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I read this remarkable book several years ago, and today, I found myself engaged in a lively discussion about it with a dear friend. It's truly astonishing how a book can become such an integral part of one's life. It's like receiving a precious gift that keeps on giving. Maya Angelou weaves not just one, not just two, but three captivating stories simultaneously. You might initially think you're only delving into a single narrative, but as you progress, you realize the depth and complexity. Angelou is teaching in Ghana, and she is filled with wonder and a sense of belonging as she surrounds herself with people who look like her, experiencing that profound feeling of coming home to Mother Africa. However, she gradually unpacks the truth that the USA is also her home, and she must let go of her attachment to Mother Africa. Concurrently, her son accompanies her to Ghana, and he too is in the process of letting go of his mother. Angelou beautifully captures the essence of both the coming and the going, the embracing and the releasing. And then there's the third story, that of an expatriate, a person of privilege, living in a country rich in culture and emerging from the shadow of a colonial "mother." There might even be a fourth story unfolding simultaneously, adding yet another layer of intrigue. I'm simply amazed that this book is not part of the high school canon. It is both accessible and complex, making it a truly valuable and enriching read. Thank you, Maya Angelou, for sharing your wisdom and insights with the world.