Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 41
 Poetry is what you make of it... February 19, 2006
Lisa Howard (AZ)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
I only write this because I love this author more than any other and feel the need to defend this book from the critics who wrote the other reviews on it. I feel that poetry is what you make of it. If you can relate to what the poet is saying, what does it matter if they didn't follow specific guidelines that universities try to teach people who probably lack the free-form. Which is what I consider this book. Free-form poetry. So, yes,if you're only reading the book for an assignment or trying to analyze it into a specific form of poetry, you might be disappointed. However, if you are reading it in leisure or to connect with someone who can beautifully express some of our emotions and events of life, you won't be disappointed. That is if you can relate to it. As with all poetry, it will mean more to you if you can understand where the poet is coming from and connect that with your own emotions and personal experiences. From the time that I picked up this book over a decade ago, I have loved it! I hardly ever take the time to go back and re-read anything. I figure, once read, the most important of the knowledge is there and to move on, but I have read and re-read this book more times than I can remember! For me, it's full of emotion. I feel that in it's free-form, it's beautifully written. I could only ever hope to create a book as outstanding as this one, and I often compare my own free-form to hers.Once again, it's an outstanding book if you can relate to it.
Geno's Review December 1, 1999
Eugene Bradford (Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA)
19 out of 22 found this review helpful
Review of Maya Angelou's : The Complete Collection of Poems by Maya Angelou.This is a "got-to-have" for anyone interested in the poetic genius of the famous Poet. The book gives you a chance to look back in her early writings and see how she moves you as she advanced in her skills. I rather enjoyed the book because it inspires me to write my own poetry. I have given very nice books of poetry as Christmas gifts to people I know she could awaken their desires to succeed. This particular reference has all the best of Maya and you can feel the poems affect you daily. I have given this book a 5 star rating because it's so enjoyable.
Outstanding November 10, 2004
Bonjour Poetry Reviews (Wisconsin)
16 out of 19 found this review helpful
I was given this book as a Christmas present and have gone back to it often. My favorite poem is "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" - I find myself going back to this one time and again. Maya Angelou proves herself as one of the outstanding comtemporary poets today by offering poetry that anyone, regardless of background, color, or creed, can find inspire in. Every woman should have a copy of this book.
From the author of The Difference Now, A New Dish, and At the Coffee Shop.
Our Priestess and Muse August 19, 2005
Afrikwame (Bedford Stuy- Do or Die)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
Dr. Angelou represents the very best of African genius and culture. Her words are our words, and her poems are like wings of freedom as we struggle in exile.
This collection has all of Dr. Angelou's poems in one volume, so it is a must-have reference for every African-IN-America family.
I recommend all of her works- her autobiographies, her cookbook, but her poems are her greatest gift. If you have never read them, prepare to be freed.
Breathtakingly beautiful, inspirational, fruit for thought! July 16, 1999
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Maya Angelou has been one of my greatest inspirations since the seventh grade. I am now a rising senior in high school and I aspire to be a poet and writer. She is, by far, one of the most influential, strongest, and inspiring Black woman in the works of literature. Many of her poems I take reference to when doing an English assignment because she takes hold of many issues facing our people, especially women of even all colors. I hope to meet her some day but until that some day comes I will continue to be a big fan of hers and let her words echo through my mind and felt in my heart. I recommend everyone to read her work for it is truly inspirational.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 41
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