Book 18-I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Okay, I admit that I finished this a while ago and haven't had time to blog about it. AND this was actually my second time reading the book.

I've actually read all of Maya's autobiographical fare and have seen her speak in person. I think she is just amazing. Her voice is like honey and this time, I got to hear her read the words she wrote as I drove to and from school each day. Not only did she read, but she sang the gospel hymns she references in the book. I think I finally realized why those old gospel numbers sound so much better when sung by black folk. It's because we in the Catholic church try to sing them at such a high octave that it couldn't possibly sound good. If we would only lower the pitch just a tidge...or a ton, I don't know...

I'm sure that most readers have read at least one of Maya's books, but this is the first, following her life from about 4 (?) to 16 or 17.

One of the things, besides the singing, that hit me this time is the idea of respect and disrespect. I did my student teaching in a pretty urban (read, black) school and the kids always talked about "calling someone out of their name." I had never heard this term before, but I began to use it anytime a student didn't use another student's proper name. It came up in this book...that very phrase that I had never heard until a few years back. Names should be honored. Nicknames should be given with love. And hateful names should be banished, or at least punished. I don't know exactly where I want to go with this, but it seemed important that I, as a teacher, respect the names that students have and stand up for those names when others want to "call them out of their name."

Another thing that Maya tried to explain that I didn't quite understand is the reason why those in poverty choose to live in a shack but drive a brand new Cadillac. Maybe I missed her explanation in one of my drives, but she seemed to think it was reasonable or at least explanable. As a Dave Ramsey baby-stepper...I don't get it.

I would definitely recommend these autobiographies to anyone. They are fascinating reads because Maya has lived a life that seems more fiction than real-life.

PS-When I talk about books, I often refer to the author by their first name. I certainly don't mean any disrespect in this...but I always feel a certain kinship to an author after I spend hours delving into their mind through their books... Hope none of you are offended!