectives or insights. However, on the other hand, there were several others that were extremely thought-provoking. These essays managed to engage my mind and make me think deeply about various topics. They presented complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner, challenging my preconceived notions and expanding my understanding. I found myself constantly highlighting passages and making notes as I read through them. I'm really looking forward to going back through the entire collection with a highlighter, carefully re-reading those thought-provoking essays and extracting every bit of wisdom and inspiration they have to offer.

July 15,2025
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I hardly ever listen to audio books. However, this particular one is truly worth it.

Maya Angelou's voice is incredibly endearing and soothing. It has a magical quality that immediately captures your attention and makes you feel at ease.

Her wise words are like precious pearls that fall gently into your ears, both relaxing and empowering you. As you listen, you can't help but be inspired by her profound insights and life experiences.

I have developed a deep love and admiration for this remarkable woman. Her words have the power to touch your soul and leave a lasting impression.

Listening to this audio book has been a truly transformative experience for me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a source of inspiration and comfort.
July 15,2025
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Maya Angelou's collection of short essays is truly inspirational and brimming with wisdom.

She writes from the unique perspectives of being an African American and a woman, yet her thoughts can be deeply appreciated by anyone.

She is more than willing to share the rich experiences from her remarkable journey through life to vividly illustrate her profound ideas.

Her writing possesses a timeless quality that transcends the boundaries of time and context, even though the book was first published in 1993.

The title of the collection is ingeniously taken from the lyrics of an African American spiritual that beautifully encapsulates the essence of life's journey.

The chorus of the song goes like this:

"Oh, I wouldn't take nothin' for my journey now

Gotta make it to Heaven somehow

Though the devil tempts me and he tried to turn me around

He's offered everything that's got a name

All the wealth I want and worldly fame

If I could, still I wouldn't take nothin' for my journey now."

This song lyric not only serves as a powerful title but also sets the tone for the entire collection, inviting readers to embark on their own personal journeys of self-discovery and growth.
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