The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou Modern Library Hardcover Hardcover – September 21, 2004

This a collection of all 6 books & make an almost continuous narrative of Maya's early to mid-life, when she was in her early forties. What shines through is her enormous talent to face numerous challenges in life, albeit certain periods of depression. She doesn't deny that, beside a 2-year training in dance & song, she's not qualified for any profession. BUT, maybe because of it she learns basics of several languages, attracts friends, jobs & boyfriends so quickly & efficiently. It's truly amazing. I think the highest point in her life was being accepted & trained, on the spot, to perform a leading role in the first international performance of Gershwin's Porgy & Bess. It's shockingly eye-openning that it was in her late thirties that she realized there're quite a few white people who understand the blacks' incredible injustices in this country & are prepared to devote money & time to make a difference. The book is printed on excellent paper, with very good readable font. I highly recommend it to ALL people who can go through 1166 pages at any pace. For me it was page-turner : a unique story of a unique talent.

My grandstepdaughter was about to graduate from high school and I was wondering what to get for this deserving young woman of color.Money ? Although she would certainly be thankful for, and make excellent use of, any money given to her, it didn't seem like it was .... well, "enough".I wanted her to have something that would offer more than just temporary enjoyment, something more lasting. Something that was meaningful.I thought for a long time and can't say as I was succeeding in my search. To be honest, I was getting somewhat frustratedOne morning I woke up, though, with a thought in mind: "Maya Angelou". I'm not certain where that thought had come from, or the source of its development, but I felt that this was the answer.I was only, unfortunately, just slightly familiar with some of her works, and that was mainly from her poetry. I got on the modern version of the Library of Alexandria (internet) and sought out examples of her works and recommendations of others."The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou" seemed to be what I was looking for, so we ordered it.When it came, I speed read sections of this collection and was very happy with our choice.So my step-granddaughter received a card for her graduation. Inscribed on the inside of the card were congratulations on graduating and well wishes for her future. Included in the card was a monetary gift.Also included in the card was a separate handwritten note that said:"The gift of money is from us for you to get what YOU would truly like, but just realize: The book chose you".And that is, in my opinion, true.This collection would be appropriate for any young person, male or female, regardless of race.It is inspirational and eye-opening.It is, to put it succinctly, a noteworthy book.Buy it as a gift for others. Buy it as a gift for yourself. And enjoy.

I've read it several times. this is a great book. The seller sent it right on time. I had no problems.

This is a truly incredible collection by the amazing Maya Angelou.I friend recommended this book and to be honest I had never read Maya Angelou before and was doubtful I would read the entire collection - it's very long! But then, one by one, I became completely entranced and fascinated by Maya's amazing tales, adventures, twists, turns and wisdom from her life. Following her from the deep south of Alabama, to Europe, to Africa, to so many poignant highs and lows was entrancing. I found myself some 1,000 pages later sad that the book ended, I had so enjoyed, and learned so much from being in Maya's world ...This collection feels like a deeply inspiring gift from such an amazing woman: her honesty, wit, her wise, wild ways of exploring life head on, all left me feeling lucky to have been on this remarkable journey with Maya Angelou.Begin with "I know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and I think you will also find yourself on a much longer adventure.

These autobiographies are full of people you want to meet! Most especially Maya Angel herself! Her writing is eloquent, unapologetic and revealing. I highly recommend that you take this journey that spans over 40 years and is full of love, laughter and heartache.

Angelou was a bold and courageous soul, an eloquent and moving narrator of her history. What a life! Proud and humble both, frank about her faults and insecurities, she comes across as fully human in sharing a life that intersected with the main events and figures of her time and was filled with dignity and humor. "I had to trust life, since I was young enough to believe that life loved the person who dared to live it."

I liked it, it was very well written and very, very interesting. The life she led was unexpected, by me. I was too young to know that what the blacks wanted was what the whites already had, by law. But the law didn't apply, to them. .I'm happy that things have changed and everything seems to be somewhat in balance. There will always be radicals out there, but ... there will be a change.

These books, collected into 1 book, are excellent and life changing. So disappointed to see Maya's book ' I know why the caged bird sings ' on the banned book list. It is specifically for her mentioning her child rape. I would recommend this for older teens and this should be REQUIRED reading for young girls. Maya was truly 'fake it till you make it'. I had no idea how awesome she was. She never let any opportunity pass her by. You need a creole cook ? sure, that's me. It wasn't, but she took a weekend to learn some stuff, and she did it. Broadway star ? you got it. Documentary producer ? yep. She went to the library, read some books on TV - boom. She did it. Her ambition was endless. Her optimism was amazing. Her writing style is beautiful. I absolutely loved this book. It was one of the best books I have ever read.

Conmovedora, inspiradora, una lectura ágil y llena de riqueza en lenguaje e imágenes. Mujer extraordinaria, conocer su biografía es tanto su historia individual como parte de la historia de lo afro-americano. Maravillosa!!

Superb reading. Have now ordered the complete collection!

¡Me ha dado tanta pena acabar esta serie de autobiografías! Quizás la primera sea la mejor, pero, para mí, no pierde interés mientras avanza el libro. ¡Y son los primeros 40 años de su vida! ¿Cómo cabe tanta vida en tan pocos años? Ojalá hubiese tenido la oportunidad de conocer a esta mujer en persona, aunque tengo la impresión de que la conozco más que a mucha gente de mi entorno. Los libros son valientes y honestos, la personalidad de la autora te enamora y la narrativa es tan fluida, tan deliciosa. Enseña mucho sobre racismo y feminismo sin intentar adoctrinar en ningún momento. Muy, muy recomendable.

Un libro incredibile, che apre una finestra sulla storia americana recente, dal punto di vista di una protagonista delle lotte per l'uguaglianza di diritti. A tratti anche ironico e di gradevole lettura.

Fabulous autobiography!! Maya is so honest and led such an interesting life…so many challenges and so many triumphs. So sad she is no longer on this earth but thankful for this piece of her that will remain always.