Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
40(40%)
3 stars
27(27%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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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.
July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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What a truly wonderful book this is!

I have an immense love for Angelou's autobiographies. They possess an extraordinary quality of being so deeply human. One moment, they can make you burst into laughter with their vivid and engaging descriptions. And then, on the very next page, you find yourself sobbing uncontrollably, moved by the profound emotions and experiences she shares.

Angelou is a fantastic storyteller. Her words have the power to transport you into her world, making you feel as if you are right there with her, living through every moment. This book is especially appealing to anyone who is currently living or has lived in another country. It offers a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of adapting to a new culture, and the universal themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery that resonate with people from all walks of life.

July 15,2025
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I am truly grateful to myself for taking on these books.

Reading has always been a passion of mine, and these particular books have opened up new worlds and perspectives for me.

Each page turn is like a new adventure, filled with knowledge, emotions, and inspiration.

By challenging myself to read these books, I have not only expanded my vocabulary and understanding but also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of words.

I am proud of the effort I have put in and look forward to continuing this journey of self-discovery through literature.

It is a reminder that we should always take the time to invest in ourselves and explore the wonderful world of books.
July 15,2025
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An exhaustive search for personal identity is a journey filled with both loss and gain. Along the way, there are honest embarrassing mistakes that make us cringe, unexpected moments of pride that make us stand tall, and drops of rich African joy that warm our hearts.

However, my only complaint would be that in the final quarter or so of the story, it seemed to drag on a bit. I had the feeling that it could have easily ended 20 or 30 pages earlier. The pacing slowed down, and I found myself eager for the conclusion.

Nevertheless, I am grateful for having read this. It has opened my eyes to different perspectives and experiences. It has made me reflect on my own journey of self-discovery and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the human spirit. Despite its flaws, this story has left a lasting impression on me.
July 15,2025
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It's always an absolute pleasure to immerse oneself in the graceful prose of Angelou.

This time around, the subject matter she presents offers something truly novel. While there are indeed familiar elements present, such as her deep connection with the civil rights struggle, her tender relationship with her son, and her rather tangled love life, it is the exploration of the experience of being a black American in Africa that stands out as the most captivating.

In addition to the sense of dislocation that all expats inevitably experience, there is the complex issue of racial heritage. There is often a difficult realization about the differences between African and African-American cultures.

Even more powerful is the scene towards the end that involves a meal with German and Jewish guests. For them, the Holocaust is a painfully fresh memory, one that they attempt to cover up with black humor. This scene adds an extra layer of depth and poignancy to the narrative, making it all the more memorable.

Angelou's writing continues to be a source of inspiration and enlightenment, and this work is no exception.
July 15,2025
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Beautiful writing indeed! I was truly transported to Ghana along with Maya Angelou in the past few days. It was an incredibly immersive experience. Her words have such a powerful impact that I felt as if I was right there with her, witnessing the scenes she described. I am now inspired to read more of her books. Each one seems to be a treasure trove of wisdom and emotion, speaking directly to my heart. I can't wait to explore more of her literary works and continue this journey of discovery.

July 15,2025
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I purchased this on Amazon a couple of weeks ago and recently got it in the mail.

After the Orlando shooting that has our country reeling, I was in a state of deep turmoil. I needed to find an escape, not just from my overactive mind but also from the pain that had settled in my heart.

So, last night, I picked up this book and began to read. Before I knew it, the sun was coming up, and I had finished it.

I'm at a loss for words when it comes to this book. I don't know how to express, in any proper way, the emotions it evoked in me. Compared to the profound words of Dr. Angelou, any attempt of mine might seem vulgar.

We were given a brief but precious glimpse into Dr. Angelou's life. Her time in Ghana, and the difficult period immediately following her son's accident.

The story was not only a journey into the beautiful country of Ghana but also a journey into her complex and fascinating mind. And both aspects were truly beautiful.

After Orlando, I wept bitterly. But after reading "AGCNTS", I found myself smiling.

We truly miss you, Mother Angelou.

July 15,2025
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Wow. This book is truly remarkable, filled with profound lines and captivating stories. Malcolm X's account of realizing his mistake and coming to the understanding that not all whites are the devil, along with his commitment to publicly preaching about his change in beliefs, is both moving and thought-provoking. Ms Angelou's experience of dating an African man who fails to understand her desire for independence, even when he offers her marriage and financial support, adds another layer of complexity. The incident where Maya Angelou is invited to a German's house for an unknown reason and brings an Israeli as her guest, resulting in palpable tension and the still-burning fire of racism during the meal, is a powerful illustration of the challenges of cultural differences.

Moreover, Ms Angelou's interactions with her son as he grows into a young adult, and her awareness of her own self-pity and waning control over him, are both honest and relatable. She unflinchingly observes herself and shares her true motives, self-pity, pettiness, and desire to be liked, making this a more honest autobiography than one might typically encounter.

Throughout the book, she embarks on a quest for home. In Ghana, she searches for the roots that were forcibly taken from her, yet as a black American, her ways and values often differ from those of the Africans she meets. She is more independent, more focused on love rather than marriage as a financial transaction. There are moments when she realizes just how different she is, but also others when she is warmly welcomed, called Sister and Auntie, given food and shelter, and witnesses how music and laughter can bridge nationalities.

While this may not be my favorite genre of book, I must admit that I truly enjoyed it. It earns a solid 4 stars out of 5.
July 15,2025
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Another great read by Maya Angelou.

Most of her books are biographical, and this one specifically focuses on the two years she lived in Ghana. She was there in the early 1960s. Her son Guy was 17 when they first arrived. He unfortunately got involved in a very serious car accident shortly after graduating from high school.

After spending a long while in the hospital with neck injuries, he finally recovered and began college. Ms. Angelou then dedicated the next two years to learning about the people who lived in Ghana. She dated interesting men and made many friendships.

She writes about the unique experience of being an African American in Africa and how she embraces her African roots. It is truly a nice read. Through this book, I learned a bit more about this fascinating and talented woman.

Maya Angelou's writing is so engaging and her stories are filled with depth and emotion. It is a pleasure to explore her life and experiences through her words.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in African American history, or simply enjoys a good memoir. It will surely leave you with a greater appreciation for Maya Angelou and her contributions to literature.
July 15,2025
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I have always been filled with curiosity regarding her stay in Ghana and the profound impact it had on her perception of society, race, and culture.

Part of me was scared that she might not be openly accepted, especially considering that many Africans on the continent identify strongly by tribe.

Black Americans and Africans, although belonging to the same race, have significant differences. However, some minor habits passed down through generations still bear similarities.

Reading Maya's perspective on this truly opened my eyes and my heart even wider. What was even more beautiful was witnessing her growth beyond the label of motherhood as her son matured into a man.

I had the opportunity to see her live without overly worrying about Guy. Finally, I deeply loved how interconnected the struggle of the black race was.

We may be largely different as a group, but there is one struggle that we all understand, regardless of those differences.

This interconnectedness gives us a sense of unity and strength in the face of the challenges we encounter.

It shows that despite our individual experiences and backgrounds, we are all part of a larger community with a shared history and a common fight for equality and justice.

July 15,2025
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This is, without a doubt, the least favorite volume of Maya Angelou's autobiographies that I have read so far.

Unlike the others, I truly had to struggle to get through it. In this particular volume, Maya is residing in Ghana, side by side with her black American peers, all on a quest to rediscover their roots.

I did enjoy the backdrop of a liberal and relatively newly independent Ghana. It was fascinating, and I learned a great deal about the country's history that I was previously unaware of.

However, for me, this volume lacked structure. It felt more like a random collection of anecdotes. Many of these anecdotes were lacking in the detail, context, or analysis that I so love in her other volumes.

Personally, I felt that Angelou's tone underwent a significant change in this volume. Perhaps this was a result of her own experiences during this period of her life when she seems quite isolated and longing for something.

She came across as both rude and naive at times. In several parts, I found myself growing frustrated with her behavior and ignorance.

While Angelou has never shied away from uncomfortable or challenging situations, in her other volumes, these were addressed with sharp and intelligent insight. Sadly, this was lacking for me in this particular book.

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