I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I-Know-Why-The-Caged-Bird-Sings
Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a modern American classic that will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read - or listen

Synopsis -

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 about love for herself and 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.

Review - 

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) is the first in Maya Angelou’s seven book autobiographical series sharing her life story - I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Gather Together In My Name (1974), Singin' And Swingin' And Gettin' Merry Like Christmas (1976), The Heart Of A Woman Book (1981), All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986), A Song Flung Up To Heaven (2002), and Mom & Me & Mom (2013).  Why the Caged Bird Sings offers a look at the author’s life from birth to age 17. It ends with her graduating high school followed not long after by the birth of her son. The title is a metaphor for what her she experience as a child trapped in a cycle of racism and sexism. 

I have always loved the author's poetry, but had never read any of her books until now, and I came to it with little knowledge of what it expect. What I discovered was a beautifully told, insightful recounting of her early years. There were hard times, difficult challenges and heart breaking trauma. But tucked in were also good moments.  Despite my very different background, Angelou was able to open a window for me into her world. The people, places, and experiences came alive for me in a very real way. 

This is a wonderful read I highly recommend, and I can’t wait to dive into the second book in this series - Gather Together in My Name.

Buy the book:  Amazon US ~ Amazon CA

Meet the Author -

maya-angelou-headshot
Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, singer, actress, dancer, activist, filmmaker, writer and mother She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry including 'On the Pulse of the Morning' written for the inauguration of President Clinton, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. 

Comments