Gripping.

This is the word that comes to my mind when I think about this book. The author's writing is so vivid and engaging that I was able to easily put together every scene in my head. It was like watching a movie unfold before my eyes.

I have to admit that I am a big fan of her writing style. She has a way of making the characters come alive and the story so interesting that I couldn't put the book down.

Every page was filled with excitement and anticipation, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read. It is definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time.

A man is born, lives, tries, and dies...

But it wasn't God who took him out of this world, it was another man.

This is the story of two very, very different people with one thing in common: civil rights.

We follow Dr. Angelou as she deals with the deaths of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, two fundamental men not only in her life but in her history.

I must say that there isn't much to say about this book, because it is more of an experience than anything else.

One of the best parts without a doubt is the relationship with James "Jimmy" Baldwin and the way she encouraged him to write about himself and create a masterpiece like I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings from a tragedy.

It's a powerful and moving account that shows the impact of these events on Dr. Angelou's life and work.

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in civil rights, African American history, or the power of the written word.

It offers a unique perspective on some of the most important events of the 20th century and shows how one person can make a difference.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as I have relished all of Angelou's other autobiographies.

The sense of progression through time is truly captivating. Once again, I was able to gain a remarkable understanding of her numerous accomplishments, extraordinary talents, and unwavering confidence.

I truly admire her courage in simply attempting various things. At the end, she agrees to something in a media form despite having no prior experience in that particular area, although she is well-versed in the topic. Then, she almost declines something in which she has a wealth of experience.

This book contains both moments of laughter and tears. Angelou endured significant political upheavals, changes, and tragedies. She skillfully portrays her own grief and that of others beautifully, without melding the two.

Just like all of the previous volumes, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It offers a profound and engaging look into the life and experiences of a remarkable woman.

Maya Angelou is a truly remarkable individual.

Approximately 15 years ago, I had the great fortune to listen to her speak at Symphony Hall in Boston.

Naturally, there were hundreds of people in attendance, yet it seemed as if she was addressing me personally.

This book, similar to some of her other works, is an autobiography focused on her mid-life, and it is extremely worthwhile to read.

Oh, if only she could have imparted her wisdom to all of us.

She was not perfect, but she possessed a perspective that spanned the ages, a perspective that people today so desperately need.

Her words and her life story have the power to inspire and enlighten, and this book is a testament to her remarkable spirit and her ability to touch the hearts of those who encounter her work.

It is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

I have always had a profound love for Maya Angelou's early autobiographies.

In the 1970s, when I was just a teenager, I delved into the pages of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." That book was an absolute revelation to me. I was captivated by her brutally honest yet beautifully written account of her life.

As a young woman, I continued to explore several other of her books, and with each one, I felt a deep connection, as if I was growing up right alongside Maya Angelou herself.

Recently, at a library sale, I discovered the CD version of "A Song Flung Up to Heaven." Listening to Angelou's own beautiful, deeply melodic voice narrate the story was an absolute delight. The book tells the moving tale of her return from Africa to the US and the heartbreak she endured with the loss of Malcolm X and then Martin Luther King.

However, I must admit that it doesn't quite have the same powerful impact as "...Caged Bird..." and "Gather Together in My Name." Nevertheless, I still thoroughly enjoyed listening to Angelou's narration.

If you're interested in experiencing the magic of Maya Angelou's works, I highly recommend looking for this and other of her books on Libby/Overdrive.

Only today did I make a discovery. I learned that "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is just the first installment of a six-part series of memoirs penned by Angelou. I ended up reading this one out of sequence simply because it was the only one accessible at my local library. However, having delved into this initial part, I find myself now truly excited to explore the other four parts in the middle. I can't wait to uncover more of Angelou's life experiences and the profound insights she shares through her writing. It's like embarking on a journey through her world, and I'm eager to see what lies ahead in the subsequent volumes of this captivating memoir series.

Up to this point, every single book in her autobiography series has managed to evoke a wide range of intense emotions deep within me.

This remarkable series has truly been the absolute highlight of my entire month. I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude that she finally yielded to the idea of penning an autobiography.

Through these pages, I have not only learned countless valuable lessons but also experienced a plethora of profound feelings. And most importantly of all, I have been truly inspired.

At the end of the day, she has discovered her unique place in this vast world. And I firmly believe that we all will do the same eventually. ❤️

It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know Maya as intimately as we possibly could. I suppose I will now spend the remainder of this month delving into her other remarkable publications, eager to uncover more of her fascinating stories and gain further inspiration from her words.

From Malcolm X to Martin Luther King. And Maya Angelou & James Baldwin to the duet that I needed <3.

We had journeyed a great distance from where we began, and were nowhere near reaching the destination we had to arrive at. However, we were on the path to improvement.

I would have to closely inspect the quality within the human spirit that persists in rising despite the numerous hardships and misfortunes.

Rise above physical pain and the psychological cruelties.

Rise and be ready to move forward continuously.

No matter how low you may feel at present, I am aiming for higher ground.

I understand why the caged bird sings. Why are you looking at me like that? I didn't come to remain stagnant.

These words inspire us to keep going, to strive for a better future, and to never give up in the face of adversity. They remind us that the human spirit is capable of great things, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

We should all take a lesson from these remarkable individuals and find the strength within ourselves to rise above our challenges and reach for the stars.

Maya Angelou's prose is gorgeously flowing, truly a delight to read.

As we engage with the people in her life, following her journey from Ghana to Hawaii, then to California and finally to New York within just a couple of years, a sense of comfort washes over us. We realize that if it was okay for Maya Angelou not to be firmly settled in a career, a place of rest with a family, then it must surely be okay for others as well.

Throughout her reminisces, she writes so lovingly about her brother Bailey, small in stature yet sharp of wit and with a large heart. She also mentions her other close friends like James Baldwin, Jerry Purcell, and the unexpected friend Dolly McPherson. To me, this adds to the warmth of this remarkable lady. The love she inspired in her friends and the impressive support she received – and nurtured within herself – for her cause of attaining greater equality in African-American culture is truly inspiring.

Her words paint a vivid picture of a life full of experiences, friendships, and a passion for making a difference.

When Maya returns from Ghana, the first person she reaches out to is Malcolm X. She has plans to spend some quality time with her mother and brother in San Francisco before commencing her work with Malcolm in New York. However, tragedy strikes when Malcolm is assassinated. Maya is completely devastated by this news. What shocks her even more is the apathetic reaction of the people around her.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...

The story is narrated by an older Maya, played by Adjoa Andoh. Maya is portrayed by Pippa Bennett-Warner, Malcolm X by Don Gilet, Bailey by Samuel Anderson, and the mother by Ellen Thomas. It has been dramatised by Patricia Cumper and produced and directed by Pauline Harris.

The book also features ratings for some of Maya's works such as 3* for "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", 4* for "The Heart of a Woman", 3* for "Mom & Me & Mom", 4* for "A Song Flung Up To Heaven", and 5* for "His Day Is Done: A Nelson Mandela Tribute".

The original article seems to be rather short and lacking in specific content. However, I will do my best to expand and rewrite it while keeping it "wonderful and a joy to read."

Original Article: This is a great story. It's interesting and engaging.

Expanded Article: This is truly a remarkable and outstanding story. From the very beginning, it has the power to captivate the reader's attention and keep them fully engaged. The plot unfolds in a most interesting and unexpected way, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and come to life on the page, making you feel as if you know them personally. The writing style is smooth and flowing, making it a pleasure to read. Whether you're a fan of fiction or simply looking for an enjoyable read, this story is sure to satisfy. It's a wonderful piece of literature that will leave you with a sense of joy and fulfillment.

I hope this meets your requirements. If you have any further suggestions or need any additional changes, please let me know.

Recently, I came across a profound statement by Maya Angelou that "easy reading is hard writing."

This particular book truly exemplified that. When I describe it as an easy read, I mean it was accessible and suited to my stay-at-home mom lifestyle.

I seldom have a moment of solitude, yet I managed to finish this book in just a few sittings.

I greatly valued the concise yet rich and even poetic chapters that detailed Maya's life and her associations with remarkable figures like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., and James "Jimmy" Baldwin.

It was endearing to witness such a distinguished woman, in her late 30s like myself, penning about her friendships and the misadventures in love.

Her words painted a vivid picture of her experiences, allowing me to step into her world and gain a deeper understanding of her journey.

Overall, this book was a delightful and enlightening read that I would highly recommend to others.