I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This memoir recounts the early years of an African-American girl's life, focusing on her experiences with racism and trauma in the South during the 1930s. Despite the hardships she faces, including sexual abuse, she learns to rise above her circumstances through strength of character and a love of literature. Her journey from victim to survivor and her transformation into a young woman who respects herself is a testament to the human capacity to overcome adversity.
The 195th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 9th on The Celebrity Reading List (Gardiner Public Library)
- 264th on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Best Books Ever (bookdepository.com)
- 40 Essential Feminist Books to Read for Women's History Month (Harpers Bazaar)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- The New York Public Library's Books of the Century (New York Public Library)
- 100 Major Works of Modern Creative Nonfiction (ThoughtCo)
- #ThisBook (#ThisBook)
- The ZORA Canon: The 100 greatest books ever written by African American women (Zora)
- The 50 Books Everyone Needs to Read, 1963-2013 (Flavor Wire)
- The Books You've Always Meant to Read (Waterstones)
- 25 Books by Black Authors You Should Read This February (Oprah Daily)
- 500 Great Books by Women (Book)
- The Guardian's Essential Library (The Guardian)
- 75 Books by Women Whose Words Have Changed the World (Women's National Book Association)
- 100 Great 20th Century English-language Works of Fiction by Women (Feminista!)
- Latitude Festival's Top 20 Books by Women (Latitude Festival goers)
- 87 Books Written by Women That Are So Good, You Won't Be Able to Put Them Down (Pop Sugar)
- A Century of Reading (Lithub)
- The Book of Great Books: A Guide to 100 World Classics (Book)