Cinnamon Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 Time to chat about 'I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelo. I had never hears of this book before,but evidently it is somewhat of a classic. To be quite honest,I am not big on human hardship stories,& have avoided the current rash of 'A Child Called It' type books like the plague. This book however I adored. I thought it was beautifully written honest without being too sentimental & very very thought provoking. The author wrote her impoverished background beautifully, & didn't gloss over the nastier aspects of her upbringing. I absolutely loved this book! I will certainly look out more of her work in the future I have also kept this book as I think its an important piece for both of my daughters to read one day. The next book to read is 'The Lollipop shoes' by Joanne Harris, which is the follow up to 'Chocolat' & a darn good read Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 I know why the Caged Bird Sings is one of my favourites of all time. My secondary school English teacher (whom I loved), bought it for me when I was 16 as a "thank you" for helping them out with induction week. Its language is beautifully poetic, without being heavy and Maya Angelou's spirit shines through the whole piece. Her follow up books are equally uplifting. A great piece of writing which, without being self congratulating, celebrates an incredible individual's ability to cope. My favourite part is in the church when she realises she has wet herself. Priceless scene. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 Gosh I wonder where my copy is. I read this years ago and have never forgotten it. Use of language is wonderful and her life story inspirational. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 I absolutely adore this book and it is one of my all time favourites so hence why i chose it! I believe Maya Angelou is one of the worlds most inspirational people and her ability to see humour in the darkest of situations always makes me see my own troubles in a different light. Maya writes in such a way that you can find yourself jointly laughing and crying at some of the most disturbing and horrifying events in her life - childhood violation, racism, rejection and oppression. She undoubtedly has an unequaled power over words that most authors would give their right arm for. Annie, i too found the scene in church a brilliant read, such childish humour i nearly wet myself reading it! I also love it when she steals pineapple and describes the taste, the magic Maya can weave with words is beyond measure. I have read almost all of her books and found each one just as wonderful as the last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted November 1, 2008 Author Share Posted November 1, 2008 I have just ordered her second book on Green Met & can't wait to read it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 Sarah you will love it! Before long you will have her whole collection and the poetry too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I did enjoy this book. I found some of the scenes very gripping such as Uncle Willie hiding in the food bins in case the KKK came calling and when Maya was raped. She has a very engaging style and her descriptions of growing up in Stamps were very evocative and warming. Her closeness to her brother was very endearing. I liked less the way it jumped around a bit, and seemed more a collection of anecdotes than an ongoing story, though I guess it was more or less chronological. Having never read her before, I would like to read more of her work. Edited for stupid typo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I got easily distracted reading this book I'm afraid. For a short book it has taken me a long time to read it. I found the way she writes too rambling. I started to enjoy it by the time Maya got to Mexico though and was pleased that I actually carried on and finished it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Gpsh - noone hates this book so far. Is that a first?! I couldn't get hold of a copy of this on audio I'm afraid, but I did read it (and the sequels) several years ago and loved them. Reading the reviews is bringing back memories but not enough to post a comment about it myself. Glad people have enjoyed it. No doubt someone will post after me who thought it was the worst book they've ever read! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 For anyone who wants to read more of Maya's life the Book people have a 3 book set of Maya Angelou's book for £4.99 (doesn't include the Caged bird, presumably they are later volumes) http://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10051_145537_100_56605__category_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
