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Angelou was among the first, if not the first, to create a literary franchise based on autobiographical writings. In the series' six titles -- beginning with the classic I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and followed by Gather Together in My Name, Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas, Heart of a Woman, All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes, and 2002's A Song Flung Up to Heaven -- Angelou tells her story in language both no-nonsense and intensely spiritual.
Angelou's facility with language, both on paper and as a suede-voiced speaker, have made her a populist poet. Her 1995 poem "Phenomenal Woman" is still passed along the Web among women as inspiration ("It's in the reach of my arms/The span of my hips/The stride of my steps/The curl of my lips./I'm a woman/Phenomenally/Phenomenal woman/That's me"), and her 1993 poem "On the Pulse of the Morning," written for Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration, was later released as a Grammy-winning album.
Angelou often cites other writers (from Kenzaburo Oe to James Baldwin) both in text and name. But as often as not, her major mentors were not writers – she had been set to work with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. before each was assassinated, stories she recounts in A Song Flung Up to Heaven.
Given her rollercoaster existence -- from poverty in Arkansas to journalism in Egypt and Ghana and ultimately, to her destiny as a successful writer and professor in the States – it's no surprise that Angelou hasn't limited herself to one or two genres. Angelou has also written for stage and screen, acted, and directed. She is the rare author from whom inspiration can be derived both from her approach to life as from her talent in writing about it. Reading her books is like taking counsel from your wisest, favorite aunt.
Angelou speaks six languages, including West African Fanti.
She taught modern dance at the Rome Opera House and the Hambina Theatre in Tel Aviv.
Before she became famous as a writer, Maya Angelou was a singer. Miss Calypso is a CD of her singing calypso songs.
Mother,
During those early dearest days
I did not dream that you had
A large life which included me,
For I had a life which was only you.
_______________________________
The way you posed your head
So that the light could caress your face
When you put your fingers on my hand
And your hand on my arm,
I was struck with a sense of health,
Of strength and very good fortune.
Excerpted from Mother by Maya Angelou Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Kpg78
Posted July 3, 2011
While the poem was beautiful, as I expected it would be, this "book" was only the one poem...I just spent $9.00 for not even as many pages! Reading other reviews, critiics call it a "collection" and made it sound like there should be more there...wondering if it didn't download all the way or am I missing something??? I love Maya Angelou's work but $9 is a bit steep for one poem. I appreciate any advice or ideas! Also, is there a way to see how many pages something is before purchasing it?
Thanks in advance to any helpers! :)
Anonymous
Posted May 18, 2010
As always Maya's words are brilliant and touching. My mom loved recieving this sweet book for Mother's Day.
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Posted December 15, 2006
Maya as always you inspire me! I really enjoyed this book it touched a chord deep within my soul and brought me much laughter.
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Posted January 8, 2007
A whimsical poetry book clearly devoted for her mother, Maya Angelou has written many wonderful books and this one will not be forgotten. Don't forget your mothers is the message of the book-I can't argue with that! Hopefully, Angelou will keep on writing.
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Posted September 11, 2006
Maya's gift of writing is a blessing to the world. This book is a must.
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Posted August 14, 2006
I enjoy reading Maya Angelous poems... this book especially.. great balance
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Posted September 2, 2006
This is a nice collection the collection is a must have
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Posted May 21, 2006
I must admit that this is a wonderful book...when I saw you on television one morning reading this I had to want for it to come to the book store...So on Mother's Day I purchase seven (7) to send to my strong black mother's...each one has called and said to me: ' What a wonderful way to say I love you on this day'....Thank you it is appreciated.....Have you written one on Fathers.... Euna Faye Harris Eaton
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Posted May 3, 2006
Such beautiful and amazing heart-touching expressions of life's points and purposes. Get your hands on this book and hold tight to Angelou's gift to us all.
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Posted May 9, 2006
You are my mom and my friend You¿ve been there for me through thick and thin I cherish every moment we have together Knowing that our love will last forever You gave me life that¿s why I love you so And knowing that this day might come I never want to let you go We argue sometimes But our friendship is like a vine When I was born you told me you love me And I knew from there you would never hurt me When you held me in your arms I felt so secure That¿s when I knew you were my mom for sure I love you mom theres no more I can say But thank god for you and Happy Valentine¿s Day
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Posted August 17, 2009
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Posted July 5, 2010
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Posted December 25, 2011
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Posted November 21, 2010
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Posted February 4, 2011
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Posted January 25, 2011
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Overview
With her signature eloquence and heartfelt appreciation, renowned poet and national treasure Maya Angelou celebrates the first woman we ever knew: Mother. From the beginnings of this profound relationship through teenage rebellion and finally to adulthood, where we stand to inherit timeless maternal wisdom, Angelou praises the patience, knowledge, and compassion of this remarkable parent. Perfect for Mother's Day, or for any day on which we wish to acknowledge this all-important bond, Mother is an awe-inspiring affirmation of the enduring love that exists in every corner of the globe.