Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now

Rating:
Summary: Miniature gems from Maya
Review: "Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" is a delightful collection of short prose writings by Maya Angelou. Most of the mini-essays in this book are only 2 or 3 pages long, making this a good selection for those whose hectic schedules force them to do their reading in "found moments" during the day. In the book Maya reflects on various topics: spirituality, style, travel, sensuality, and being a woman. Many of the selections contain autobiographical reminiscences.

As someone who has read Angelou's book-length autobiographical narratives and poetry collections, I was fascinated to see her writing in a different mode. In "Wouldn't Take Nothing" she reflects on some of the people of her life: her son, her grandmother, her voice teacher, and others. Her musings on spirituality have an inclusive, multi-faith flavor.

Some of Angelou's observations may seem a bit obvious. For example, in the opening mini-essay she declares, "Being a woman is hard work." But what may obvious to some may be a revelation to others, and Angelou doesn't shy away from reaching out to that second group. And throughout the book her writing is graced with moments of wit and passion.

In the essay entitled "Power of the Word," Angelou writes, "I'm a spring leaf trembling in anticipation." I have no doubt that this appealing collection will leave readers trembling with anticipation for Maya Angelou's next book.

Rating:
Summary: Miniature gems from Maya
Review: "Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" is a delightful collection of short prose writings by Maya Angelou. Most of the mini-essays in this book are only 2 or 3 pages long, making this a good selection for those whose hectic schedules force them to do their reading in "found moments" during the day. In the book Maya reflects on various topics: spirituality, style, travel, sensuality, and being a woman. Many of the selections contain autobiographical reminiscences.

As someone who has read Angelou's book-length autobiographical narratives and poetry collections, I was fascinated to see her writing in a different mode. In "Wouldn't Take Nothing" she reflects on some of the people of her life: her son, her grandmother, her voice teacher, and others. Her musings on spirituality have an inclusive, multi-faith flavor.

Some of Angelou's observations may seem a bit obvious. For example, in the opening mini-essay she declares, "Being a woman is hard work." But what may obvious to some may be a revelation to others, and Angelou doesn't shy away from reaching out to that second group. And throughout the book her writing is graced with moments of wit and passion.

In the essay entitled "Power of the Word," Angelou writes, "I'm a spring leaf trembling in anticipation." I have no doubt that this appealing collection will leave readers trembling with anticipation for Maya Angelou's next book.

Rating:
Summary: Recipe For A Quiet Afternoon
Review: 1 easy chair, sofa, or bed - 1 set of comfy clothes - 1 cup of something hot - 1 rainy, lazy weekend afternoon - 1 copy of Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now - Put on comfy clothes (or stay in pajamas) - Take hot cup of cocoa, coffee, tea, etc. - Curl up with book (getting out of bed optional) - Open book and prepare to be taught, inspired, and moved by these brief, but thought-provoking, writings of Maya Angelou, who always seems to know just how to touch the spirit.

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Summary: This book is an inspiration to myself and other woman.
Review: I have never read a book that was so wonderfully written. because of this book i am now inspired to write my one poetry. and i will continue to read maya's other books.

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Summary: A Book of Sustenance!
Review: I have read a few good books this summer, but this one is by far the greatest! I read it with a quickness. It is so full of wisdom. This is one book that I will read again and again. I recommend it to all!

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Summary: This book inspires me in new ways each time I read it
Review: I have read this book so many times! It never fails to inspire me to try to be the best I can be. Every woman should read this book at least once as we can learn so much about life and ourselves through Maya's experiences. Maya Angelou has, with her humour, elegance and grace, touched me in many ways and for this I am so grateful.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing but soundbites
Review: I really enjoy hearing 'Maya' talk on Oprah. I have also enjoyed the few articles I have read by her. I had hoped this book would give me more information about her and her ideas. I had really wanted to love this book.

Instead this book reads like her script for the Oprah show. The thoughts, while interesting, are half developed and left me hungry for more and dissapointed because it wasn't given. Every chapter concerns some specific idea or thought. She tells a brief story about it and then gives a 'truth' that isn't necessarily linked, and then she ends the chapter. For example in her chapter 'Jealousy' she says that jealousy is interesting and adds spice to a relationship but that too much can be 'life-threatening.' She doesn't expand on this or explain it. This book should have been called 'Quotes from Maya' because that is all you get.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing but soundbites
Review: I really enjoy hearing ???Maya??? talk on Oprah. I have also enjoyed the few articles I have read by her. I had hoped this book would give me more information about her and her ideas. I had really wanted to love this book.

Instead this book reads like her script for the Oprah show. The thoughts, while interesting, are half developed and left me hungry for more and dissapointed because it wasn???t given. Every chapter concerns some specific idea or thought. She tells a brief story about it and then gives a ???truth??? that isn???t necessarily linked, and then she ends the chapter. For example in her chapter ???Jealousy??? she says that jealousy is interesting and adds spice to a relationship but that too much can be ???life-threatening.??? She doesn???t expand on this or explain it. This book should have been called ???Quotes from Maya??? because that is all you get.

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Summary: An excellent graduation gift!
Review: I work with Senior High School Students and in the spring am invited to several graduation open houses. I can think of nothing better than to give each young woman a copy of this book. Ms. Angelou's spiritual, humane wisdom is exactly what I want my students to leave with. Thank you!

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Summary: What I Think About The Poetry And The Poet.
Review: I've never read the book before but I plan to. the first time I heard her poetry was when I watched the movie "Poetic Justice". I saw that movie the first time when I was four. It was great. I'm eleven now and I didn't know until now that she wrote it.I checked out her website as soon as possible and tryed to find the book with all the poetry from poetic justice in it quick. to this day I still love that movie. the poetry was spectacular,extravagant and sensational. It was so great that's only half of what It means to me.I can't think of anything else to say but,that It was wonderful and I hope to meet her one day.