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Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now
by
Maya Angelou
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 spirituali...more
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
October 1st 1994
by Bantam
(first published 1993)
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Liked this book by Maya Angelou. It was filled with short essays about her experiences and about women. The snippets she provided about her own life picqued my interest to the point that I might see if she has a bio or autobio out there. Update: she has 6 autobiographies. Guess I'll start with 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'.
What. The. Hell. I do not even know where to begin with this. Well, let's start at the top. Look at the title, what does that even mean? A double negative in the title, are you kidding me? The description now, also, if you notice does not actually say anything. Just kind of says how awesome Maya Angelou is, but not what this book is about. Oh wait, probably because this book is about nothing.....
Yep, I said it, this book is about nothing. It is a series of 2-5 page essays on various topics. Ther...more
Yep, I said it, this book is about nothing. It is a series of 2-5 page essays on various topics. Ther...more
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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," is that they are chock full of sage advice and that...more
The wonderful thing about these two works and the later book of the same style, "Letter to my Daughter," is that they are chock full of sage advice and that...more
A compilation of brief scenes, thoughts and situations. The collection is rather wide ranging from history to social graces to autobiography. The past and the present collide as the stories are short and end quickly, the transitions are abrupt.
The story of Aunt Tee is interesting and the poem on page 81 is fantastic. You will want to read it multiple times, I did. The personal experience stories of the writer shine the brightest. The slices of family history add a nice spice to the mix of the t...more
The story of Aunt Tee is interesting and the poem on page 81 is fantastic. You will want to read it multiple times, I did. The personal experience stories of the writer shine the brightest. The slices of family history add a nice spice to the mix of the t...more
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 should the r...more
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 those who wish to malign an...more
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 be quite as...more
She seems not to be quite as...more
Jul 06, 2011
Amalie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
autobiography,
non-fiction
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 reflects on so...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 reflects on so...more
This is and will always be my favorite of Maya Angelou's books. Every chapter (as puny as each one was) was filled with such wisdom and guidance.
It's definitely one of those books I'll have to read over and over again in an attempt to grasp, digest and incorporate as much of its teachings as possible.
It's definitely one of those books I'll have to read over and over again in an attempt to grasp, digest and incorporate as much of its teachings as possible.
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...more
This is not a novel, nor meant to be a story with a protagonist, antagonist, beginning, middle or end. It simply is what it is, short gems of experience, wit, wisdom and knowledge. Don't expect more, and you'll love it as much as I do. My mother gave it to me during some difficult and troubling times, and I found sometimes solace, sometimes a breath of fresh air, always reassurance and joy. I keep this close by, and it's like my self-esteem/ego bible that I turn to in times of need to make the t...more
This is fabulous. I was given this as a gift nearly 20 years ago when I was still in my teens, and just re-read it recently. Full of essays and prose about womanhood, bravery, kindness and confidence. This was my introduction to Maya Angelou, and reading it the second time was as wonderful of an experience as reading it the first time. You can hear her voice - wise and soothing - as you read it, which is an added treat. This is an excellent gift for a woman of any age, especially for a young wom...more
Maya Angelou is a long ball hitter: prizewinner, noted poet, social activist and this book is a chip shot at best. So simplistic and sorry, but preachy. C'mon, Maya. I was as shocked as I was disappointed, really.
A similar book SAFEKEEPING (which I thought was GREAT) about being a woman, life, choices, etc is written much the same style wise and so much deeper without all the religious overtones or sermons. In fact, I picked up Maya's book thinking it would be like Abby's but it is nothing like...more
A similar book SAFEKEEPING (which I thought was GREAT) about being a woman, life, choices, etc is written much the same style wise and so much deeper without all the religious overtones or sermons. In fact, I picked up Maya's book thinking it would be like Abby's but it is nothing like...more
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.
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 happens, Angelou s...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 happens, Angelou s...more
Ummm..The book is basically her philosophy about life. But, there is no plot or anything, no story, and doesn't really fit with the title. I really don't get it. I liked some of the quotes. The only reason I picked it up was because it was "maya angelou" who was supposed to be a great author. Maybe she is, and I can see that she knows how to use poetic words and metaphors beautifully, but this book just did not work. I'm sorry, I just wouldn't recommend it, unless you are in some sort of philoso...more
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 latest unforgetta...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 latest unforgetta...more
This review I’m totally going to do so differently as my review style will mess the message it gives. I have decided that with this one I will quote phrases, sections and pages in the book that serve as some sought of motivation for living and highlighting the essence of living.
“If I am comfortable inside my skin, I have the ability to make other people inside their skins although their feelings are not my primary reason for making fashion my choice. If I feel good inside my skin and clothes, I...more
“If I am comfortable inside my skin, I have the ability to make other people inside their skins although their feelings are not my primary reason for making fashion my choice. If I feel good inside my skin and clothes, I...more
I went to the to library to get Maguire's last book in his Oz series, and came across this little number while browsing with my delusions of bettering myself. This is the first book by Maya Angelou I have read. I was surprised and pleased by how blunt the advice and stories in this work were. There is something for everyone to read or relate to, and I'd say about half of it anyone and everyone would be better for hearing or reading until it stays with them.
May 21, 2009
Jeanne
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Jeanne by:
Book Club - Isabel
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 themselves. I w...more
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 those dead folks would give anything,...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 those dead folks would give anything,...more
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.
Super easy read, but full of wisdom from Maya Angelou. Some of my favorite quotes include: "To become and remain a woman command the existence and employment of genius." "Style is as unique and nontransferable and perfectly personal as a fingerprint." "I try to plant peace if I do not want discord; to plant loyalty and honesty if I want to avoid betrayal and lies." Incredible. Thank you, Ms. Angelou, for sharing your insights on life.
I really loved this short book of Maya Angelou's and I can't wait to hear more from her in her others. To me it felt like a collection of life lessons, so easy to read because each chapter is so short. There are so many things that I feel the need to re read and grasp in order to be a better person. You can sense from her writing how much she has lived and experienced, I would love to meet her.
I started reading this during a short train ride. Chapter one: In All Ways A Woman. I drank it up, and then I thought and thought and thought. and then I went to my writing group, and started to talk. And I haven't stopped talking about it. Granted, every chapter is short. Every theme, random. But each makes me think. Use it for your morning meditations or read one chapter per train ride.
Mar 19, 2009
Nancy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-i-read-over-and-over-again
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.
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."
1 like · like · see review
A collection of essays from one of the most lyrical and bold authors of our time is a rare treat. These short essays cover the topics of friendship, womanhood, race, and spirituality: if you feel you're lacking in any of these very personal subjects read this collection that permeates the soul with a special kind of renewal.
Dec 10, 2009
Rob
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2009,
all-time-favorites
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.
I liked this book, because I respect anything Maya Angelou has to say. But my favorite parts are when she speaks of her grandmother, who I find to be a profound woman with a lot of that old time wisdom that so many women lack these days. This was enjoyable to read, I just wish it was longer.
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Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Ann Johnson April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, is an American poet, memoirist, actress and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. In 2001 she was named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal. Maya Angelou is known for her series of six autobiographies, starting with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, (1969 which was no...more
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“Whining is not only graceless, but it can be dangerous. It can alert a brute that a victim is in the neighborhood.”
—
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“Living well is an art that can be developed: a love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings and assurance that the world owes you nothing and that every gift is exactly that, a gift. ”
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193 people liked it
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