I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
By Maya Angelou
- Release Date: 1970-01-12
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
Here is a book as joyous and painful, 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 debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide.
Sent by their mother to live with 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.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.
Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.”—James Baldwin
Reviews
The Perfect Book
5By 𝚜𝚘𝚙𝚑1205Maya Angelou has the most beautiful voice and it is impossible to stop reading this captivating memoirbeautiful
5By sawshepsii loved it all. the truth in it is important for all americans to understand. i saw myself in her, not because of race but because of growing up in a world that doesn't always seem to be on your sideDr. Maya Angelou
5By Angelica812A must read for every woman-child.Fantastic
5By Dentist_AustinThis book truly took me through a well narrated rollercoaster of emotions, laughter and thoughtfulness. Highly recommend. Maya Angelou is an amazing writer!Absolutely incredible!
5By Chris ZeligSuch a wonderful book! Usually books take me forever to complete, but I literally couldn’t put this book down. Thank you Maya for being you!Masterpiece
5By OchoaWhiteThis is an incredible autobiography of an incredible woman. So much to learn from her experiences and her view of the world. I read it in one day, as I couldn’t put it down. Maya Angelou is my hero!Do not buy this audiobook!
1By happylibrarian98This is a partial book! It skips chapters!Glad To Have Experienced This Book
4By A. M. McDonaghI have a newfound appreciation for the writings of the author after reading this book.A required read that changed me
5By Claya13I was required to read this book in the summer before my ninth grade. I had no idea what to expect. Upon reading this, I enjoyed hearing a black story without misery as the theme. Maya Angelou had become one of my favorite authors from this. I would highly recommend!Simply Transfixing
5By No Name AriaMaya Angelou has a power, a gift of being able to explain life in ways that make sense no matter where you are in life or when in time your life takes place. ❤️I loved this book
5By BosLife QueenI saw the movie, but I’m one of those who believe that the book gives more of a deeper message then the movie.. So yes I had to read the book it was only fair that I did🥰🥰Book Review
1By RosearetaI had to read this for my AP book choice in 10th grade and I do not recommend. In my opinion, I was bored out of my mind throughout the book and I love to read so it surprises me.Overcoming ignorant societal prejudices
5By MacnyacThis book is well written and very engaging. I like Maya’s chronology of her different life phases. And she captures each phase with authenticity. She’s a great example that society doesn’t define you but rather you define how society should view you. Need I say this book educated me how to treat a woman by the way she perceives herself in which case Maya let’s us into her thoughts. Thank you Maya for sharing your life with us and may you dwell amongst us through your works.Understand us
5By juuuunnmYou have a UlithiuTry the audio version narrated by maya Angelou! A gem!
5By Daisystar1Re: I know why the caged bird singsI know why the caged bird sings
5By Kanisha BowieGreat read!!!Wonderful Orator
5By RondewlaMs. Angelou will leave a vast whole in the world of story telling and poetry. Thanks for all the amazing books. Rest my fair lady....The Best Ever
5By cc courtYou truly will be missed! I enjoyed your poems so much!Great
4By Doug hdsksjIt's a very good and well written medium sized book written by a grand poet who makes the book seem as if the words were coming out of a child's mouth. Maya Angelou definitely had an interesting childhood and it makes for a very entertaining read.
