I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings cover art

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

The internationally bestselling classic

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I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

By: Maya Angelou
Narrated by: Maya Angelou
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About this listen

 Maya Angelou's six volumes of autobiography are a testament to the talents and resilience of this extraordinary writer. Loving the world, she also knows its cruelty. As a Black woman she has known discrimination and extreme poverty, but also hope, joy, achievement and celebration. In this first volume of her six books of autobiography, Maya Angelou beautifully evokes her childhood with her grandmother in the American south of the 1930s. She learns the power of the white folks at the other end of town and suffers the terrible trauma of rape by her mother's lover.

'I write about being a Black American woman, however, I am always talking about what it's like to be a human being. This is how we are, what makes us laugh, and this is how we fall and how we somehow, amazingly, stand up again' Maya Angelou©1969 Maya Angelou Art & Literature Authors Entertainment & Celebrities Women Celebrity Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Funny

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Critic reviews

A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman (President Barack Obama)
The poems and stories she wrote . . . were gifts of wisdom and wit, courage and grace (President Bill Clinton)
She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds (Oprah Winfrey)
She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate (Toni Morrison)
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)
A trailblazer in decolonial, anti-racist movements and intersectional feminism, memoirist, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is a powerhouse of a woman
Steeped in resilience and grace
One of the most influential biographies of our time
Heartbreaking, beautiful and inspiring in equal measure . . . a landmark work of literature
All stars
Most relevant
This is an excellent book with stunning narration. There is nothing more to be said.

Brilliant

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What a great book, it shows the strength, passion and dignity African Americans facing vile racism showed seen through the eyes of a child. Maya reads this poignant tale herself (quick tip though, put the speed on 1.25x) her delivery is brave and moving.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in US history, to see what it was like during the depression.

The most telling aspect for me is the strict rule African American lived by and how they raised their children to love God. I'm not religious myself, but can appreciate how much strength it took to be compassionate to those who viscously abuse you, just for the colour of your skin.

As a parent, I'd rather my own children were more like Marguerite and Bailey than the dirty, disrespectful "white trash" kids allowed to run feral.

Reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird another fantastic book.

Very touching and insightful. 5 stars

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In a human tale where there are difficulties and horrors, it is hope and grit that lifts a person to life.

There is hope

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loved it, what a life, what a writer, what a person. can't wait for the next autobiography in the series

amazing woman, amazing story

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It’s always a pleasure when the author is the narrator as you get a true understanding of the authors intent and inflections.

This is a great record of a period gone by. It’s full of expansive vocabulary and ways of expressing ideas.

For years I was unsure of whether it would prove to be a heavy book to read. I’m glad to say that it was a pleasure to listen to.

I would recommend it.

Excellent Read.

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