This week’s Book Chat topic is our favorite autobiographies and memoirs.
I became a huge fan of autobiographies while I was in high school, particular works by anyone from old Hollywood. It was through these books, that I learned about so many classical movies and musicals. I would seek out the movies and recordings after reading about them (thank-you, public library!), and it was through this that my love for musical theater was born. This is just another example of the amazing gifts reading can offer.
However, by far, my favorite memoirs are by Maya Angelou. The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou is one of my favorite books on my shelves.
I find her life incredibly fascinated. She tells her story so honestly and doesn’t hide her flaws, mistakes and lessons. Through the books, the reader follows her from a streetcar conductor in San Francisco, single mother, pimp & prostitute, actress, dancer, performer in nightclubs and musicals, civil rights activist, friend with Malcom X, organizer of marches for Martin Luther King, writer and organizer in Cairo and Ghana, screenplay writer, director, poet, etc., etc. etc.
Her adventurous life is described in her poetic imagery and beautiful language. Her words flow almost like lyrics and I always feel inspired to write after reading her works.
Have you read any of Maya Angelou’s works? What is your favorite memoir?
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Angie Eats Peace 
I have I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings on my shelf and I’ve been wanting to read it for so long. I find Maya Angelou to be such a fascinating person. I could listen to her speak forever.
So could I! I think you will definitely like her book.
I’ve been meaning to read something by Maya Angelou for years. I guess I really need to get on it!
I think you would like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings!
I’ve only ever read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, but I would love to read her autobiography. She just seems to have lived so much life and done some incredible things! Thanks for sharing, I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
If you liked Caged Bird, you will love her other stories.
I don’t think I’ve read any of her works and I’ve never read her most famous “Why the Caged Bird Sings” however I did watch the film. It’s a fascinating story.
She is really an amazing person!