Words Of Loving Advice to Men And Women

"It's a book to give to one's daughter, mother, son or father, but definitely one to be read and savored."--Baltimore Sun

In this book, "Letter to My Daughter" by Maya Angelou, I discovered a few new facts about Doctor Maya Angelou. For example, I did not realize her mother owned a hotel. I also didn't remember her sense of humor. I also think she had the ability to disagree with a person's opinion without raising her voice and maintaining her dignity in front of other people. This book definitely gives a fuller picture of this woman's opinions.

I liked thinking about the women she called her daughters. These women must have visited her countless times and received good advice. Two of the women she listed as daughters are Oprah Winfrey and Gayle B. King. Maya Angelou also remembers people who "mothered" her whenever struggles occurred in her life. For those of us who did not have the chance to meet her personally, she hopes her books will nurture us as a mother would care for her children throughout life.

It is grand to know that the book is for every type of woman: Black, White, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, Spanish, Aleut and Muslim. Men can relate to this book as well. Dr. Maya Angelou makes us comfortable with the rest of the world. She shares cultural mistakes and a light laugh. She writes about foods and of course, her friends. One friend is James Baldwin and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

Of course, she talks about her mother and Guy. Her mother is a woman who is passionate and very ready to get protection for her daughter if necessary. Each time I read one of these books, I think of Maya Angelou as the mother and the mother as the child:  She was taller than her mother. She seemed more serious than her mother. At times, it seems like the mother felt apologetic for her behavior and needed Maya Angelou's forgiveness. With all of Maya Angelou's gifts, acting and dancing among them, I feel that poetry writing was her favorite.mayaangelou