For a world of devoted fans, a much-awaited new volume of absorbing stories and inspirational wisdom from one of our best-loved writers.
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reviews
Oct 27, 2008
Tamara
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Reading Maya Angelou is like getting a big hug on a bad day. She has the most comforting voice, and may be the wisest person I can think of. I want to be like her when I grow up.
Favorite Quotes:
Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking.
I remind myself it is sufficient to know what I know, and that what I know, may not always be true.
[I] try to be present and accountable for al
Favorite Quotes:
Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking.
I remind myself it is sufficient to know what I know, and that what I know, may not always be true.
[I] try to be present and accountable for al
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Oct 10, 2008
Eileen
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Angelou's book, Letter to My Daughter caught my eye immediately as I was browsing the shelves at Barnes and Noble. I picked it up and settled in a comfy chair with my latte and my soon to be good friend Maya. I was ready for advice, wisdom, love and experiences from a woman who has lived many more lives than I could ever imagine. Not to mention one who puts it so eloquently.
It is a craving of 20somethings to be gently advised in life from those who have already gone through the same More...
It is a craving of 20somethings to be gently advised in life from those who have already gone through the same More...
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Nov 06, 2008
Miyanni
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 02, 2011
i started this book on mother's day and finished almost immediately. it was a "gift" to myself. i was so inspired by the first two-thirds of this book, i thought everyone should read these life lessons, particularly those who are parents, raising the next generation. i was thinking this is the book to give to every graduate in my family & circle of friends, so they may hear these lessons before their lives have gotten behind them. unfortunately, the last thrid of teh book is so heavil
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Jan 29, 2009
Elevate Difference
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Maya Angelou's Letter to My Daughter is a beautiful tribute replete with lessons for younger generations of women. The prolific autobiographer chronicles her travels abroad in Europe and Africa and writes of the indignities and trials she faces at home. Every story provides a nugget of truth, its profundity startling and plainly humbling.
The volume is somewhat chronological; however, this does not make the writing any less lucid. There is no original moral. Angelou reminds us to cou More...
The volume is somewhat chronological; however, this does not make the writing any less lucid. There is no original moral. Angelou reminds us to cou More...
Nov 24, 2008
Kate
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Great book, quick read. Maya Angelou is so witty, I never realized! She is also so inspirational and genuine.
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Dec 08, 2011
This book was an unlikely choice for me to pick up in the first place. I remember first being introduced to Maya Angelou on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and finding her incredibly wise. Not intelligent, but almost like an Ent (from Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’, for the uninitiated of you) – full of earthy, old-wordly wisdom. I was impressed enough to give her book a try.
I chose ‘Letter to My Daughter’ because her acclaimed autobiography (I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings) sounded too h More...
I chose ‘Letter to My Daughter’ because her acclaimed autobiography (I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings) sounded too h More...
Aug 15, 2010
Rachel
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I guess I haven't really read Maya Angelou before so I may not have acquired the taste for her writing and the requisite knowledge of the form to understand this book. I often feel this way upon encountering poetry (adult contemporary poetry--I can handle Ogden Nash and Shel Silverstein and a variety of poems we had to memorize in high school English). Though this book is mostly prose, the stylization of the prose is not my favorite (or perhaps I should say it is not in my comfort zone). The
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Nov 01, 2011
Jessica
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“Letter to My Daughter”
By Maya Angelou
This book contains many short essays written by Angelou. Each one is different, even though in some way they do connect to each other. She is speaking to the daughter she never had about lessons she’s learned in her life, and how they’ve affected her, and how they were useful to her. Containing many events that will touch someone’s life.
This is one of the most inspiring books I’ve read. This book was actually a gift from my m More...
By Maya Angelou
This book contains many short essays written by Angelou. Each one is different, even though in some way they do connect to each other. She is speaking to the daughter she never had about lessons she’s learned in her life, and how they’ve affected her, and how they were useful to her. Containing many events that will touch someone’s life.
This is one of the most inspiring books I’ve read. This book was actually a gift from my m More...
Dec 09, 2009
Letter to my Daughter
Maya Angelou
192pp
Random House
1400066123
This is not so much of a book but more of a guide to woman. Maya Angelou gives her advice to woman, how she got through her life as a woman. How to defend yourself, how to be yourself,etc. These short stories are focused on the difficult things that Angelou had to go through to become the woman she is today. She believes that any woman can do it but all you need to do is believe in your self
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Maya Angelou
192pp
Random House
1400066123
This is not so much of a book but more of a guide to woman. Maya Angelou gives her advice to woman, how she got through her life as a woman. How to defend yourself, how to be yourself,etc. These short stories are focused on the difficult things that Angelou had to go through to become the woman she is today. She believes that any woman can do it but all you need to do is believe in your self
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Oct 19, 2011
Therese
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(Read 5/2009). My mother recently sent me a copy of Maya Angelou's book "Letter to My Daughter." I have been reading it slowly over the last month or so, since it is comprised of little vignettes only a few pages each, I could pick it up and put it down whenever I wanted. Usually after I finish a book that I was given I donate it to the local library; but, I am keeping this one (sorry library, but you have a copy so don't hate me). It is filled with so many treasures that I can access
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Dec 06, 2008
Lesley
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I enjoyed reading another Maya Angelou book, though I must admit that this one was a little "fluffier" in some places than expected. Other chapters were very frank and real, especially about her younger years. I was glad to learn a bit more about how she grew up; it made me admire her more. I can understand now why she seems like such a strong person, as this book reveals some of the strong influences in her life. One of my favorite chapters was about her adult life, when she first vis
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Apr 17, 2010
Robby
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In eighth grade I wrote a report on Maya Angelou. My teacher and I had some of the greatest conversations I have ever had with anyone about this woman. Before I read anything she’s written, I knew her whole life story. I knew of the things she has been through, and I fell in love with her.
I bought this book for my mom, for Christmas. She hasn’t read it yet, because she’s been so busy, but it’s okay with me that she hasn’t had the time. I picked this book up on Thursday night and started re More...
I bought this book for my mom, for Christmas. She hasn’t read it yet, because she’s been so busy, but it’s okay with me that she hasn’t had the time. I picked this book up on Thursday night and started re More...
Jan 18, 2009
Mary
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A quick and easy read. Maya gives some great insight to several facets in life, supported by personal experience and perspective.
Favorite quote from the book shed light into challenges I currently am presented with in my own life:
"When I find myself filling with rage over the loss of a beloved, I try as soon as possible to remember that my concerns and questions should be focused on what I learned or what I have yet to learn from my departed love. What legacy was le More...
Favorite quote from the book shed light into challenges I currently am presented with in my own life:
"When I find myself filling with rage over the loss of a beloved, I try as soon as possible to remember that my concerns and questions should be focused on what I learned or what I have yet to learn from my departed love. What legacy was le More...
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Apr 06, 2009
Ezra
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Ever wanted inspiration after lunch, words of wisdom, life experiences with a point? Well read Maya Angelous's book of letters to the individuals out in the world because this is the exact book that'll settle your mind from the bumping bags in the hall way into serentity and bliss. (well maybe not all of that but some!) This book weere simply letters written to the reader to expose us to the truth of lives obstacles and needed finds. It lead syou into the way Angleous mind thinks and how she wa
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Dec 03, 2008
Anne
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This is a kind of "Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" collection of thoughts and wisdom from Maya Angelou to the daughter she never had (biologically, that is). It is a hodge-podge of essays, poems and random thought based on Angelou's life experiences. It is at times preachy and judgmental, but alas, beautifully written. And, of course, there is truth in each of Angelou's pieces of advice. Most of her advice is of the "suck it up and endure" variety, and
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Dec 09, 2008
Jamie
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I have only recently begun to have an active interest in literature published by Dr. Maya Angelou, but this book definitely intensifies my interest. This book was very interesting, to say the very least. You have to respect an elderly woman who is willing to put a few of life's lessons down on paper for others to read. Her words are eloquent; she uses shorts stories, essays, poetry, and quotations to reminisce about her life and the lessons that she has learned through her experiences. The stori
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Aug 21, 2011
Kristi
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Maya Angelou's free spirt, love of life and strength is contagiously inspiring. I want to be a better person after reading this book. What a gift she imparts on her readers. She seems to be all that I am not, but has sparked in me the desire to be what I can be. I do admit that I feel my little life is so different from hers - mush less colorful, lively and interesting. Part of me longs to be as outrageously wonderful! I loved the variety of these short, easy-to-read essays. My favorite was
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Aug 13, 2010
Robin
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August 13: I finished this book last night, but am not sure that I should tag the book as "read" since I immediately started it over again at the beginning. The format is lovely - a series of short essays, 2-3 pages each of "lessons learned"; some stories, some poetry.
The author's thoughts about charity were inspiring. Aside from being willing to share tangible resources, she reminds us that "to be charitable with gestures and words can bring enormous joy and More...
The author's thoughts about charity were inspiring. Aside from being willing to share tangible resources, she reminds us that "to be charitable with gestures and words can bring enormous joy and More...
Nov 23, 2008
Jennifer
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What a beautiful book. I appreciated the wisdom and love that seemed to emanate from this work. It seems amazing to me that so much wisdom can be wrapped up in one woman and I can only hope that after a lifetime of living I will have an ounce of what she possesses. What resonated the most with me was the idea of not having your circumstances or the events of your life reduce you to a miserable being. I've had a rough year and this book reinforced the lessons I've learned this year- that I ca
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Oct 28, 2011
jamie
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I've admired Maya Angelou long before i read her beautifully written memoir, "I know why the caged bird sings." Even though this book is short and some stories are taken from her memoirs, i still enjoyed her words of wisdom and advice. I love the story when she was encouraged by a very wise man to thank God that she can see because there are millions that can't see, to thank God because she can hear because there are millions that can't hear, etc. She says that if you can't change a si
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Mar 03, 2009
Linda
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I once heard Maya Angelou read from her most famous book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Her presence is commanding her voice thick with empathy and deep understanding of life. She was in the looking back phase at that time and I was deeply moved by her insights. As a parting note she has penned a letter to the daughters she never had, whether they be black, white or a nice mocha color. My own mother’s recent passing made her honest, soulful, revealing, unique well of ancient wisdom ev More...
Jan 09, 2009
Elizabeth
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Go ahead and judge me, I listned to this as an itunes audio file. But! with good reason. This is Maya Angelous's life story - her different trials and triumphs that have made her the woman in our history that should be so reveered. I found it fitting to listen to her tell her own story. Although, so much of this quick read is profound that I will also be getting the hard copy so that I can study her words and teachings.
pay note to her discussion on faith and god.
her coverage o More...
pay note to her discussion on faith and god.
her coverage o More...
Dec 21, 2008
Julie
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It would be impossible to say what all I learned from this book. It will be one to keep close as my journey continues. I have read nearly all of Angelou's published books, so many characters and stories were familiar to me already. This book carefully selects from those experiences to offer the concise and meditative feel of a poem, condensed and more impactful, leaving a lingering need to reflect and somehow apply. My favorite pieces were the memories of her own mother, a few stories that i
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May 27, 2009
Cheri
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Witty, heartbreaking and inspiring, Letter to My Daughter is a loose collection of essays and poems relating lessons learned on the bumpy road of life. Maya Angelou is graceful and endearing as she writes of the struggles she faced growing up and the casual coincidences that can alter a life.
The first half, chronicling her earlier years, is more compelling than the second, which drags a little. A very quick read (each chapter is only a few pages), it was gone in an hour, yet the sto More...
The first half, chronicling her earlier years, is more compelling than the second, which drags a little. A very quick read (each chapter is only a few pages), it was gone in an hour, yet the sto More...
Dec 09, 2009
Angie
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The Lit Ladies Book Club finally chose Maya Angelou, one of my favorite authors. Yay!
I just finished reading Letter to My Daughter. It took me one afternoon. It’s bite-size Maya Angelou. Not exactly the depth and length of her autobiographies. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first. It was so quick. I wanted more. Her life lessons are so well expressed. She has an ability to be truly present in life and essentially snapshot meaningful moments.
While, Letter to My Daugh More...
I just finished reading Letter to My Daughter. It took me one afternoon. It’s bite-size Maya Angelou. Not exactly the depth and length of her autobiographies. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first. It was so quick. I wanted more. Her life lessons are so well expressed. She has an ability to be truly present in life and essentially snapshot meaningful moments.
While, Letter to My Daugh More...
Jul 16, 2010
Erin
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Letter to My Maya:
I have been enamored with your books since I was a pre-teen. I know why the caged bird sings. I have listened to your silky deep voice read your poetry on an audio recording that has gotten obsessive play time. I have memorized every word. So I had no doubt I would love Letter to My Daughter. Believe me, I wanted to be your daughter.
But this wandering reverie did not do it for me. Any fan of your work will recognize that the crucial events of your life have be More...
I have been enamored with your books since I was a pre-teen. I know why the caged bird sings. I have listened to your silky deep voice read your poetry on an audio recording that has gotten obsessive play time. I have memorized every word. So I had no doubt I would love Letter to My Daughter. Believe me, I wanted to be your daughter.
But this wandering reverie did not do it for me. Any fan of your work will recognize that the crucial events of your life have be More...
Jan 29, 2009
Kristie
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I've always been a fan of Maya Angelou -- I absolutely love her poetry in particular.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The collection of essays are short (2-3 pages each), so it is easy to pick up and to put down. The essays are actually a random collection of stories, musings, and poems. Angelou is now in her seventies and she is sharing life lessons and other thoughts that she would like to pass on. (As an aside, I'm not sure why this book is geared toward "daughters" More...
I really enjoyed reading this book. The collection of essays are short (2-3 pages each), so it is easy to pick up and to put down. The essays are actually a random collection of stories, musings, and poems. Angelou is now in her seventies and she is sharing life lessons and other thoughts that she would like to pass on. (As an aside, I'm not sure why this book is geared toward "daughters" More...
Jul 15, 2011
Marie
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http://mariesbookgarden.blogspot.com/201...
Maya Angelou is a poetic prophet, and this book contains nuggets of her wisdom. At first I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to relate, since I do not have any daughters myself. However, Angelou has one son and no daughters. Her daughter is metaphorical.
I enjoyed reading about some of her experiences and reflections (she is very opinionated!), but the one thing that bugged me was the glaring run-on sentences. Surely this book More...
Maya Angelou is a poetic prophet, and this book contains nuggets of her wisdom. At first I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to relate, since I do not have any daughters myself. However, Angelou has one son and no daughters. Her daughter is metaphorical.
I enjoyed reading about some of her experiences and reflections (she is very opinionated!), but the one thing that bugged me was the glaring run-on sentences. Surely this book More...
Sep 01, 2010
Eileen
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I cheated a little and listened to this book while in the car. It's the first time I had done that, but what an efficient way to read! I finished it in less than 2 days. Maybe I spend too much time in my car..
Anyway, this book did lend itself to that. I enjoyed hearing her voice. She has a very eloquent way of expressing herself and talking. She has had some interesting life experiences. Some of these essays were actually quite funny, and I wasn't really expecting that. I loved the s More...
Anyway, this book did lend itself to that. I enjoyed hearing her voice. She has a very eloquent way of expressing herself and talking. She has had some interesting life experiences. Some of these essays were actually quite funny, and I wasn't really expecting that. I loved the s More...
