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  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

  • Written by: Maya Angelou
  • Narrated by: Maya Angelou
  • Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (312 ratings)

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Written by: Maya Angelou
Narrated by: Maya Angelou
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Publisher's Summary

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

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

Average Customer Ratings
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brilliant

Great listen. was hooked from the first chapter. powerful imagery and detailed character development left me in awe.

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2 people found this helpful

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Her reading and writing style keeps you wanting .

I love her! I have always wanted to know more about her now I have to know more. This book makes us wonder how she was able to accomplish what she became. A strong will is her key. A reader must become comfortable with Ms. Angelou's reading style.

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1 person found this helpful

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incredible

This should be on every grade 11 mandatory reading list. 10/10 would definitely recommend. Bravo

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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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Wonderful to Experience

This book had me laughing, gasping in awe, and crying. To hear Maya's story is to know that we are more alike than different. Maya is to be applaused for her strength and fortitude. This was a story well told. Thank you for sharing.

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One of the most beautiful books I’ve ever experienced

This book reads like poetry. I can’t imagine reading this account of Ms. Angelou’s life and not feeling moved by all she has experienced and overcome. It is beautiful and heartbreaking in equal parts but endlessly captivating. I will read it again.

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Even More Poignant when Read by the Author

This was such a deep listen particularly because it was read by Maya Angelou. Loved it, will be listening to it again and again.

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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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I know I should be blown away but....

I have heard about this book in pop culture and referenced endlessly, so I wanted to be blown away, but on several occasions, I wanted to get my credit back. The narrating was annoying.Yes Angelou narrates but she too often paused mid sentence which took away from the flow.Her energy draining tone dragged the book along even after increasing the speed. The story itself is just okay.I wasn't blown away. The scene at 8yrs old was a confusing take on that type of trauma but I am assuming her 'liking' it was referencing her innocence and inexperience of such things. Everything that happened was just 'meh'. The ending was abrupt in the midst of a major life event..a part 2 must be somewhere. I admire her as a person, a phenomenon but I cant listen again.

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Wonderful

I felt honoured to have shared in this journey. Thank you so much for sharing.

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