Throughout Maya Angelou’s life, from her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas, to her world travels as a bestselling writer, good food has played a ...
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reviews
Jul 09, 2010
Judith
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Readers familiar with Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will find what may be the secret ingredient of her success in this collection of tear- and laughter-provoking memoirs with 73 savory recipes. Here's Angelou's grandmother's Chicken and Dumplings, Crackling Corn Bread and Caramel Cake. Big brother Bailey makes a mean batch of Smothered Pork Chops and knows how to stretch them for a week's worth of meals. Mother, who "cooked wonderful meals and was very poignant about how to pre
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Jan 20, 2012
Roberta
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This was the first library book I downloaded to my Kindle. Mostly I loved her stories! Angelou has had an interesting, colorful life, and she writes like a poet (which she is). I especially enjoyed her recounting the tale of the job she secured in a Cajun restaurant when she was 17 and didn't know how to cook, though she told her new boss a quite different story. Mr. Ford, an older gentleman working for her mother, mentored her, telling her the vegetables to throw into every dish--and don't f
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Jan 18, 2010
Judy
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Maya Angelou is one of my favorite writers and every time that I see her at an author event or reading, I come away thinking that I wish that I had her power of language. This book is no exception. Angelou tells unconnected stories of her life which are only linked by the descriptions of the food that was made for or by her. The stories are uplifting and the food descriptions made me cancel my Jenny Craig program--oh, that's right, I don't have one of those, I just desperately need it. A sho
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Jul 13, 2009
Olga
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Oh, this is a wonderful book.
The stories are great, each featuring at least one recipe, and the recipes follow the story. I don't think I can possible make all these recipes, but I did savor all stories. Even though I don't like caramel cake, the story about it is one of my favorites, and I now have a soft spot for a sweet dessert I will probably never taste!
The things I made from this book were all good, too, but I have to confess that I pick it up for reread just as More...
The stories are great, each featuring at least one recipe, and the recipes follow the story. I don't think I can possible make all these recipes, but I did savor all stories. Even though I don't like caramel cake, the story about it is one of my favorites, and I now have a soft spot for a sweet dessert I will probably never taste!
The things I made from this book were all good, too, but I have to confess that I pick it up for reread just as More...
Feb 27, 2011
Dutch
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Something is wrong with you if you don't love Maya Angelou! I could read this as a memoir keeping it by my bedside, regardless of whether or not there are recipes to follow in this book! But there are wonderful recipes here, and little stories to read along the way to keep you entertained while something is in the oven. I could do without the acknowledgment to Oprah and the mention of her in a recipe or two, as there is too much Oprah in the world as it is, but hey - it's Maya and I can forgi
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Feb 13, 2010
Belinda
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What a delightful book! I listened to the audiobook read by Dr. Angelou and I'm sure that added to my delight. This is a history of Dr. Angelou's life as it pertains to the eating and preparation of food. She has met so many interesting people and has gone to so many interesting places, I found myself engrossed by the sound her voice and her fantastic stories. She writes beautiful prose which sounds, amazingly enough, like poetry. I don't often write down a quotes from books, but this one i
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May 03, 2010
Luciana
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I absolutely loved this book. The recipes are mouthwatering and the photos and stories of each dish bring them all to life. I tried two recipes the other night, smothered chicken and wilted lettuce. It took nearly three hours, but the dishes came out delicious! The recipes in the book are not the healthiest, but comfort food hardly ever is. After reading some of the bits and pieces of her life in this book, I knew I had to read the rest of her writing. I just started I Know Why The Caged Bird Si
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Apr 01, 2011
Carol
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This book was not even close to what I thought it would be. Maya Angelou is a fascinating and one of the most widely talented people I've heard or read of. This book is narrated by her and she talks of her experiences learning to cook, who she's cooked for and who she had dined with. Again, a very inspiring lady. Learned a few cooking tips in the book too.
Jul 16, 2011
Michele
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I laughed and I learned from the wise and courageous Maya Angelou the Namesake of one of my children. I could hear her voice tell the stories and sharing these simple and delicious recipes southern and others. I'm encouraged to make Eclairs!! LoL.. So glad I found this. What a gift!
Jun 25, 2011
Jeannie
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The recipes put you in the mood of family and close friends enjoying a meal and a cool drink together.
The rich cakes and the deep fried chicken. Ohhh Mama!
I have almost all of Maya Angelou's books. I am now introducing my daughter to the captivating words of Ms. Maya Angelou.
The rich cakes and the deep fried chicken. Ohhh Mama!
I have almost all of Maya Angelou's books. I am now introducing my daughter to the captivating words of Ms. Maya Angelou.
Feb 11, 2009
Leticia
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This was a beautiful book, which included a variety of recipes that Angelou publishes to recount life stories. It really makes you want to sit down and eat. There is a delicious recipe for caramel cake that will make your mouth water.
Jun 29, 2010
Little-g
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Wow, I really liked this book. I love Angelou's voice anyway, but add to that stories that are about cooking and life around the table - from poverty to the high life - and I'm more than satisfied. I appreciate her humor and her honesty.
Sep 04, 2009
Kelley
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I just loved this book! It is so much more than just another recipe book! The short stories within are very inspiring, and the recipe's are out of this world yummy! Anyone who loves to read and cook should give this book a whirl...you will not regret it.
Oct 08, 2011
Evelyn
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Wonderful book of recipes of all sorts along with anecdotes by Maya Angelou regarding how she came to come across them. Good pictures of the recipes which I always feel are a must in a cookbook.
Excellent book since it appeals to the reader in more than one way.
Excellent book since it appeals to the reader in more than one way.
Mar 22, 2009
Barb
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Maya's southern cooking recipes are paired with some of her own "life experience" stories. I think I liked her stories better than her recipes...she is one bright, creative and talented woman to be greatly admired.
Nov 19, 2011
Nina
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I will admit that I haven't tried any the recipes, but the essays at the beginning of each group of recipes are what really make this book for me. I really like Maya Angelou's writing; and using food to illustrate events goes down really well with me.
Jun 20, 2010
Jasmine
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This book was written for me! At least, I think it was. She's an amazing story teller and she made me want to make everyone single recipe in the book! Can't wait to try the Caramel Cake!
Jul 27, 2011
Shelley
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This is part memoir, part cookbook. Most of the recipes are beyond what I would even try as I like it simple, but the best find for me was Decca's Drunkards Chicken, which is very easy but so tasty.
Jan 07, 2011
April
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Great recipes with stories from Maya Angelou's life. What could be better! Okay, unless she came over and cooked them for you and told you the stories while she did.
Mar 02, 2009
Laura
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Not a big fan of Angelou's prose but her life experiences are so interesting that the book is hard to put down. The recipes look very delicious as well.
Mar 27, 2011
Meera
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Loved this book! I enjoyed reading about the parts of her life in which the various dishes featured as well as the wonderful recipes. I highly recommend it.
Mar 22, 2009
Mary
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I've only read parts of it. It's a cook book with some interesting recipes. I like the stories but I haven't read it all.
Dec 10, 2009
Ryann
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This audio cd was narrated by the author and was a collection of enjoyable, cute short stories from Maya Angelou's life. It was short and fun to listen to.
Sep 28, 2009
Glenda
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Dr. Angelou narrates the audio version which is a real treat, but book contains recipes and pictures -- choose both versions!
Nov 11, 2009
Marilyn
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I got this book after I saw Mother Angelou in person. In her honor I wanted to build my library...
Jun 11, 2010
Michelle
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A great woman, with great stories, and great recipes. Is there anything she can't do?
