Book Review: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Book 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, Mayais attacked by a man any 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.

Liana's Summary: Marguerite grows up with her brother Bailey in Stamps, Arkansas, staying with their grandmother, Annie Henderson. They do not consider themselves to have a mother and a father-- so when, suddenly, they meet with their parents once again, they see them as strangers. Well, at least Maya does. Maya is sexually assaulted by a man three or four times her age- and must live with it as she grows up.

Rate(1-10): 7.5

If it weren't for English class, I would've never bothered to even read the synopsis of this book. It's official, Maya Angelou is an amazing writer. I don't think it's quite a four stars. 3/5 will have to do for now. It was still pretty good, actually, and Maya brings out herself and puts her life in words on paper in these 289 pages with such grace it's enviable. She clearly shows character development and her character, along with the characters in her life, has depth. I think the climax of this story was the fact that she was sexually assaulted, and was so brave to write about it and remember. The overall theme, I'd have to say, is racism. Definitely. Even if the ending was a bit rushed and just a little bs'ed for the sake of finishing it, this was still amazingly well-written- so much figurative language. So beautiful. -cries- If you look at the beginning, it's very slow, and puts you in that mood. And at the end, it just-- you just think, what the hell just happened? It might have been an intentional effect, but it definitely does give you that feeling.