Kate’s 2¢: “Mom & me & mom” by Maya Angelou

“Mom & me & mom” by Maya Angelou

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   There are at least six books in Angelou’s memoirs. One of the interesting things about writing memoirs, is how the memory has such flexibility. I’ve read Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and “We Gather Together”. There are a few discrepancies.

   I’m not sure is Maya and her brother were 3-years old and 4-years old or 3-years old and 5-years old when they were put on the train in CA to travel alone to Arkansas.  The vignette of Maya and her father’s trip to Mexico, when she was 14-years old, differs in this story from the version in the other memoirs. 

   None-the-less, the two women who raised Angelou, imparted great wisdom, common sense, and deep love.

   This book glances at her grandmother’s time to focus mostly on Angelou’s various adult successes, (such as a Swedish production she wrote), degradation of Bailey’s life, the support Vivan gave her in foreign lands, and the care she gave her Mother as she lay dying.

Marguerite Annie Johnson, Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She was an actress and writer, known for Poetic Justice (1993), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and How to Make an American Quilt (1995). She was married to Paul Du Feu, Vusumzi Linda Make and Enistasious (Tosh) Angelos.

   The second child of Bailey Johnson, a doorman and navy dietitian, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse and card dealer.  Her parents divorced when she was three and she was sent with her 4-year old brother Bailey to live with their grandmother in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas.

   Maya Angelou became one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. With over 50 honorary doctorate degrees Dr. Maya Angelou became a celebrated poet, memoirist, educator, dramatist.

   Feb 28, 2018 · Maya Angelou was a civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author known for her acclaimed 1969 memoir, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ and her numerous poetry and essay collections.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Mom & me & mom DB76616

Angelou, Maya Reading time: 4 hours, 9 minutes.

Mitzi Friedlander A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Biography of Writers

Literature

Bestsellers

Author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (DB 57200) chronicles her relationship with her mother. Discusses being raised by her grandmother from ages three to thirteen and recounts her growing adoration of her mother during Angelou’s teen years. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2013.

Download Mom & me & mom DB76616