Maya Angelou, one of the best-loved authors of our time, shares the wisdom of a remarkable life in this best-selling spiritual classic. This is May...
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Oct 19, 2011
Therese
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(Read 6/2009) "Wouldn't Take Nothing for my Journey Now" and "Even the Stars Look Lonesome" by Maya Angelou. These two works are not part of the autobiographical series (six books) that begins with "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." The two books I am discussing here are more like a collection of small vignettes which discuss various topics.
The wonderful thing about these two works and the later book of the same style, "Letter to my Daughter," i More...
The wonderful thing about these two works and the later book of the same style, "Letter to my Daughter," i More...
Aug 04, 2011
Natasa
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A very inspiring selection of short stories about life, oneself and society. Lovely to read just a couple of pages in the evening or in the morning and ponder upon them. I loved the experience of a free day when she tries to forget who she is for 24hrs and experiences the world with different eyes. Or how she sees when people start with"...I hope I will not be misunderstood" as invaders and tells them to shut up, as she defiantly will misunderstand if there is a chance. Righto - why sh
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Dec 28, 2010
I liked this book, but I don't like Maya Angelou's tendency to characterize the world as degenerating. Passages like, "we have come to a place, a time, when virtue is no longer considered a virtue. The mention of virtue is ridiculed, and even the word itself has fallen out of favor," put me off. It belies a tendency to feel that there were once some "good old days," and I don't believe that to be true. There have always been virtuous people, and there have always been tho
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Nov 12, 2009
Rachel
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This book is a collection of Maya Angelou's meditations on a broad range of subjects, from health to manners to memories. I picked it up expecting a quick read, but was unprepared for how quick it really is: there's really very little content, and her meditations are generally only a few paragraphs long. And there wasn't much of a unifying theme, either -- she picks up just about any topic, it seems, offers a few thoughts on the matter, then drops it just as quickly.
She seems not to More...
She seems not to More...
Jul 06, 2011
Amalie
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I love Maya Angelou and this is another book which proves that she is excellent in prose as she is with poetry. I'm yet to try her biographical volumes but I guess now I know what I'll find: beautiful simple and inspirtional prose.
This is a collection of short prose (very short most essays are less than 2 pages long) reflects on various topics such as spirituality, courage, writing and style, being a woman etc and many of the selections contain autobiographical reminiscences. She r More...
This is a collection of short prose (very short most essays are less than 2 pages long) reflects on various topics such as spirituality, courage, writing and style, being a woman etc and many of the selections contain autobiographical reminiscences. She r More...
Apr 27, 2011
Jan
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For anyone who hasn't read Maya Angelou I'd run to the closest bookstore. I've read all her books, as I do when I like any author, and I have to say Maya Angelou is beautiful and gracious in all of her books as well as in person. I saw her once in Santa Cruz, Ca. and once in New Mexico and I often think about the regal presence she gave in her presentations. Both a poet and memoir writer, her books speak about life and love and hardship and they don't mess around. In Wouldn't Take Nothing for my
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Jan 26, 2008
Amy
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This book made me feel good to be a woman. The life lessons are wonderful. The chapters are short, but each one pertains to life and our journey through it.
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Aug 27, 2011
Lennie
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Maya Angelou discusses life and some of the lessons she’s learned along the way. Faith, racism, grieving, and respect are just a few of the topics included in this book.
While most of the lessons this author speaks about were inspiring, there was one in particular which I liked the most. It has to do with moving in new directions. Sometimes you come to a point in which you are not satisfied with the way your life is headed or with the choices you have in front of you. When that ha More...
While most of the lessons this author speaks about were inspiring, there was one in particular which I liked the most. It has to do with moving in new directions. Sometimes you come to a point in which you are not satisfied with the way your life is headed or with the choices you have in front of you. When that ha More...
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May 25, 2010
Ruth
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139 pages. Donated 201- May.
Maya Angelou, one of the best-loved authors of our time, shares the wisdom of a remarkable life in this best-selling spiritual classic. This is Maya Angelou talking from the heart, down to earth and real, but also inspiring. This is a book to treasured, a book about being in all ways a woman, about living well, about the power of the word, and about the power do spirituality to move and shape your life. Passionate, lively, and lyrical, Maya Angelou's lates More...
Maya Angelou, one of the best-loved authors of our time, shares the wisdom of a remarkable life in this best-selling spiritual classic. This is Maya Angelou talking from the heart, down to earth and real, but also inspiring. This is a book to treasured, a book about being in all ways a woman, about living well, about the power of the word, and about the power do spirituality to move and shape your life. Passionate, lively, and lyrical, Maya Angelou's lates More...
May 21, 2009
Jeanne
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This was recommended by my book club. It is the first book I read by Maya Angelou and I must say I was disappointed. My expectations were not met. It felt very much like a throwaway book to me. I was seeking to learn and my goal was mostly not met. The only chapter that spoke to me was "Our Boys". This chapter touches on racism that is not deliberate, but unconscious. It tells a story of racism that is so ingrained that the person is unaware that they harbor these thoughts within
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Sep 01, 2008
Kristen
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I remember liking this book quite a bit when I read it in college. But I don't remember a whole lot about it other than that.
I noted the following quote when I read it in 1998:
pp. 86-87
"Sister, there are people who went to sleep all over hte world last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again. Sister, those who expected to rise did not, their beds became their cooling boards and their blankets became their winding sheets. And More...
I noted the following quote when I read it in 1998:
pp. 86-87
"Sister, there are people who went to sleep all over hte world last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again. Sister, those who expected to rise did not, their beds became their cooling boards and their blankets became their winding sheets. And More...
Oct 01, 2011
This book is absolutely inspiring. I don't think you need to have anything major happen in your life to truly appreciate it's overall message. Moreover, I think every child should be required to read the book in High School. How wonderful would it be if we were better armed for life's trials and tribulations? This book is helpful in putting things into perspective. I'm always amazed by anything written by Angelou.
Mar 19, 2009
Nancy
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I have read this book before, in a bookclub made up of 4 dear friends, and it made a lasting impression upon my life. 12 years have passed and I wanted to re-read this book.
Already, I am struck by Angelou's far-reaching understanding of the world and her insight into the the thoughts and plights of all women.
She is an amazing author.
Already, I am struck by Angelou's far-reaching understanding of the world and her insight into the the thoughts and plights of all women.
She is an amazing author.
Jun 08, 2011
Anna
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Ms. Angelou shares a lot of wisdom in this book...I love it where she states, "We need to have the courage to say that obesity is not funny, vulgarity is not amusing, insolent children and submissive parents are not the characters we want to admire and emulate. Flippancy and sarcasm are not the only ways in which conversation can be conducted."
Dec 10, 2009
Rob
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I loved, loved, LOVED this book!
There were entire passages that I would read, re-read and then re-read again. Absolutely gorgeous in the way she wields her words and offers her unique and thought provoking insights about life and learning.
It sent my heart and soul soaring about the true potential we all have.
Amazing.
There were entire passages that I would read, re-read and then re-read again. Absolutely gorgeous in the way she wields her words and offers her unique and thought provoking insights about life and learning.
It sent my heart and soul soaring about the true potential we all have.
Amazing.
Jan 30, 2011
Katy
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A cute little book of Maya Angelou. I liked the stories and poems scattered throughout, but this one had too much preaching and too few actual stories and examples for me. I liked "Letters to My Daughter" a lot more. It was a nice quick read, though, and I'll read ANYTHING by Maya Angelou.
Jul 23, 2011
Raven
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Maya Angelou says "In order to survive, the ample soul needs refreshments and reminders daily of it's right to be and to be wherever it finds itself". I can honestly say that I share every single opinion of this book. It's brilliant. She's inspirational beyond words. Read it!
Feb 28, 2011
Kim
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I'm reading this and I am thinking, she is really wise in some of her incites, but at the same time I can see that she is still lacking the spiritual guidance that I have found in my life. The questions that she poses, makes me feel sorry for the people that are lacking the answers that Jesus Christ can give them.
Nov 29, 2007
Nomy
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after reading "i know why the caged bird sings" and "singin and swingin and gettin merry..." this fall, i was excited to read the final paperback that came in this box set that i borrowed from my mom. i read the whole thing while sitting at the free ear acupuncture clinic on monday. i was kinda disappointed. the book is dedicated to oprah and it feels clear that it is targeted towards her audience - little "pearls of wisdom" rather than whole stories. of course
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Jan 28, 2011
Ad Astra
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Little anecdotes and musings, stories and recollections of situations and life from the poetic Maya Angelou. I read it in one sitting during my break at a Barnes and Noble. Her writing always makes me feel less alone in this life.
Jul 09, 2011
Erika
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You've got to have some Maya on your shelf. And I do. I felt as though I was speaking with an old mother/grandmother from my family as she reminisced on the things she had learned in life. Definitely "comfort reading."
Feb 16, 2009
Babydoll
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Those who are familiar with the intriguing stories about Maya Angelou will absolutely be pleased by this book. A continuation of the life of Maya Angelou, this book will captivate the writer with each word read.
Aug 31, 2009
Shannon
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Love Maya Angelou; this book is a collection of short essays-wisdom gained through life's experiences. She is such a hopeful and solid writer. Favorite essays in this book:
Living Well. Living Good.
Complaining.
At Harvest Time.
Very fast read; takes maybe two-ish hours.
Living Well. Living Good.
Complaining.
At Harvest Time.
Very fast read; takes maybe two-ish hours.
May 21, 2009
Sue
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This amazing collection of mini-essays (most are two-three pages long), provide tremendous wisdom and insight by a woman with a strong voice and keen sensibilities who helps to illuminate that which makes us human.
Jul 27, 2011
Apryl
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How can this brilliant woman say so little with such poetic phraseology? This was a wee collection of self-focused sermonettes composed for the god of life experience. Chicken soup for the bookshelf.
Jul 14, 2009
Lori
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This book is a collection of the authors essays on various topics. It is very thought proviking. Here essays cover all aspects of the human condition and apply to all humans no matter their race or circumstance.
Jun 27, 2009
Julie
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She has interesting perspectives and many are inspiring. I especially liked this passage (page 87): "What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it."
Dec 27, 2008
Amanda
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Really short, quick read. But, in what I hear is typical Angelou style, it's no-nonsense poignancy- a handful of short snippets with life lessons. Some better than others, but enjoyable throughout.
Aug 02, 2011
Leah
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I'm not a fan of advice books, even if it's Maya Angelou's. What kept me reading were the little stories she's slip into her rhetoric. And her beautiful writing of course. And it was a short book.
Aug 11, 2009
Sabrina
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I love reading this book. It is so heart-warming. My favorite chapters are In the Spirit, Jealousy, and A Day Away. All three of these chapters really touched me. I wish that everyone could read this simply antedotes on living well. It would be a better place.
