I don't assign classifications to memoir books, but this is a book that I will hardly forget.

Obviously, the desire is to continue reading the other 6 volumes of the author's autobiography. However, unfortunately, they are not yet available in Portugal.

This memoir has left a deep impression on me. The author's writing style is engaging and the stories she shares are both interesting and thought-provoking.

Although I haven't been able to read the entire series, this first volume has already made me eager to know more about the author's life.

I hope that the other volumes will be translated and published in Portugal soon so that I can continue this literary journey.

In the meantime, I will cherish this book and recommend it to others who are interested in reading memoirs.

It is truly a remarkable piece of work that offers a unique perspective on the author's life and experiences.

I look forward to seeing what else the author has in store for us in the remaining volumes of her autobiography.

A new approach I’m trying,

is posting a review in progress about a book I really loved. Because if I don’t, I’ll end up posting nothing or just a few words. So hopefully you don’t mind this isn’t the final version... yet!

Review draft 3

Beyond a doubt, this is one of my favourites of the year. And it would probably feature as one of my most influential ever if I had read it as a teenager and not kept putting it off because it was a book I knew I really \\n  should\\n read. I’ve always been stubborn when it comes to things I “should” do. And to this day, I have to keep finding clever ways to get around that teenage glitch in my brain that just won’t let me follow my common sense. I’ll have to create a Top 100 List so I can put it in it. Or maybe 150 since almost all the reading I do is based on great recommendations.

Back to “shoulds”, common sense should lead a woman who knows what’s good for her, regardless of her race or appearance, that she should start reading Maya Angelou from a young age. NOT because Maya Angelou is gonna bore you to death and lecture you about things you should and shouldn’t do. No. And not because she’ll recite to you all the details about what could be looked at as a tragic life and describe to you how clever she was to surmount it. This is one of those books that you should read because Maya Angelou has always been a sheer force of nature and what she did here was simple magic. She told a great story. And that story made you feel your heart expand somehow.

This story describes the life of young Marguerite and her brother Bailey growing up in a most unusual family. She was a very clever, curious, book-loving, “ugly” little black girl in the extremely racist and segregated American South when the story begins. I found one element which made this story special was how much her brother Bailey featured in it. As they obviously shared a beautiful bond and supported each other as they were bounced around between different adult caretakers without ever knowing why they were being carted around.

Bailey was one year her senior, her closest friend and confidant from the moment when little Marguerite, at the age of three, was put with him on a train to be sent to their paternal grandmother to be looked after. As far as the siblings knew, their biological parents had died and they were orphans. Nobody ever told them otherwise. “Momma” was a force to be reckoned with. She owned and ran the local grocery store and was a landowner and a landlord with paying tenants, just outside of Stamps, Arkansas, which was so segregated that it took several years before young Marguerite set eyes on a white person who wasn’t dirty po’ whitetrash.

This is no sob-fest of an orphan’s tale. Even though growing up in her circumstance and coming of age as a black person in America during WWII, having been bounced around with her brother between Stamps, Sans Francisco and St-Louis between her separate parents and whoever the step-parents of the moment were, and Momma, or somewhere in between offered plenty of challenges and harsh life lessons. But for all that, life was a mixed bag and in fact, while recounting her tale as she grows from a small child to a very mature seventeen year-old, there are countless amusing anecdotes.

I won’t ever be able to hear or think of the words “PREACH IT” without having an internal silent belly laugh again. At one point, following an especially dramatic incident in which those words were being repeatedly uttered, little Maya peed herself in an uncontrollable fit of giggles when it just became too much. A truly memorable moment that she illustrates as though you’d experienced it right along with her, especially if you’ve decided to treat yourself to the audio version she so beautifully narrated. Her deep enveloping voice and beautiful spoken English weave a kind of spell on the listener. And then occasionally, when in a church scene for example a song is being sung, her voice naturally flows into the notes, this soulfully singing voice which she doesn’t overplay, but you suddenly remember is a professional singing voice after all.

In any case. PREACH IT! had me laughing out loud while I was walking little Charley in the middle of the night the other day. I don’t think anyone heard me, besides which everyone is used to people seeming to have conversations with themselves while out in public nowadays. However, should you choose to walk around listening to the audiobook as I did and you are a woman too and you suddenly hit a scene that has you giggling to yourself, and then... oops! again!, they sell amazing leakproof undies nowadays. It’s a totally natural thing for women after they’ve had kids or are over 40. Just sayin’.

Timing plays a huge role in our capacity to appreciate any given book. There are books we read and feel are very satisfying and we write enthusiastic reviews and encourage all our friends to read them too. Then there are books we end up disliking, and in some cases, this is because my own life circumstances got in the way and influenced how I perceived the text. Then there are books that come to us when we’ve asked the universe for something, and the universe delivers.

A bit more on that in a next version.

*****

Writing reviews, or doing most anything takes me a lot of physical energy and brain power, which are available to me in limited resources only as an invalid. In past few years I’ve been skipping the effort entirely and have very few notes to look back on for a good number of great books as a consequence. So I decided to give this approach a try. I understand few will read the edits, but that’s ok. It’s all about small steps and at the very least having some work in progress. I’ll remove this note on the final version.

I'm not overly fond of poetry, but I highly doubt there are many individuals who haven't heard of Maya Angelou or her renowned work, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Indeed, people have been singing its praises for an extended period.

This is a new edition of the remarkable memoir that chronicles Angelou's life up to the age of 17. And what a remarkable start it was. Raised by her grandmother and Uncle Willie in Stamps, Arkansas, she and her brother Bailey had limited contact with either of their parents until her grandmother returned the children to their father, who promptly passed them on to their mother. However, this stay ended in tragic circumstances when Angelou was abused by her mother's boyfriend.

This memoir inserts horrific events into the prose like hand grenades. You never anticipate them at all, and Maya Angelou approaches all aspects of her life with the equanimity that her mother, Vivian, exuded (\\"...hoped for the best, prepared for the worst, so anything in between didn't come as a surprise\\").

I now comprehend what everyone was raving about. The prose is impeccable, the story of her life is captivating, and I have become a convert. I will most definitely read her other memoirs.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown for providing the advance review copy. It is most appreciated.

I would have gladly continued reading this book for another 500 pages if it had been an option.

Maya Angelou's autobiography about her childhood is, like life itself, a complex mixture of joy and pain. It delves into the experiences that she endured during her formative years.

However, what is truly remarkable is that she survived the kind of hardships that would have broken many people. Instead of succumbing to the difficulties, she emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined.

Her writing style is nothing short of unique. Her voice comes through loud and clear, direct and unashamed. It is as if she is sitting right beside you, sharing her story with complete honesty and authenticity.

Maya Angelou is truly an American treasure. Her work has had a profound impact on generations of readers, inspiring them to overcome their own challenges and find their own voices. She will always be remembered for her courage, her talent, and her unwavering spirit.

So wonderfully told.

It is a captivating mix of naïveté, anger, and wisdom. And every now and again, there is hilarity that truly makes you want to shout "Preach it!"

As Maya Angelou describes her young self and family, she takes us on a journey from her early childhood all the way to her teens and early motherhood.

The way she presents her experiences is simply beautiful.

Her words paint vivid pictures in our minds, allowing us to feel as if we are right there with her, sharing in her joys and sorrows.

It is a remarkable piece of writing that showcases Angelou's talent and her ability to touch the hearts of readers.

We are drawn into her world and become invested in her story, eager to see what will happen next.

Overall, it is a truly wonderful and engaging read that leaves a lasting impression.

I highly recommend 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' to older teens, but it's essential to have a helpful mentor or adult reading along to assist with interpretation, offer advice, and engage in discussions. Every other mature individual should be able to handle an exposure to real life as depicted in this remarkable work.

Maya Angelou is truly a master at making lemonade out of lemons. Her coming-of-age autobiography is a testament to her courage and authenticity. From a young age, Maya faced numerous challenges. Her parents' divorce left her and her brother in the care of their grandmother in the Jim Crow South. Despite the hardships, Maya remained resilient.
The story takes us through her experiences of racism, poverty, and sexual abuse. However, it is also a story of hope, love, and the power of education. Maya's grandmother, Momma, was a strong and influential figure in her life. She instilled in Maya a love for learning and a sense of pride in her heritage.
As Maya grew older, she continued to face obstacles, but she never gave up. She became a successful writer, poet, and civil rights activist. Her work has inspired generations of people around the world.
In conclusion, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the human spirit and the power of perseverance. It is a powerful and moving story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

The end is so abrupt. It's almost as if the author, in that very moment, had a premonition that she was going to dedicate the remainder of her life to sharing her story.

This work is a masterpiece, plain and simple. It will continue to endure, even as the language evolves and becomes more and more archaic with the passage of time. The reason is that pure human experience goes beyond the limitations of words. It can be felt and understood in the spaces between the words, if only the reader is willing to open themselves up and let it in.

This story has the power to touch the hearts and souls of readers, regardless of the era in which it is read. It speaks to the universal human condition and the emotions that we all share.

It is a testament to the author's talent and her ability to capture the essence of life in her writing.

So good!

It is truly an amazing piece that leaves me completely captivated.

The content is engaging and well-written, making it a pleasure to read.

I find myself completely immersed in it, unable to put it down.

Each sentence is crafted with precision, and the overall flow is seamless.

I can't wait to read the next one.

The anticipation is killing me.

I'm sure it will be just as good, if not better.

Who knows what wonderful surprises await in the next installment?

I'm on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting for it to be released.

This is definitely a series that I will be following closely.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ein Jahres-Highlight ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of the most anticipated annual highlights is finally here! It's a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate and enjoy. This event brings a sense of excitement and joy that spreads throughout the community. Whether it's a music festival, a sports championship, or a cultural fair, there's something for everyone to look forward to.

The preparations for this highlight are often months in the making. Organizers work tirelessly to ensure that every detail is perfect. From booking the best performers to setting up the venue, no stone is left unturned. And when the day finally arrives, the atmosphere is electric.

People flock to the event, eager to experience all that it has to offer. They dance, sing, cheer, and have a great time. It's a chance to forget about the stresses of everyday life and just let loose. This annual highlight truly is a special time that creates memories that will last a lifetime.

I had to read this one again--as an adult. And I still don't think that I've read a memoir that utilizes the language, imagery, and lyrical prose like the one within this book. Maya Angelou's writing is stunning. Captivating.

What I liked though, is the way in which culture and environment have as much to do with this memoir as it has to do with the author. If you ever had doubts, or wanted to learn about what it was like for a black girl, growing up in the South before the 60's, her memoir will show you. With this book, you also get good pacing: the author is a naive kid (the book starts when she is three years old) she grows up (ends at high school), she makes difficult decisions, and you're there for the ride.

Abandoned by her parents during their divorce, 3-year-old Maya is sent to live with her grandmother--the strict, church-going woman, and the only black business woman in Arkansas during those days. Not long after, she is sent back to live with her mother in St. Louis. At eight years old, something tragic happens to her, changing her outlook and personality. She returns to the South and to grandma (although you will see a lot of moving back and forth between her parents and grandparents).

Books became her escape and therapy. "I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare. He was my first white love," she writes.

And she tells of her confusion growing up: "if growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat."

Besides the cultural and racial scenery that she produces as she writes--one that makes you understand why she writes the way she writes--she also has imagery to captivate you. Some amusing.

Like how the young narrator chooses to describe the way she pees herself when she has to give a speech: "...a green persimmon, or it could have been a lemon, caught me between the legs and squeezed. I tasted the sour on my tongue and felt it in the back of my mouth. Then before I reached the door, the sting was burning down my legs and into my Sunday socks. I tried to hold it, to squeeze it back, to keep it from speeding, but when I reached the church porch I knew I'd have to let it go, or it would probably run right back up to my head and my poor head would burst like a dropped watermelon, and all the brains and spit and tongue and eyes would roll all over the place."

Maya Angelou's memoir is not just a story of her life but a vivid portrayal of a time and place. It shows the struggles and triumphs of a black girl growing up in a racially divided society. Her use of language and imagery makes the book come alive, allowing the reader to experience her world through her eyes. It is a powerful and moving read that will stay with you long after you have finished the last page.

A beautiful, deeply personal, yet historically important telling of Maya Angelou's life up til her 17th year.

This is a book that I truly feel I should have read a long time ago. In fact, this is the very first work of hers that I have had the pleasure of reading.

I was immediately struck by her as an elegant writer. Her words flow easily, making it a breeze to read, yet each and every word is so perfectly chosen. It's as if she is painting vivid pictures with precision, allowing the reader to step right into her world.

She lived through an incredible amount. Just being born into the time and place that she was - a black woman in the southern US during segregation, with the KKK still very much alive and well - that alone would have been enough to fill an entire book. But on top of that, she and her brother were constantly being shipped back and forth between her grandmother and mother. She endured the horrors of molestation and rape at the tender age of 8. And yet, despite all of this, she still managed to develop a deep love of literature and writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her grandmother, who was truly a remarkable woman. The story about Maya's toothache and the white dentist's treatment of her will stay with me for a long time.

I hope to explore more of her works, whether it be her poetry or further installments of her autobiography. I can't wait to see what else she has to share with the world.

Maya Angelou was truly a remarkable figure, larger than life, endowed with multi-faceted talents and an extraordinary gift.

No wonder her descriptions were so incredibly vivid, capable of indelibly communicating even the most complex and profound emotions. This was especially evident in her portrayal of that time in her young life when she didn't speak.

In hindsight, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" revealed a wealth of information about the lived experience of overcoming racist cruelty. However, the power for me, when reading her first memoir, lay elsewhere.

Immersed in the vividness of each Teaching Tale, one after another, I felt as if I was personally experiencing each incident. But I couldn't quite lose myself completely in each chapter. You see, as I read, I was certain that Maya could never find the courage to go on. After all, I wouldn't have dared to continue, let alone achieve triumph. Yet, Maya always persevered.

Because she took me along on her journey, allowing me to learn from her example, her book expanded my sense of possibility. It was the beginning of my transformation, making me less timid and teaching me again and again that I had the power to refuse to give up.

Now, thinking about this book, I can appreciate how Angelou's virtuosity as a writer could have made her memoir a classic simply for its entertainment value, providing readers with the experience of vivid stories masterfully told.

But for me, this magnificent autobiography offered something more profound. Individually and collectively, these chapters held a different meaning: they gave me countless opportunities to learn courage.

Through reading, I began to hope that I too might come to live vividly, not just with an inner vividness but also to live boldly in the world, and perhaps even to make a difference for others.