Gather Together in My Name

Rating:
Summary: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Review: This novel incorporates numerous issues that happened in the life of this African-American woman. In her life she deals with racism in her community, naming, sexual abuse, and acceptance. She learns to cope with the life she lives. Her experiences in the novel are ones that many people (not only women) can relate to. In the novel, Maya struggles to find who she really is. Since she has so much influence around her she doesnt know who she really is. I would recommend this novel to any person who wants to find themselves. This novel has impacted my life, and it can impact your too.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have ever read
Review: Too often when I have read someone's memoirs or an autobiography I have had the suspicion that the author is painting a very self-serving portrait of the events in their lives. Reading Maya's memoirs is the exception. She didn't have to tell the world that she worked for awhile as a 'pimp', as a prostitute, or as an exotic dancer. Many people wouldn't have for fear of personal embarrasment. Maya is beyond that. She owns her life and shows us her successes, her mistakes, and never tries to make excuses or blame others. Maya knows that everyone has their dark moments and when we take ourselves too seriously and only show the world our successes we rob everyone of valuable lessons. I found this book to be one of the best I have ever read. Congratulations Maya on a job well done.