5 comments about A Song Flung Up to Heaven.

1. THIS POEM WAS THE BEST POEM I HAVE EVER READ AND I LOVE TO READ IT OVER AND OVER SO I GIVE THIS POEM 5 STARS



2. About the book: She tells her story in wonderfully simple, delightfully entertaining narrative. As a very young woman when I read her first autobiographical installment (I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings) I became an ardent fan of her craft. Her story gave me entrance into a sisterhood; some of her poetry still stirs and inspires me.
   
   However, in my listening experience, most authors (even some of my favorites) should NOT read their own works for audio publication. Maya Angelou is no exception. Instead of being transported into her experience, I heard a reading--and not (in my opinion) a particularly memorable one.
   
   Nevertheless, Ms. Angelou remains, without doubt, a voice of the time and a woman of vast accomplishment. Well dang, one person can't be perfect in all things now can they?! LOL!



3. I am an avid fan of Ms. Angelou and actively collect her books. Please continue to provide her works, especially her older books.



4. When a representative of Random House contacted Angelou with the suggestion that she write an autobiography at the tender age of forty, she demurred, and he lay down a challenge by saying that she might be right to refuse, for writing autobiography as literature is nearly impossible to do. Angelou picked up that challenge and met it squarely, for her six-volume autobiography does indeed qualify as literature. As has been noted in several reviews of her other books in this series, she writes not the dry facts of her existence but rather the colorful and expressive interpretation of those facts. Instead of recounting happenings, she paints for the reader her interpretation of them, their significance, and their place in her universe. History may underlie her writing, but it is the view that Angelou has of those historical events that gives her books interest and meaning.
   
   A SONG FLUNG UP TO HEAVEN is the concluding volume of Angelou's autobiographical writings, and, by itself, it is of limited instruction for the reader. It is quite brief, easily read in a single sitting. The first short chapters present a skeletal synopsis of her personal history. The final chapter gives wing to her philosophical view of humankind. In between, the reader is given a glimpse of the frustrations leading to the Watts Riots and of the despair occasioned by the assassinations of Malcolm X and of Martin Luther King. This volume also continues earlier books' insightful descriptions of King, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin, adding much to the understanding of these men by the general public.
   
   This slim volume is indeed the conclusion of the other five books that comprise Angelou's autobiographical works detailing the first half of her life. It is no more logical to begin reading this book without having first read the others than it is to read the final chapter of a novel before enjoying all of the preceding chapters. If one is to comprehend this book fully, he must begin with I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS and follow with its successors until he reaches A SONG FLUNG UP TO HEAVEN in the proper course of things.
   
   If a criticism must be lodged against this book, it is only that its brevity is such that it scarcely warrants being published as a separate volume. It could easily have been appended to the preceding book, ALL GOD'S CHILDREN NEED TRAVELING SHOES. The fact that the end of the book comes so quickly forces the reader to wonder whether Angelou tired of her writing project, ran headlong into an ultimate publishing deadline, or wished to eke out a bit more recompense from her publisher by forcing one additional volume through his presses.
   
   Some of the preceding autobiographical volumes have been described as having perhaps a bit too much virulence against Whites, perhaps a little too much hyperbole concerning the enduring effects of historical slavery. Some of Angelou's statements reveal a "reverse racism," to use one of her own phrases. Of course, the social climate in the United States during much of Angelou's life hardly engendered loving relations between White and Black citizens, yet the non-aggression of a Martin Luther King grew and matured in this environment, making Angelou's strident condemnations of the White population as much a factor of her own personality as of her social environment, and, after many pages, that stridency becomes tiresome. This final volume, however, is free of such hostility and is much more accepting of good people regardless of their color.
   
   In brief, if one has read the first five volumes of Angelou's autobiography, then by all means do finish with this sixth one. On the other hand, picking this one up and reading it first will deprive the reader of an accurate appreciation of Angelou's artistry, in both its strengths and its weaknesses, as a prose writer and may well leave the reader with a complete mis-perception of Angelou's autobiographical books. Angelou's autobiographical series is one of those things that really should be experienced in the order of their creation, and doing so will give the reader a captivating view of this most unusual author and poet.



5. First let me say that I am a huge Maya Angelou fan! I couldn't wait to add "A Sung Flung Up to Heaven" to my library. When it arrived, I poured a cup of tea and dug in. When I finished, I felt a little cheated. It seemed that she rushed through this book, leaving me wanting more. It's a lovely book overall, but I expected more detail, more artistry... more Maya... in this final installment. I wanted more personal perspective on her relationships with Malcolm X and Dr. King. I'm still a big fan, but this book missed the mark a bit for me.

No comments about Letter to My Daughter.

4 comments about Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer.

1. Read Hilton Als' "New Yorker" profile of Angelou for a true glimpse.



2. This book is another example of the heart in Maya Angelou. Another "beautiful" set of her work. I highly recommend this book of prayers to all Maya Angelou's fans. A Must have for your collection...



3. Best book I've read in years. This book gave me a better understanding of Islam and how backward it's follwers are. Just as I beleived I found that the Muslims are still living in a past century and, are a this point unwilling an unable to progress to this century.
   Their faith in Muhmmad's teaching's about how to treat women brought tear's to my eyes. Ayann story of her life has put her life in grave danger for speaking out, but her struggle for human right's for Muslin women is nothing short of heroic.



4. I am a huge Maya fan but I felt that this was not her best stuff. I liked the poetry but it didn't compare to "Still I Rise" or "Phenomenal Woman". Again, I liked it because Maya doesn't write bad poetry but I wasn't as in love with this collection as I am with her other work.

No comments about Hallelujah! the Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories and Recipes.

3 comments about Maya Angelou Poetry Collection.

1. AUDIOBOOK REVIEW Poetry The Maya Angelou Poetry Collection. 4 cassettes; 115 minutes; 106 poems. Random House Audio Publishing, Inc. 1999. $19.95.

   Gr 9 Up-Maya Angelou's poems speak strongly in print, but hearing the author perform her own work is a pleasure not to be missed. The poet literally performs her poems. Her melodious voice sings the spirituals, delivers heart-felt dedications and shares the roots or histories upon which some of these poems are derived. This four-cassette collection treats us to 115 minutes of readings covering 106 poems. The versatility of Maya Angelou's voices delights as she uses a syncopated rhythm to deliver poems enhanced by this beat: Harlem Hopscotch, Pickin' Up and Layin' `em Down, Baby and Times Square Shoe Shine. Maya Angelou takes us back to the bitter historical past in poems based upon classic Negro spirituals such as Just Give me a Cool Drink of Water `fore I Die and to the somber, slow refrains of To a Freedom Fighter. In other poems, Maya Angelou reveals a more personal and intimate side in poems such as Come be My Baby and He Said He Loved Another. Dr. Angelou shares the historical roots and associations she drew upon to create her Inaugural Poem On the Pulse of Morning delivered on January 20, 1993 at President Clinton's inauguration. This rare glimpse into the poet's process is a treasure for introducing young adults to the poetic process. Some explicit language requires previewing before school use. A complete listing of poems and times would be appreciated to locate titles of particular interest. You will be drawn to listen to this collection over and over again.




2. 
   The rhyme, the rhythm, the melody, by Jove, Maya, they speak to me, so strongly, I wrote 4 poems in that style. (Well, yes, I definitely tried.) I just considered it one of those college course music studies, where I used to write in the style of Bach, etc.)
   
   Serendipidy: I found the set in the Military Library at Hurlburt( your tax dollars at work! ) and kept on listening and listening, getting more and more the shades and undertones.One must listen to poetry often, as new meanings appear that were not evident with just ones-lightly-over listening! I am buying my OWN set. And there is this ebony sister I feel a strong kinship with, who will get her own set from me, too.
   
   I love her poems, born as most great writing and poetry is , - born out of joy and pain. (Schubert: Out of my great sorrow and pain, write I the little songs.) I love her sonorous voice. Reminds me on Odetta.
   
   I am glad I "met" her. As I, as a white girl, adore Opra, so I just had to know why Opra admired Dr. Angelou. And I am glad I found out. (...) Karla (Katrina Kwiatkowska) (...)



3. Fantastic, better still by the fact of it being read by the great lady her self.

5 comments about Hallelujah! The Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories.

1. The book is great, I also bought the cd which is great and expected recipes to be read on it and there were none except for a few on recipe cards. Good that I bought the book because I was really looking for the recipes.



2. My daughter reproduced the same Caramel Cake that Maya made as a guest on Martha Stewart's show, for my birthday last fall...oh my gosh, it was so good!
   
   So good that I gave her Hallelujah! The Welcome Table, for Christmas.
   
   It is a warm and wonderful book, chock full of memories and yummy recipes...including the Caramel Cake.



3. I love this cookbook. I have already tried some recipes from it. Almost three weeks passed, however, before I received it. I am very satisfied with it.



4. A wonderful mix of story and recipe.
   As I try these wonderful southern dishes I recall her stories and I can sense the history of the dish.
   the caramel cake is worth 10x the price of the book alone.



5. None comes better. The recipes are honest and measure up to the quality of the author! Props to Sister Angelou !

1 comments about Celebrations Book/CD Gift Set: Rituals of Peace and Prayer.

1. Sometimes you just forget about Maya Angelou and the way her writings make your heart sing. With this Celebrations gift set it lets you remember her and all of the good pieces that are ours as a result of her. If you want to bless someone who is going through this is a wonderful gift.

5 comments about Maya Angelou: A Glorious Celebration.

1. The latest testimony to the life of a gifted writer. Includes many historic pictures.



2. I've never read anything about or by Maya Angelou that I didn't love.
   This book is the feature on my bookshelf.... I need another copy to keep next to my nightstand!



3. I assumed that this book would include some of Maya Angelou's writings. It didn't. I enjoyed looking at the photos and reading about her, but I intended this as a gift to someone who had never read her writings.



4. A Glorious Celebration makes a wonderful coffee table book. Everyone who comes to my house gravitates to the book. Also makes a great gift for book lovers. May Angelou is just phenomenal in her writings. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.



5. This is indeed a glorious coffee table book. At present I've got a copy on my night table, on my kitchen counter, one in each of my bathrooms, and one for my patio table. The book store has ordered me a copy of the new water proof dust jacket so I can keep a copy down by the pool. I had been looking for a good picture book of my other favorite poets, Ezra Pound, Wallace Stevens, T.S. Eliot, and William Carlos Williams, but theirs were all out of print. I would keep my newest copy on my living room coffee table were it not for my copies of Hillary and Bill Clinton's autobiographies. This is really as extraordinary a book as one could wish for. Happy birthday, Maya. I hope to see you you at Barack's inauguration, again behind the podium, reciting another beautiful poem in that mellifluous voice.

5 comments about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Abridged Audio Edition).

1. I read with my daughter who is in the 7th grade. Her teacher assigned to read as a book report. The students had to write about symbols, motifs, etc. and compare them to personal life experiences. But, as we read together, the words were very graphic beginning around ( i believe chapter going forward ) describing the rape by Maya mother's boyfriend, Mr. Freeman. The book stated that his private part " stood up like a piece of corn ". This is not a " youth friendly book ". PARENTS : Take time to read with your children. I gave two stars because there were funny, interesting points in the book at teh beginning. Other than that, INAPPROPRIATE !



2. A narrative about overcoming the obstacles in one's life, Maya Angelou's memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, reflects on Maya's experiences as a child and teen and the racial discrimination she faces. The memoir is set in rural Arkansas, St. Louis, and San Francisco between the years of 1931 and 1944, At the age of three, Maya, along with her elder brother, Bailey, are sent to live with their grandmother in Arkansas, deep in the then segregated South, after their parents' marriage ends in divorce. Later, as a young adult, she and her brother are sent to live with their mother, both in St. Louis and in San Francisco. While growing up, Maya struggles with maturing into an adult, her parents divorce, rape, and pregnancy.
   While living with her mother in St. Louis, Maya is raped by her mother's fifty-year-old boyfriend, Mr. Freeman, at the age of eight. Although this issue is briefly touched upon through the book, one can see it made a great impact on her life, as she refused to talk for several years. With the help of Mrs. Flowers, a woman living in her town in Arkansas, she finally did begin to speak again. Later, while living in San Francisco, Maya begins to fear herself to be a lesbian, and as a result of this belief, she has sex with a boy at sixteen in hopes of convincing herself she is not gay. Three weeks after having sex, Maya finds herself pregnant. She hid her pregnancy from her mother for a majority of her pregnancy term, and it was only with two weeks left in the pregnancy did she decide to tell her mother. Angelou only briefly touches on her pregnancy, as if it is an insignificant issue in her life; however, during the 1940's, society looked down upon single, unwed, teen mothers. Despite all the elements working against her, she continues to persevere, eventually becoming the first black female street car conductor in San Francisco while still in high school, despite the racial discrimination opposing her.
   Although I wanted to connect to Maya Angelou's character because she is a female protagonist and much of the book takes place while she was a teenager, I was unable to. In Jeannette Walls's memoir, The Glass Castle, I was cheering for Jeannette to overcome her obstacles and achieve her goals in life, while I had little empathy for the issues Maya faced in her life. I found the language in the book relatively simple, but I was confused throughout the book, whether it was about character's ages, or the introduction of new characters. While reading, I would find myself needing to stop for a minute so I would be able to remember who a character was.
   Maya Angelou expertly sums up her experiences as a child in the opening of the book when she states, "If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat." Although I did not love this book, it is successful in portraying a young woman who clears many hurtles and champions her dreams.



3. Definitely not what i thought when i was assigned to read this book by my professor. Maya Angelou definitely led an interesting life, but the way it was written makes her seem self- conscious and doubtful of hew own recollections, i personally did not like or understand it. i had to rely on sparknotes to guide me to the end of this most unique... book. i would not recommend it.



4. I thought this book was an interesting read, however it was difficult to finish at times. What made me continue to finish the book was the beautiful way Maya Angelou writes. I found her story to be a bit dry and slow at times. However, her preserverance to become successful in life dispite her many obstacles kept me interested in this book. If I had not known how successful Maya Angelou's life turned out, I might not have finished the book. I was interested in knowing her journey. I recommend this book for teenage girls who are struggling with self-esteem issues and teen pregnancy because Maya Angelou's story can be used as a great encouragement to hang in there despite adversity.



5. We are the members of the South Mill Young Readers Book Club located in Conyers, Georgia. We are in the thirteen year old age bracket and thought it would be challenging to attempt to read and understand this story. As a result of our reading, we rate the book as follows:
   
   Creativity - B+
   Enjoyment - A+
   Price - B+
   
   We would recommend this book to others in our age group to read it.
   
   Typed by Book Club Instructor: mwg

5 comments about And Still I Rise: A Selection of Poems Read by the Author.

1. This book is filled with wonderful, powerful poetry that really awakened me to the troubles of African Americans in that time of history. Diego Rivera's paintings in the book are staggering and breathtaking. This is a must-see for any ameteur or lover of poetry.



2. ...Invictus is by William E. Henley......I do not like much poetry.....but 'Still I Rise', is one of the most moving and powerful pieces of literature of our day. You can feel the rumblings of motivation rising within you as you read it---it summons the power of our ancestors as you read it... YOU FEEL this poem with all your heart--or I fear you have no heart and you remember that feeling for years after you have read it!
   It is a magnificent poem that the author not only wrote, but earned through her own life.
   This book would make excellent Christmas gifts of inspiration.



3. This audiobook arrived in about a week and was in the condition advertised. Overall, I was satisfied with the transaction and would purchase from this seller again.



4. Maya Angelou's reading of poetry is moving to the point ot tears and laughter. I highly recommend it.



5. Maya Angelou's poetry is so phenomenal. And the power of her voice reading her own words, is really moving.