Preview
  • 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 (9,460 ratings)

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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

Average customer ratings
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Give me more!

I loved this book. Frank, sweet, reflective, horrifying, but so true to life. Thanks to Maya Angelou for putting into words so many of life’s revelations without apology or excuses. I have always loved her. Now I know she is even more wonderful than I knew. Can we just have lunch sometime???

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Honest account of childhood

Maya recalls her childhood and the events that occured, while conveying her past as she saw it then. The book is a reflection of her past, but the way it is presented helps explain the confusion of childhood innocence, and the realization of it. I loved that it was read by her.

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Magical

How can my mortal words describe the beauty found here? Thank you, Maya, another gift for our world.

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Lovely Book

Listened for 5 hours the very first day and completed the book in two. Well articulated.

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I cried when it was over

Such a beautiful collection of stories in the early life of Maya Angelou. There's so much history here, and the passion of the human experience that comes through in a way, I think, most people have to experience to know. And yet, Maya Angelou imparts the secret knowledge of life almost effortlessly. The recording is flawless, and doesn't sound over twenty years old. There are no obvious cuts, which normally annoy me in longer audio books. I spent several months slowly taking in story after story, and the stories within them. I think anyone should be able to enjoy the contents of this book, and the calming reading.

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A Brilliant Soul

Just simply incredible, her words flowed like a river and her poetry drew such beautiful, vivid images. The pain she went through is awe inspiring and the intellect she held was absolutely marvelous!

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Beautiful and timeless

Maya Angelou's voice is like warm honey and smooth velvet. Her story is real and moving. To hear her tell it added a layer of depth that can only be found through listening. I laughed, I cried. Highly recommend this audiobook.

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Magnificent

The author’s delivery is not actorly, and was criticized in other reviews, but I found it powerfully moving to hear this beautifully written memoir in Angelou’s own voice. Highly recommend!

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Classic

I enjoy listen to a classic. Love Maya Angelou reading this book she wants you to wonder what’s going to happen next.

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Well Done

A story should be read by all. I enjoyed listening to this and will encourage all to do so.

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