I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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Summary: A Reflection Of Life
Review: This book I read was a classroom assignment, and I picked this book to read. I really don't like to read, but I'm glad I picked this one up. One thing I liked about this book is the fact that Maya Angelou had to grow up pretty quick. She learned a lot coming, and going. Everything that she wrote about in this book is a part of everyday life. Maya is the main character in this novel. Everything that happens is a reflection on her life. This is a really good book. In some ways it could be very educational to the reader. I would definitely recommend this book to any readers, or non-readers.

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Summary: Maya's Eyes
Review: This book is incredible! It represents a part of the author's life that she feels is her growing process. Maya Angelou, a tenderhearted, merciful, insecure black girl in a white world, explains her daily struggles and lessons that she must go through. The part that held my attention the most would have to be when Maya was raped. After moving to St. Louis with her mother, Maya and her brother, Bailey Jr., were in heaven. They couldn't be happier. Maya's mother was dating a man by the name of Mr. Freeman. During those times everyone had to help out, so Mr. Freeman watched the children during the day while their mother was at work. When no one else was around, Mr. Freeman started sexually abusing Maya. At first she didn't know what to think. She just thought it was a way to show his love. Eventually, after she was raped, she figured out that what Mr. Freeman was doing was not right. Because Maya liked it the first time, thinking it was his sign of affection, she felt guilty and believed it to be her fault. This was the cause of many of her social problems later in life. Many people can relate to the various situations she endures, and if they cannot, they still feel a sort of bond. From this book an involved reader could learn about life conscious topics they perhaps did not know before, such as racism, rape, blending families, a dysfunctional home, etc. The readers have a clear view of the world through Maya's eyes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about life.