All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes: An Autobiography

By Maya Angelou

Book Overview

In 1962 the poet, musician, and performer Maya Angelou claimed another piece of her identity by moving to Ghana, joining a community of "Revolutionist Returnees" inspired by the promise of pan-Africanism. All God's Children Need Walking Shoes is her lyrical and acutely perceptive exploration of what it means to be an African American on the mother continent, where color no longer matters but where American-ness keeps asserting itself in ways both puzzling and heartbreaking. As it builds on the personal narrative of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Gather Together in My Name, this book confirms Maya Angelou's stature as one of the most gifted autobiographers of our time.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067973404X
• ISBN13: 9780679734048
• Release Date: June 1991
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Great.

I thought it was a great book. It was my first ever read of Maya Angelou. I think the book has made me a fan of her. Her style of writing was mellifluous, sincere, and truthful.I am not a very emotional person, but the part that made my eyes water was when Maya went to the market in Kato, as the book ended. She met Ewe women who instantly confused her for an Ewe. They were sure Maya was an Ewe decendant because of her features and tone of voice. Once, she was mistaken for a Bambara, and an Ahanta as well. It was beautiful. I admire Maya for her having fortitude and being curious and passionate. She loves her people and was more than willing to come back home to America to help them by working for Malcolm X, promoting civil rights, et al. I have great respect for her. She also learnt how to speak the Fanti language, which I would guess was not easy.It was a great autobiography. I wonder what would have happened if she had married the Malian Fulfulde man.

Maya Angelou: My Hero

Maya Angelou's auto-biography reveals a loving and spiritual soul that many of today's readers don't get enough of. Her devoted and rich way of writing is very moving and will leave you in awe. In his "journa", Maya Angelou confesses her opinions about different cultures around the world. Being and African-American and having lived in Africa, she writes with a really strong love for the people of that continent. She shows her love for the Christian religion and her son, Guy. The two of them moved through Cairo, Ghana, Liberia, and Egypt gracing others with her talents and liveliness. Even after enduring difficult times and tragedies, Maya's character stilled managed to gain self-control and keep her boldness to find a way out. Maya is a poet, a performer, a writer, a traveler, a musician and a mother. Of all of her accomplishments, I was most impressed with her poetry which is occasionally expresses throughout this book. With her poetic voice, she turns her life story into a great and powerful poem. The moon is "red as fire over black hills" is an expression from one of her great poems that critics acknowledge. I think that is was a good idea to add quotes from many of her poems because then you not only learn her words, but you almost "become" her words. I really do look up to all of Maya Angelou's accomplishments. I think that Maya Angelou's words will be very inspiring to readers all around. Not only is she inspiring to me, but to many others that have read her books. William McPherson, from the Washington Post Book World says,"Maya Angelou regards the world and herself with intelligence and wit; she regards the events of her life with style and grace". I agree with him that she is very inspirational in everything that she does. This is a deservedly popular book about the amazing life, love and goals of Maya Angelou. I can only hope that this book will touch your heart like it did mine!

Maya Angelou: My Hero

Maya Angelou's autobiography reveals a loving and spiritual soul that many of today's readers aren't getting enough of. Her devoted and rich style of writing is very moving and will leave you in awe. In his "journal", Maya Angelou confesses her opinion about different cultures around the world. Being an African- American and having lived in africa, she writes with a strong love for the people of that continent. She shows her love for the Christian religion and her son, Guy. The two of them moved through Cairo, Ghana, Liberia, and Egypt gracing others with her talents and liveliness. Even after enduring difficult times and tragedies, Maya stilled managed to gain self control and keep her boldness to find a way out. Maya is a poet, a performer, a writer, a traveler, a musician and a great mother. of all of her accomplishments, I was most impresses with her poetry which is occasionally expressed throughout her book. With her poetic voice, she turns her life story into a great and powerful poem. "The moon is "red" as fire over black hills" is an expression from one of her great poems the critics acknowledge. I think that it was a good idea to add quotes from many of her poems because then you not only learn her words, but you almost "become" her words. I really do look up to all of Maya Angelou's accomplishments. I think that Maya Angelou's words will be very inspiring to readers all around. Not only is she inspiring to me, but to many others that have read her books. William McPherson from the Washington Post Bookk World says, "Maya Angelou regards the world and herself with intelligence and wit; she regards the vents of her life with style and grace". I really do argee with him that she is very inspirational in everthing that she does. This is a deservedly popular book about the amazing ife, love and goals of Maya Angelou. I can only hope that this book will touch your heart like it did mine.

Politically and culturally enlightening . . .

I finished this book feeling just a little more connected to an Africa about which I've only been able to fantasize. This book sings to your heart with prose that is rhythmic and satiating, delicious to the eyes and savory to the tongue. For me, the only thing that could possibly top "Auntie's" writing is her speaking. In a voice that booms with quietness, Maya stokes and caresses, calms and enlightens. I've never had a disappointing experience with her autobiographical work or poetry. She's simply wonderful.

Maya's Memoirs are Extraordinary

When I was university student we often heard the phrase 'the personal is political'. Sometimes I have felt that to point out the political connections of my personal experience is boring, obvious, and tedious for other people. Now I see how wrong I was. What is obvious to some is unknown to others and I commend Maya Angelou for leading a life full of courage and having the gumption to write it all down so eloquently. She captures the small moments in life yet never lets you forget the social structures of race, gender, and class that shape and sometimes limit our lives. Congratulations Maya.