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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Written by: Maya Angelou
Narrated by: Maya Angelou
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About this listen

Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash”. At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age - and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime.

Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns about love for herself and the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.

Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a modern American classic that will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read - or listen.

©1969 Maya Angelou (P)2010 Random House
Art & Literature Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment & Celebrities Literature & Fiction Heartfelt Celebrity
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What the critics say

" I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.” (James Baldwin)
“A beautiful book - an unconditionally involving memoir for our time or any time.... Maya Angelou is a natural writer with an inordinate sense of life and she has written an exceptional autobiographical narrative.” ( Kirkus Reviews)
“Simultaneously touching and comic.” ( The New York Times)

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What listeners say about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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Amazing!

Such an honest person, incredible story that will make you laugh and cry! Very touching indeed. Maya is a powerful writer

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incredible

what an incredible life and eye opener to the racism experienced. goes up until she's 16 and Im already downloading her other autobiographies. she has an incredible voice and states things in a matter of fact way, despite the unfairness and cruelties of her situations

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Asolutely loved this

I downloaded this because I thought I "should" experience this renowned work. That's how it started. Then it quickly became pure love, and I was wanting to hear more even after it ended.

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beautiful and touching

beautifully written. I love the words almost as much as the woman reading them. lovely.

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Just lovely

I enjoyed every second of this, it's a classic for a reason, so very heartwarming

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WOW

Best thing I have ever heard.
Maya reading is fantastic, what a journey that was.

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In love with this

I am a big fan of Maya Angelou and have been meaning to read this well know book - but never got around to it being so busy and all. To my amazement Audible has the version with Maya Angelou reading the words directly to you. Maya's voice is so soothing and sweep's over me especially on the days my soul needs some comfort. I like to play the Audible version in my car when stuck in traffic and some chapters give me a good laugh. And other chapters give me so much to think about. The world needs more Maya Angelou. She lives on in the audible version of her amazing classic book. #Audible1

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This Angel

I’m so enthralled by the magnetic energy and brilliance of this author- just enjoyed this from start to finish.

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Eye-opening

I don't think people who are not of colour have any idea of what our coloured sisters and brothers, especially in the USA, gave had to and continue to endure. A must-read for all of humanity.

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Absolutely incredible!

such an inspirational and heart wrenching story. very emotional and her voice is so beautiful.

#Audible1

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1 person found this helpful