• 5 Star Reads
  • Audiobooks
  • Books on Screen
  • Children’s Books
  • Christian
  • Fiction
  • Giveaways

5 Minutes For Books

  • Home
  • About
    • Who Are We? Reviewer Bios
    • 5 Star Reads
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
  • Join In
    • 5 Minutes for Books Bookclub
    • Children’s Classics
    • Kids’ Picks
    • What’s on Your Nightstand
  • Link To Us
  • Contact
    • Advertise

Classics Bookclub: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Preview

January 20, 2009 by Melissa

Classics Bookclub

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is one of those books I’ve always been meaning to read, so I suggested it to Jennifer for the Classics Bookclub. I’ve never read anything by Maya Angelou, and really haven’t heard much about her (though when I checked the book out, my librarian declared, “She’s an interesting woman!”). I just heard this book was a classic…one you simply must read…and I wanted to find out why.

We’ll be getting together on February 3rd to discuss our latest pick. This preview is supposed to give you some starting points for your own posts on the book. I was NOT an English major in college, so I was relieved when Jennifer pitched in.

As you read the book, you might ask yourself:

1. This autobiography was written in 1969, before the “personal memoir” era was born. Is there a difference between these two genres of books?

2. Assuming that you did not grow up as an African American in the segregated South, do you have more understanding of that time period and how it affected those who lived it?

3. In spite of the differences between her life and yours, what common themes resonated with you?

4. How do you think Maya was shaped by each home she lived in while she was growing up?

5. Which female in Maya’s life do you think had the most influence (good or bad) over her? Explain your response.

6. After reading the book do you understand “why the caged bird sings”?

If you haven’t gotten the book yet, there’s still time to join us. Feel free to use these questions, or pose some of your own.

Are you up to the task? If so, leave a comment and let us know that we can look forward to reading your take on this American Classic.

Check out our updated and expanded schedule for future Classic Bookclub novels HERE.

Melissa has been captivated by books for as long as she can remember. She resides in Virginia at at Breath of Life.

Filed Under: Classics Bookclub, Jennifer, Melissa, Memoir

« 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny:
Life Lessons from Teaching
Kids’ Picks — January »

Comments

  1. Jennifer, Snapshot (and 5M4B) says

    January 20, 2009 at 6:16 am

    Thanks, Melissa!

    Yeah–not only was I an English major, but I taught English to jr. high and high school students for two years, so I thought up questions for them — ha!

  2. Amy says

    January 20, 2009 at 7:16 am

    I’ve started the book, and then I got sidetracked to something else. I’m planning to go back and finish it, though. : )

    Oh, and I teach English part-time at a CC (and I taught high school once upon a time, as well). I’ve never read this one before, though. So many books, so little time!

  3. Lauren says

    January 20, 2009 at 9:48 am

    I finished it a few days ago. I’ll be posting about it!

  4. stephaniesmommybrain says

    January 20, 2009 at 11:07 pm

    No English major here. Though 2 of my college roommates were. Boy was that a fun year! I finished the book. I wish I hadn’t. I’ll be posting about it.

  5. Margot says

    January 23, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    I’m about a third of the way through the book. The questions at this point are very helpful. I’m looking forward to reading everyones opinion.

Trackbacks

  1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings « Hope Is the Word says:
    February 3, 2009 at 7:41 am

    […] What follows are some rather disjointed, unorganized thoughts about the book based on the questions by Melissa at 5 Minutes for […]

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to 5 Minutes for Books. We are a team blog dedicated to sharing reviews and information about children's lit, fiction, memoir, and more. Read More…

Reviews

5 Minutes for Books

Jennifer Donovan
Managing Editor

MEET OUR TEAM



Connect With Us


Pinterest

Community

Cybils Logo Draft 3

Disclosure:

Find out about our relationships with publishers and affiliate networks in our full disclosure statement.

Recent Posts

  • Central Places
  • Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
  • The House of Eve
  • Bright and Deadly Things
  • Long Story Short

Categories

Privacy Policy    |     Disclosure Policy
Terms & Conditions
© 5 Minutes for Mom

Let’s Socialize

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Pinterest is Our FAVORITE!

Find and Follow Us at
pinterest.com/5min4books

Copyright © 2023 · Tasteful theme by Restored 316