Even the Stars Look Lonesome

The author reads the latest in her series of autobiographies. Now in her 70s, she inspires with her view of life's later years, filled with adventure and pleasures, even romantic ones. When the poet and university professor treats the listener to song, one can easily imagine Angelou as a young nightclub singer, belting out rich- toned soulful tunes. Vocal characterizations of her dainty mother and a potential beau paint vivid pictures of the travelers she's encountered along life's journey. Angelou's masterful blend of experience, history, and philosophy urges the reader to embrace life as fully and richly as she has. J.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine


With that booming richness of voice that helped make her famous, Maya Angelou brings her personal experiences alive in this audio collection of short personal essays. More than providing insights into her life, this program gives listeners a chance to consider their own lives, for Angelou's observations are universal. Although her thoughts may be easily accessible, she retains her talent for unique turns of phrase. Among the topics of reflection are investigations into her African heritage, how houses can affect marriages, the ecstasy of aging gracefully. Nearly everyone will find something inspiring in this simple and moving audiobook. R.A.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

July 31, 1997
As in Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now, famed poet and author Angelou (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings) casts a keen eye inward and bares her soul in a slim volume of personal essays. This collection is narrower in scope than Angelou's earlier book and the sense of racial pride is stronger, more compelling. But all of her opinions are deeply rooted and most are conveyed with a combination of humility, personable intelligence and wit. Like a modern-day Kahlil Gibran, Angelou offers insights on a wide range of topics--Africa, aging, self-reflection, independence and the importance of understanding both the historical truth of the African American experience and the art that truth inspired. Women are a recurrent topic, and in "A Song to Sensuality," she writes of the misconceptions the young (her younger self included) have of aging. "They Came to Stay" is a particularly inspirational piece paying homage to black women: "Precious jewels all." Even Oprah Winfrey (to whom the previous collection was dedicated) serves as subject matter and is likened to "the desperate traveler who teaches us the most profound lesson and affords us the most exquisite thrills." In her final essay, Angelou uses the story of the prodigal son to remind readers of the value of solitude: "In the silence we listen to ourselves. Then we ask questions of ourselves. We describe ourselves to ourselves, and in the quietude we may even hear the voice of God." 300,000 first printing; author tour.