I know why the caged bird sings

246 pages

English language

Published Jan. 2, 1971 by Bantam.

ISBN:
978-0-553-27937-5
Copied ISBN!
OCLC Number:
602254

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(4 reviews)

Synopsis: Here is a book as joyous and painful, and as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou's first memoir, published in 1969 is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Sent by their mother to their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local "powhitetrash." When she journeys at eight to her mother's side in St. Louis, she is attacked by a man many times her age. Years later, in San Francisco, she learns about love for herself-and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. The kindness of others, Maya's own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors ("I met and …

37 editions

Impressive

A book so good it was banned at West Point! While books banned by the Trump government deserve to be read for that reason in general this autobiography of Maya Angelou's childhood and youth especially deserves it. You get an insightful and very thorough look into life in the rural South, the pervasive racism, the importance of church life and how people use it in their own ways and an adventure story of running away. I feel like every American should read/listen to it but it's also very impressive for everyone else. If you like audiobooks try to get this one which is read by Maya Angelou herself which adds another layer to the story being told.

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Subjects

  • Angelou, Maya -- Biography
  • Authors, American -- 20th century -- Biography
  • African American women authors -- Biography
  • Women entertainers -- Biography

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