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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By: Maya Angelou
Narrated by: Maya Angelou
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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.

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.

©1969 Maya Angelou (P)2010 Random House African American Art & Literature Audible Essentials Authors Cultural & Regional Entertainment & Celebrities Literary History & Criticism Memoir Essentials Celebrity Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Funny Witty

Critic reviews

" 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 beautiful book - an unconditionally involving memoir for our time or any time.... Maya Angelou is a natural writer with an inordinate sense of life and she has written an exceptional autobiographical narrative.” ( Kirkus Reviews)
“Simultaneously touching and comic.” ( The New York Times)

Featured Article: The top 100 memoirs of all time


All genres considered, the memoir is among the most difficult and complex for a writer to pull off. After all, giving voice to your own lived experience and recounting deeply painful or uncomfortable memories in a way that still engages and entertains is a remarkable feat. These autobiographies, often narrated by the authors themselves, shine with raw, unfiltered emotion sure to resonate with any listener. But don't just take our word for it—queue up any one of these listens, and you'll hear exactly what we mean.

Featured Article The top 100 memoirs of all time
Powerful Storytelling • Poetic Language • Soothing Voice • Vivid Descriptions • Emotional Journey • Melodic Narration
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What did you love best about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?

The voice of Ms. Angelou.

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?

Of course, the most memorable moment has to be her being molested. It is the moment that the book builds up to and that everything falls down from.

Which character – as performed by Maya Angelou – was your favorite?

Ritee had such a wonderful relationship with her brother. He was her only real "connective tissue," so to speak. He was the one thing that was always there, whether she was going to live with her grandmother with a note attached to her as a very small girl or being sent back and forth between her parents and grandmother as a growing child, he was the one thing she could always count on. I think he was my favorite because he was a constant.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I re-read this book, this time right after Ms. Angelou died. I think my reaction this time was much less extreme as it was when I read it when I was much younger. I was remembering the times - her childhood and how she was such a strong person, living through so much, and how she got to be that way. This time reading the book, didn't make me laugh as much as smile when she did the things she did. Her determination, for instance, at becoming a money taker on the trolley cars.

Any additional comments?

I will miss Maya Angelou's voice so much. She had such a great talent and this book was one I turned to when she died to say goodbye.

Lovely Maya

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What made the experience of listening to I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings the most enjoyable?

Maya Angelou was reading the book.

What other book might you compare I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings to and why?

N/A

Which character – as performed by Maya Angelou – was your favorite?

Her GrandMother.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh and made me upset sometimes. I don't want to give to much detail of the book.

Really good book!

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Where does I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

High!

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?

There were many moments or learning and awakening.

What about Maya Angelou’s performance did you like?

I feel like I was with her. So real!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both!

Insightful and touching

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I had heard Oprah interview Maya Angelou and that's why I looked up this book. I was so mesmerized by her story and especially by her voice and reading it. I love when authors can read their own books.
I want to hug that little girl and teach her so much. Especially that she is beautiful and capable of doing whatever she wants. And that no one ever ever can hurt her or touch her. I would have long talks with her and let her ask me lots of questions. Thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you for sharing your story!

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No one could tell this story better than Marguerite herself!! The words positioned in her unbiased perspective was infectious, and from the opening line you knew from the very beginning that she seek to tell the truth. One of the most treasured books I’ve read. I was so inspired by her dedication to draw no pity from readers. She was no one’s victim. Instead, she was Maya and this was her truth. She wore it like a badge of honor. With pride. Such an elegantly rich recount!

Maya- the treasure.

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I loved the book but sometimes the details were overwhelming and too intricate for certain parts

It was good

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I loved this book! her story was not only fascinating, but inspiring as well. I highly recommend it.

Heart touching story

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So beautifully written. One book that is arguably better listened to. I finished this book two days after I started it. I couldn’t stop listening. And I dreaded it’s ending.

Incredible. A MUST read

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I have always enjoyed Ms Angelous books, but to hear voice read her words is just mesmerizing. I thoroughly enjoyed her presentation.

SIMPLY WONDERFUL!

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I am grateful for the opportunity to listen to the wonderful Maya Angelou read her story. I cried and celebrated all throughout.

Fantastic!

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