Reviews

Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou

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pratiksha95's review against another edition

2.0

I feel sorry to mark this so low, but the book was quite confusing. I could not figure out what it was trying to be. It has letters in its title but the chapters are not really categorised in any intelligible manner, and some of them are just 2-3 pages of generic statements of a moral nature, without much context. I understand that Maya Angelou was probably so famous at the time of writing the book that she expected general knowledge to supply the missing context but I am not as aware of her life; a lot of the stories are about her having exotic experiences abroad, and she mentions a few of her famous friends but I was left wondering how she was able to meet them and travel so much (internet came to the rescue). This is especially since the beginning of the book is about her poverty, being a single mother, and other personal problems.

There are a few nice lines and quotes to highlight, but the only real takeaway for me from this was the importance of courage as a virtue- she writes that it is the highest virtue since it permits one to consistently practice the other virtues. I also learnt a little bit about how rough her life had been before she wrote- she was abused by her boyfriend and almost murdered. It made me appreciate her focus on compassion and kindness in an informed manner. I truly appreciate those who have the strength and resilience to suffer and yet not turn bitter.

All in all, read it if you wish, for the author- it won't take you more than 1-2 sittings. But is it a must read or even a should read? I'm afraid not (for me).

giulia_sioux's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

2.5

tsumners9837's review against another edition

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5.0

I lost my mom three years ago and I am getting ready to graduate next weekend, Mother’s Day weekend. My sweet boyfriend bought this for me and his timing was impeccable. This book made me feel close to her. Loved it!