• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

  • By: Maya Angelou
  • Narrated by: Maya Angelou
  • Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (9,360 ratings)

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings  By  cover art

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By: Maya Angelou
Narrated by: Maya Angelou
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Publisher's summary

Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash”. At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age - and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime.

Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns about love for herself and the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.

Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a modern American classic that will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read - or listen.

©1969 Maya Angelou (P)2010 Random House

Critic reviews

" I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.” (James Baldwin)
“A beautiful book - an unconditionally involving memoir for our time or any time.... Maya Angelou is a natural writer with an inordinate sense of life and she has written an exceptional autobiographical narrative.” ( Kirkus Reviews)
“Simultaneously touching and comic.” ( The New York Times)

Featured Article: 175+ of the Best Quotes from Black Authors, Activists, Entrepreneurs, and Artists to Celebrate Black History Month


Black History is American History. Whether writers, poets, activists, entertainers, scientists, entrepreneurs, or some combination thereof, Black people have frequently offered exactly the right words when they were needed most. This sweeping collection of wise, stirring, and thought-provoking words from Black Americans offers much to inspire all Americans.

What listeners say about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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Does it get any better?

Don’t even think twice. Use your credit to listen to this gorgeous book narrated by the legend herself. You won’t regret it.

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A 12 Hour Poem

Angelou's writing is pure poetry. Her sentences are awe inspiring, and her storytelling is transcendent.

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Phenomenal

Such a fun listen although intense and painful in some areas. I was taken back to my childhood and can relate to a lot of Maya's experiences. This audiobook touched my soul.

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Incredibly poetic!

This was an incredible story! Some aspects of it are not appropriate for young readers, but overall the author's use of the English language is amazing.

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Enjoyed Emmensly

I too felt like I was sitting with my Grandmother as another person wrote which means so much as my Grandmother fell ill due to poor care from a hospital, I don't hear her voice often and never like we used to gab on and on for hours, so it meant a lot. The story wasn't sad as others had mentioned it was life and nice to hear it reminded me of proper parenting, lessons intentional and unintentional. How important some things are and how it makes others feel. I enjoyed the listen.

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Fascinating. An outstanding personal depiction.

I was entranced by the life in Maya Angelou's voice and by the song she sang to us, the listeners, through her articulate and imaginative descriptions.

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Why I love this book?

The best book I have ever read. Ms. Angelo is the best the WORLD will miss her. I will miss her.

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A classic

A wonderful story by an American icon. Well presented and recited. Highly recommended for all.

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The BEST Audiobook EVER!

I've read it lots of times but this is the first time I heard her read it. It came to life and gave me Life!

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I could listen to her read a phone book

I've always loved Maya and her voice just makes me smile. She is truly an amazing author and woman!

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