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Maya Angelou

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Maya AngelouNonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1969

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Maya Angelou

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1969
Book Details
Pages

289

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Arkansas • 1930s

Publication Year

1969

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1010L

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Super Short Summary

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is an autobiography that follows Maya Angelou's early life, from her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas, with her brother Bailey, through various relocations, to her adolescence in San Francisco. Throughout the memoir, Angelou confronts racial discrimination, personal trauma, and hardships, ultimately finding strength and a sense of identity through literature, resilience, and the support of strong female role models. Sensitive topics such as childhood sexual abuse are discussed in the narrative.

Inspirational

Emotional

Challenging

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.5

579,687 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is a universally acclaimed memoir noted for its poignant depiction of racial and personal trauma. Lauded for lyrical prose and emotional depth, it profoundly influences readers. Some critiques mention its intense, graphic content may be distressing for sensitive readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its authenticity and impactful narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings?

A reader who appreciates powerful memoirs detailing personal growth, resilience, and overcoming adversity would enjoy Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Fans of poignant coming-of-age stories like The Diary of Anne Frank or Alice Walker's The Color Purple will find this book compelling.

4.5

579,687 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

289

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Arkansas • 1930s

Publication Year

1969

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1010L

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