In this deeply touching and tragic coming-of-age autobiography, Maya Angelou bravely reveals every aspect of her challenging and tumultuous life from the age of 3 to 16. The details are described with such vividness that it feels as if we are right there experiencing it with her.

Despite the hardships she endured, the memoir also contains elements of humor within the narrative. I was truly impressed by Maya, a kind, intelligent, and courageous young girl, even in her naïveté. She was extremely fortunate to have a loving grandmother, whom she affectionately called Momma, and a brother by her side.

Momma was indeed a tough and resilient woman. The outcome of her encounter with Dentist Lincoln was both hilarious, especially when considering Maya's imaginary version and what actually happened.

Perhaps this book is not suitable for all ages, but it is undoubtedly a memorable classic that will touch the hearts and minds of readers for generations to come.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” This powerful quote by Maya Angelou truly encapsulates the essence of her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Set in the American south in the 1930s, the book vividly描绘s Angelou's childhood. Reading and reviewing memoirs is no easy task for me. These are real life events recounted by those who lived through them, and critiquing them seems overly harsh. Of course, it's wonderful when you love a memoir and can give it a glowing 5-star review. But when you don't, it feels cruel to pick apart the reasons why.

There is no question that Angelou was an inspiring woman. However, I didn't always connect with this book as deeply as I had hoped. Some parts are极其upsetting and difficult to read due to the horrific abuse and racial prejudices she endured. On the other hand, some sections move slowly and become rather dull. I didn't find much joy in this book, so while it's a highly impactful read, it's not necessarily the most enjoyable. The most heartwarming parts for me were those that展示ed the beautiful relationship between Maya and her brother, Bailey.

This is an important book that addresses topics and issues that need to be discussed. Angelou does so with heartbreaking honesty and truthfulness, using her beautifully poetic prose. I just found it a bit of a chore at times, and I feel bad even admitting that. As it's part of a series of autobiographies, it ends abruptly at a point where you're left wanting to know more. But I'm not sure if I'll read the next book. Maybe someday! Still, I'm glad I read this one. 3/5. (To clarify, this rating is based on my personal enjoyment as I don't really believe in rating memoirs.)

When I first picked up I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, I was aware of two things.

First, the author had friendships with Oprah and the Clintons. Second, the book was regarded as a classic.

The story is mainly set in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas. Having spent much of my childhood within an hour's drive of Stamps, I found this detail highly interesting.

The account of life as a Negro in rural Arkansas was captivating. Some of it brought back memories of my own childhood, despite being "lily white." Ms. Angelou's vivid description of food made my mouth water. Barbecue. Mmm! Fried chicken. Oh, yeah! I couldn't help but wonder where I could get some.

I was outraged by the shabby treatment Maya and other Negroes in her community received from Whites. I sympathized with their fear of lynchings, which I confess I had never learned much about. I also admired their ability to maintain pride and strength in oppressive circumstances.

However, I did not appreciate the explicit descriptions of Maya's rape at age 8 by her mother's boyfriend, her 11-year-old brother "playing family" in a tent in the backyard, or her emotionless experience with a teenage neighbor that left her pregnant.

These accounts made me feel sick to my stomach and in need of a way to cleanse my mind. I understand that these acts were horrendous, but it seemed that Ms. Angelou went too far in making them as vulgar and disgusting as possible.

It is outrageous to me that this book is used in 9th and 10th grade English classrooms. It is not appropriate for teenagers. I won't repeat the explicit details here, but trust me, I've read trashy romance novels with less detail.

Due to the explicit portions of the book, I cannot recommend it to anyone, whether adult or teenager.

Edited October 2014:

About once a year, I revisit this review and read all the comments people have left. As I get older (now 40 years old) and my kids grow (currently 6-11 years old), I stand by my review even more.

This book is disturbing. The descriptions of sexual abuse are graphic. Words and images have the power to burn into our minds and influence our thinking and decision-making, often without us realizing it. We must be careful about what we expose ourselves to.

I am saddened by the argument in the comments that it's okay for tweens/teens to read this book because it's no worse than what they're exposed to in their interactions with friends or on TV/movies. Just because they've already learned about rape doesn't mean that knowledge is healthy or good for them.

This is called desensitization. When you're exposed to something repeatedly, it loses its power to influence you. Eventually, you become numb or calloused. I don't want to become numb or calloused to the horror of sexual abuse. It would dishonor my friends who have endured it and belittle the 8-year-old victim in my neighborhood.

The other argument for this book is to educate about the terribleness of sexual abuse. But education should always have a purpose. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is only good if you're a contestant on a game show.

Reading this book influenced me in two ways. It made me more committed to choosing age-appropriate materials for my children and to empowering them to handle inappropriate situations.

We talk to our children about how their private parts are only for them and to tell us if anyone asks to see or touch them. We discuss not going somewhere alone with an adult and explain that some movies/TV shows are not suitable for their ages.

We make these choices because an education of this graphic level would have no purpose. It would only horrify and frighten them. Eventually, we will educate our children about the prevalence of child pornography, child sexual abuse, and the sex slave trade. But we won't need to go into graphic detail because the horror of these activities is natural.

After they're educated, we'll offer them outlets for their outrage. We'll provide a list of organizations that fight these atrocities and show them how we can support them with our time and money. We'll teach them to write letters to government officials on behalf of good legislation.

In other words, we'll give them the means to do something with their horror and act on their education. This should be the purpose of all education.

So, you've read the book. You're now "educated." What are you going to do with that education? How has it changed you, your thinking, and motivated your actions? How does this knowledge influence you?

This is an extremely positive review!

It starts with the word "Excellent!!" which clearly indicates the high level of satisfaction the reviewer has.

The addition of the "4.5 Stars" rating further emphasizes the quality of the item being reviewed.

It seems that the reviewer has read the content on Kindle, which could imply that the digital format was also well-received.

Perhaps the reviewer was impressed with the ease of use of the Kindle device or the clarity of the text.

Overall, this review is a great endorsement and is likely to吸引 others to check out the item as well.

It's always nice to see such positive feedback, especially when it comes to something that people have spent time and money on.

Hopefully, the author or publisher will be able to continue providing high-quality content that meets the expectations of their readers.

**"Caged Bird and the Life of Maya Angelou"**

The poem "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou beautifully captures the essence of suppression and the power of the voice. A free bird soars on the wind, claims the sky, while the caged bird, with clipped wings and tied feet, sings of freedom. This simple yet profound poem reflects the reality of many who are forcefully silenced. It shows that even in the face of extreme adversity, the desire to express oneself and strive for freedom cannot be quenched.

  Caged Bird

A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

Maya Angelou's own life was filled with challenges and hardships. Sent to live with her grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas, she experienced the harsh reality of racial discrimination. The North and South were worlds apart for coloured people, and in the South, they were the despised 'niggers'. Her childhood was marked by both material comfort, thanks to her grandmother's store, and the constant fear and hatred from the white community. Even the 'powhitetrash' could insult black people with impunity.

The turning point in her life came when she was raped at the age of eight. This traumatic event led to her becoming a virtual mute for almost five years. Sent back to Stamps, she lived a zombie-like existence until Bertha Flowers introduced her to the world of books, bringing her back to life. Later, at 15, she moved to California to live with her mother. During this time, she faced another traumatic event when she was attacked and stabbed by her father's girlfriend. Despite all these difficulties, Maya found the courage to become a streetcar conductor, an occupation closed to blacks, and emerged as an activist and rebel.

Maya writes with honesty and humour, but the causal tone sometimes takes away from the poignancy of her experiences. Even the rape incident, described in detail, fails to have a profound impact. However, her courage in writing this explicit memoir is to be saluted. As a black woman, she faces multiple disadvantages, but she chooses to attack rather than defend. She throws the hypocrisy of society back in its face and demands to be accepted for who she is.

My mother had always been reluctant to truly open up to me about the abuse she endured as a little girl. The closest we ever got to discussing her harrowing experiences was when we read this deeply painful yet extremely important book together. I envision that Maya's book has provided countless women who have endured similar atrocities with the opportunity to realize that they are never alone in their pain.

Perhaps, just like my mother, it offers them a chance to start the healing process by sharing their story with a loved one.

Rest in peace, Maya. Your words have truly made this planet a better place. If only the rest of us could possess even half of your decency.

We can only hope that her powerful words continue to touch the lives of many and bring about positive change and healing for those who have suffered. Her legacy will surely live on through her work and the impact it has had on so many.

Maya's courage in sharing her own experiences has given others the strength to do the same, and for that, we are truly grateful.

May her memory be a source of inspiration for generations to come.

I must confess that in my life, I have read very little of Angelou's works. However, I will never forget the day when she gave me a $20 tip.

It was a random gray day in Marquette, Michigan, probably in the winter of 2000. I was washing dishes as usual at the downtown Landmark Inn. Suddenly, someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Hey, there's a VIP coming in. Put on your bellboy hat and go out front." But I didn't have a bellboy hat. I was just wearing the same dirty and drenched apron that I wore every day during that one or two years between high school and college. At least, when I wasn't sitting in my crappy little apartment or wasting time and brain cells elsewhere.

When I stepped out into the sub-zero winds, I saw in front of me the most magnificent tour bus I had ever seen in my entire life. Even to this day, I still haven't seen a more splendid one. In fact, the only thing more magnificent than the bus itself was the mink coat on the elderly black woman who got off it. And I will never forget the words she said to my soaked and skinny self on the frozen sidewalk of my youth: "Boy, you'll catch yo' death out here."

If I had stayed outdoors for another hour or so, I suppose I might have proved her right. Instead, I carried her six or seven huge bags inside, into the elevator, and up to her room on the fifth floor of the historic Landmark Inn.

Maya Angelou tipped me $20, and I never even read her damn book.

I truly relished this book. It was a compulsory read for a University course I undertook on Adolescent Literature.

This remarkable book has unfortunately been placed on banned book lists by overly close-minded individuals due to its realistic life content.

The book delicately tackles issues such as molestation, rape, and racism. However, it does so within the framework of the challenges and hardships of growing up.

The book presents these matters in a direct and highly vivid manner, yet it is not overly or needlessly graphic. These are indeed issues that demand to be addressed and discussed with adolescents. In fact, previous generations might have profited from a more open dialogue regarding such topics.

In any case, the book is not solely about these issues; it simply addresses them within the context of Maya Angelou's early life, from approximately age 6 up to around 17 or 18, as I recall.

It is truly worth reading and worthy of having your children read as well. Just make certain to engage in a discussion about its content with them... like a responsible parent should do anyway.

What can I even say?

Maya Angelou was an incredibly remarkable woman. This memoir provided such a deeply poignant and moving window into the world of the numerous difficulties that accompany growing up as a black woman in the south.

Maya endured unspeakable horrors during her life. However, she astonishingly found the inner strength she required to overcome each and every one of those challenges.

There were a few short essays scattered throughout that I wasn't entirely convinced "fit" the memoir as a whole. But for the most part, I was completely enraptured by her powerful and evocative words.

Her writing had the ability to transport me into her world, making me feel every emotion she experienced. It was truly a remarkable and unforgettable reading experience.

I would highly recommend this memoir to anyone looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking story of perseverance and triumph over adversity.

Audiobook...read by Maya Angelou

I wasn't a passionate reader in High School. The few books I did read, such as "Valley of The Dolls", "The Catcher in the Rye", "Franny and Zooey", "The Handmaid’s Tale", and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", were ones that I do remember and have stayed with me all these years.

Nowadays, I'm always on the lookout for good Audiobooks, which fit nicely with my daily tasks, especially my duties as a housekeeper and gardener maintaining our busy AirBnB in the back of our house.

I was inspired when I read a review by Suzy here on Goodreads. She listened to the Audiobook, and I thought it was a great idea, and it sure was.

"An American Classic" that was once a book people wanted banned from schools. Of course, we always pick up new things when we read or listen to a book again. This time around, something that really stood out for me was that Deuteronomy was Maya's favorite book in the Bible.

I knew that Shakespeare was her favorite author, but I hadn't remembered about Deuteronomy and why. As a young child, Maya believed that if people wanted to avoid hell, all they had to do was memorize Deuteronomy and follow its teachings word for word.

When I went through B’nai Mitzvah and studied the Torah, Deuteronomy was my least favorite section. I didn't like the laws, and I remember being happy that our daughters both had Genesis, which deals with creation, as their portion of focus for their Bat Mitzvah.

But recently, I dived into Deuteronomy, inspired by reading "Bitter Orange" by Claire Fuller. In the story, a priest wanted to leave the church, and I wanted to understand why. I concluded that he interpreted Deuteronomy more like a Jew than a Christian.

Back to Maya. She wasn't able to avoid hell. A child who saw abandonment, racism, social injustice, discrimination every day as a child in the south, slavery, rape at 8 years of age, she somehow became a legendary survivor.

"Without willing it, I had gone from being ignorant of being ignorant to being aware of being aware. And the worst part of my awareness was that I wasn't aware of what I was aware of."

This book is timeless, insightful, culturally historical, and Maya's autobiography. The little happy parts that had me smiling were when Marguerite and Baily were children, reading books, playing as little kids do. The meals that came out of grandma's kitchen were abundant. I laughed at a breakfast visual of ham, eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, with so much ham fat poured on top of the tomatoes that they turned white.

Our diets have changed through history, but so much importance in this gem of a book hasn't. Thanks, Suzy, for the Audiobook inspiration! Maya's voice was like having grandma read a bedtime story. She could tell a story, with beautiful prose.

In her nonfiction autobiography, Maya Angelou offers a vivid and detailed account of her life, beginning from her early girlhood and culminating in the birth of her first child at the tender age of 16.

The book immediately captivated me from the very start, thanks to Angelou's remarkable talent with language, her ability to paint vivid scenery, and her skill in infusing each moment with intense emotion. Another powerful draw for me was the fact that it is a nonfiction work. I found myself constantly thinking, "I can't believe she had these experiences."

(SPOILER ALERT) When Maya was just three years old, she and her brother, Bailey, were sent to live with their grandmother in Arkansas following their mother's divorce. They were tasked with performing strenuous, everyday chores, and their grandmother, whom the children affectionately called "Momma," instilled in them the values of religion. At the ages of eight and nine respectively, Maya and Bailey went to live with their mother in California. They were overjoyed to finally know who their mother was - a beautiful, successful, and hardworking woman. However, their happiness was short-lived when Maya was brutally raped by her mother's live-in boyfriend. After testifying in court, Maya lived in constant fear for her brother's safety, as the perpetrator had threatened to kill Bailey if she spoke to anyone about the incident. Fortunately, Maya's fears were soon alleviated when the rapist was killed a few nights later. The children then found themselves in a sort of "ping-pong game," having to move from place to place and learn to adjust to their difficult circumstances. This pattern of movement seemed to mirror the instability of their emotions and identities.

I have a deep love for this book, despite the fact that it has often been censored and banned from schools and classrooms. Given the sensitive issues explored in the book, I believe it would be most beneficial for high school juniors or seniors and older students. Angelou's life was filled with challenges that are almost beyond comprehension, and her unflinching honesty in telling her story is both difficult and captivating. Parents should read the book before passing it on to their teens, but if it is discussed properly, it has the potential to provide numerous teaching and learning opportunities. The book delves into graphic and disturbing conflicts, including (but not limited to) racial prejudice and violence, sexual abuse, violence, strong language, prostitution, and an unwanted pregnancy. If discussed thoughtfully, the book could offer a valuable learning experience for both students and teachers alike, as they embark on a journey of discovery.

I loved it the second time. ❤️‍