I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I loved Maya Angelou's narration of her early years, the joys and struggles of childhood, and how she put the situation of Black lives in perspective. Highly recommended.

I picked up this book after reading an article about how it was called to be banned several times from the American school syllabus. After reading it, I can understand where this concern came from. This book is one of several in Maya Angelou’s autobiography series; I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings explores Angelou’s early years in apartheid America - a world defined by severe racism through which the author and her family must find a way to survive. Within the first ten years of her life, young Maya is exposed to traumas that many grown adults would not be able to handle, from several instances of racial violence, to lynching and even rape. And yet, in spite of these horrors, the book’s tone isn't predominantly tragic, as one might expect. I was surprised at the matter-of-fact narrative style which simultaneously increased my horror at the normalcy of the atrocities that were committed during those times, as well as fostered a deep admiration for a human being that was not only forced to endure, but kept moving forward, one step at a time. As for whether the book should be banned or not - I am in complete agreement with the necessity of retaining it in the school syllabus, for it is not only a beautifully written book, but also a stark reminder of the depths humanity is capable of sinking to, and a warning to never let it happen again.

Curious to read this as it was on a banned list in the US. Started with enthusiasm which died down half way. Then found out this was just one of seven parts of her autobiography. Nothing in the booked screamed out to me and I'm still curious why it is banned. Long and painful childhood story told in her own unique way. But if there is an abridged version that shrinks 7 books into 1 then I'll be reading only that. Not all these endless volumes.

I read a sample of this book and decided to buy it as soon as I completed a few pages of the book. Besides being one of the strongest voices of feminisim, she is also a prolific writer and also a talented artist. The lovely little details of her childhood with her grandmother, resembles our own childhood memories full of tiny little details It is in these details that the vulnerability of children to their social setting is reflected. How a child is rendered powerless by a world of adults dealing with their own demons. Her memoir reflects the extreme form of discrimination in the South towars African Americans. Her own experience of sexual abuse, reminds us how abuse is usually by someone close to us. She places the perspective of a little child on sexual abuse, which will shake your soul and probably make you cry. The part about her teen years shows her vulnerability to typical pressures and reflects her persistence to win over them with her own individuality. I shall not write the details, as it will give away too much. We must read this book, to understand racism inequality and abuse. We must read this book more importantly to learn from Maya about strength, resilience and love.

It is to good I mean I love it and illustrations are soooooooo good it is just fabulous I mean omg. I have read that chapter 1 but it's veryyyyhyyyyy good I can't believe it is this much I can't say much i just want to say that it is good❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🫰🫰🎉🫰

Easy read but profound story. Leaves a lasting impression. Though the book is about very different part of world and different life but one can connect at humane level. Book quality: light weight, font size readable. Simple no nonsense or fancy packing and binding

"From being ignorant of being ignorant to being aware of being aware of life." From a victim of racism with submissive nature into a capable young woman, the author gave me a grateful opportunity to explore subjects such as education, idendity, sexual abuse and racism stereotypes. "Though easily read, [it] is no 'easy read' " as in some parts of the book, i wondered how such simple unexaggerated recollections from a child's perspective could impact me that real hard; Like black people are forbidden to eat 'White' Vanilla Ice cream in their town. The History so far have had only a very few honest authors showing their real life experiences rather making up at some level because of the criticisms. Above all, She proved with all the prejudices and trauma, one can still live the moment peacefully. After all, it made me want to go back to my childhood days searching for those lovable characters like Mrs. Bertha Flowers, childhood teachers. "Life is going to give you what you put in it. Put your whole heart in everything you do, and pray, then you can wait." Read it and let the wonderful thoughts overwhelm you

It was good to read BUT I thought it would contain stories for empowering Black People but it was somehow off the topic as it wasn't interesting as I expected it to be. Good Book to read though.