Maya Angelou, the bestselling author of On the Pulse of Morning, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now, and other lavishly praised works, is con...
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Feb 19, 2008
Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
Th More...
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
Th More...
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(9 people liked it)
Dec 20, 2010
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then More...
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then More...
Aug 05, 2007
Jen
rated it: 
I used to walk around quoting Phenomenal Women while thrusting out my hips to one side, throwing out my arms with my hands in what I thought were sophisticated poses(one higher than the other, and puckering my lips. I realize now that this must have been extremely annoying to all those forced to witness it.
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(2 people liked it)
Nov 15, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
Maya Angelou is an amazing poet whose casual, musical style makes the reader almost feel as if they are hearing a song as opposed to reading a poem. In the poem "Phenomenal Woman," Angelou depicts a woman who is confident in her appearance and demeanor despite not being "built to suit a fashion model's size" or adhering to any stereotypical feminine ideals.
As an aspiring poet, I am constantly envious of Angelou's superb mastery of rhyme and meter, as well as her More...
As an aspiring poet, I am constantly envious of Angelou's superb mastery of rhyme and meter, as well as her More...
Jul 10, 2009
Kim
rated it: 
this book was given to me by a dear friend when i first moved to new york city from texas. someone had gifted her a copy when she moved out to LA from texas a year or two before and she was paying it forward.
i suppose the idea was for it to serve as a reminder of our strength - something we easily forget when we find ourselves all alone in a big, strange city.
it definitely gave me a little bit of comfort and reassurance at the time.
every young girl shou More...
i suppose the idea was for it to serve as a reminder of our strength - something we easily forget when we find ourselves all alone in a big, strange city.
it definitely gave me a little bit of comfort and reassurance at the time.
every young girl shou More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 12, 2009
Sarai
rated it:
I had read the first poem in here when I was in college, but the others were new to me. I must admit I don't always get poetry, but I do like Maya Angelou.
If you have never read Maya Angelou or are like me and don't always get poetry, you should give this little book a try. It's only four poems and they each have their own kind of power and resonance.
If you have never read Maya Angelou or are like me and don't always get poetry, you should give this little book a try. It's only four poems and they each have their own kind of power and resonance.
Mar 13, 2011
Erica
rated it:
Phenomenal Woman is an absolutely must have collection for young teenage girls. It promotes a healthy self esteem. Maya Angelou focuses on the power of woman and her inner beauty and grace as well as her physical presence. This collection would defiantly be great to discuss the theme/concept of pride and body image. Excellent poetry collection!
Apr 10, 2011
Robin
rated it:
A beautifully written gem!! ..."When you learn, teach.
When you get, give.
As for me,
I shall not be moved." p.19
When you get, give.
As for me,
I shall not be moved." p.19
Aug 19, 2011
***Vampire Knight
rated it:
This is a book with a meaning. That meaning is to be a "Phenomenal Women" which I also take as to be a "Strong Women" It struck you in the chest... I hope everyone enjoys this book. I know I did.
Sep 11, 2011
Cortney
rated it:
"Phenomenal Woman" is my favorite poem ever. This is a short little collection of awesome, powerful poems by Maybe Angelou my pal, Hyde lent to me! I loved it!
Mar 31, 2009
Temoca
rated it:
I love the rhythm and message of this poem. It is one I share every year with my students. Maya is an amazing writer and a beautiful speaker.
Sep 23, 2011
Phyllis
rated it:
This book made me feel like singing, and I can't sing. I did notice that my footsteps were snappier and my face had a little smile.
Jan 27, 2009
Mary
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I love this women. Such a powerful women. She hits the nail on the head. Did I say that I love her. Please read her and enjoy
Jul 13, 2009
Lori
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I read this the same day I read I know Why The Caged Bird Sings. The poetry is beautiful and is best when read out loud.
Apr 28, 2010
Yolanda
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"It's in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step,...Phenomenal Woman...That is me! : )
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(1 person liked it)
Oct 15, 2008
Anita
rated it: 
Honestly, these poems were a bit hard to digest and some of them I couldn't really relate to. But the over all theme is one of women overcoming great odds and battling with reality and spirituality. It sheds light on the plight of the black slave women and gives a glimpse into their psyche.
Here is an excerpt from "Our Grandmothers"
"Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceiv More...
Here is an excerpt from "Our Grandmothers"
"Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceiv More...
Dec 01, 2009
Tyne
rated it:
Phenomenal Woman has always been one of my favorite poems. It is such an empowering piece.
Mar 14, 2009
Deana
rated it:
The Phenomenal Woman poem helped me remember who I am and what I'm made from
Jul 16, 2009
Suzanne
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This is a very inspiring collection of poems by one of my favorite poets.
Jul 16, 2008
Debbie
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To hear Maya Angelou read this in her own voice is an unbelievable experience. I've had this on tape for YEARS...the first one went astray a few years ago and I immediately hit eBay and bought another. When going through a rough patch, say these words along with Ms. Angelou a few times and see what happens. I went to a booksigning for one of her later books in Atlanta, but the line was so long that they ran out of time before they got to me. Just seeing her sitting so regally at the book table i
More...
Apr 17, 2011
Yuki
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I thought this book might be a longer version of the poem "Phenomenal Woman" than what I had been emailed, and enjoyed and appreciated very much years ago. Every few lines is paired with one of Gauguin's beautiful paintings--mostly the Tahitian women he famously painted. A bit surprised to have found this on bookswap as it's a lovely gift/keepsake, but I shall pass it around again. (The pages and dust jacket are in very good condition, but the original owner wrote her name in the book.
