Gather Together in My Name

Gather Together in My Name cover
Good Books rating 3.5
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Technical
  • ID: 9460
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9781588369239
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2009-04-21
  • Reviews: 3

In this second volume of her autobiographical series, Maya Angelou powerfully captures the struggles and triumphs of her passionate life with dignity, wisdom, humor, and humanity. The time is the end of World War II, and there is a sense of optimism everywhere. Maya Angelou, still in her teens, has given birth to a son. But the next few years are difficult ones as she tries to find a place in the world for herself and her child. She goes from job to job—and from man to man. She tries to return home—back to Stamps, Arkansas—but discovers that she is no longer part of that world. Then Maya’s life takes a dramatic turn, and she faces new challenges and temptations. /n/nGather Together in My Name continues Maya Angelou’s personal story, begun so unforgettably in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The book is celebrated for its honest and moving portrayal of Angelou's journey, offering a glimpse into her life with a blend of vulnerability and strength. It is a story of resilience and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a changing world.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-24
Good 4.00

The author remains funny and light-hearted, maintaining a strong connection with the reader throughout the memoir.

In this sequel to her first memoir, Maya Angelou continues to charm readers with her wit and humor. Despite the serious subjects she tackles, she maintains a light-hearted tone that makes her writing accessible and engaging. The reviewer appreciates Angelou's ability to connect with the reader on a personal level, making this memoir feel like a conversation with a close friend. They note that while the content can be heavy at times, Angelou's unique voice and perspective make it a valuable and enjoyable read. The reviewer also highlights the author's ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations, which adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative.


Quick quotes

    As the sequel of her autobiographical book 'I know why the caged bird sings' Maya remains funny, light and, as she calls it, 'square' with the reader.

    Maya Angelou continues her stunning autobiography.

    Her life was WILD.

The Storygraph · 2025-12-24
Intriguing 3.00

The author's life was wild and her writing remains beautiful, but this book didn't resonate as deeply as her first memoir.

Maya Angelou's life is nothing short of extraordinary, and this memoir captures a period of her life that is both tumultuous and transformative. While the writing is as beautiful as ever, the reviewer found that this book did not have the same emotional impact as her first memoir. They acknowledge that Angelou's unique voice and perspective make this a valuable read, but it may not be the best starting point for those new to her work. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and vulnerability in Angelou's writing but wishes it had connected with them on a deeper level.


Quick quotes

    Her life was WILD.

    Her writing was still beautiful.

    I didn't love it as much as the first one, something about it just didn't hit me as hard.

Libro Fulltime · 2021-07-04
Harrowing 3.50

The book is tough to read due to the hardships faced by the author and her son. The writing is beautiful but the content is challenging.

This memoir is a raw and unfiltered look into Maya Angelou's early adult life, which is both inspiring and difficult to read. The author's writing is as poetic and powerful as ever, but the subject matter is heavy, dealing with themes of struggle, resilience, and survival. While it may not be as emotionally impactful as her first memoir, it still offers a unique and valuable perspective on the human experience. The reviewer acknowledges the beauty of Angelou's prose but also notes that the content is not for the faint of heart.


Quick quotes

    This one was tough to read and some sketchy decisions were definitely made.

    The life was hard on Maya's son (and continues to be so later on).

    Her writing was still beautiful.