Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now

One of the most memorable stories on this audio cassette (and in the book as well) is where Maya tells what her Mama (grandmother) would do when a known-whiner would come into their general store in Stamps, Arkansas. Mama would call for Maya, saying, "Sister, come over here." When the "whiner" came in, Mama would ask them "How are you doing?" and the whiner would launch into a lengthy complaint about the weather and work and other things. After this whiner left the store, Mama would turn to Maya and say "Sister, nobody likes to listen to someone who whines and complains..." and she'd tell Maya that there were lots of people - black and white, rich and poor - who went to bed last night and never woke up this morning, who'd give almost anything to have one more day of work or one more day in the summer's heat. And the summation - "Sister, if you don't like something, change it. And if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." This is a powerful book/audio tape. And it is narrated by Maya Angelou, which makes it even more of a treasure. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve the way they think about life.

This is a collection of short but powerful pieces. It is well worth reading. I will most likely read it again and again over the years. Good wisdom from an amazing human being.

Excellent!! I've recommended this to teachers and school counselors - in fact I've given my copy away to a teacher. Great to quick short stories that are a page or two but packed with though provoking tales. The power of a short story is incredible and students could really learn that for their college essays. I had it in my car to read while I waited for my kids so it was nice to have a few minutes pick up a book and read something very interesting and be done and not feel defeated because I only go through a couple pages in a chapter. I didn't mention much about Maya Angelou but she is a must have in your library! If you haven't read anything by her, start here! Then move on to I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings!!

What’s not to love about Maya Angelou. I love this book!

I read this book years ago and have enjoyed re-reading it! The stories are insightful, ageless, and such teaching moments.

I loved this short book of concise comments on many different subjects - such as racism, loneliness, diversity and temporarily disconnecting to the outer world. Maya Angelou, as usual, writes beautifully and concisely about the mundane as well as the profound.

I love all of the works of Maya Angelou. I can relate to so much of it. Her writings take me back to so many different parts of my own past. As I am reading her works, I can hear her voice as she puts the right touch of expression to bring about correct and entertaining clarification. I am also intrigued by her poetry. She is truly gifted in this area.

I love Maya Angelou and this book did not disappoint. It contained glimpses into her life and introduced me to Irving Stone. The book is cute, little & pocket-size and I had planned to put it in my purse but ended up reading it in one sitting.

Inspiring

She takes every reader closer to her. Tells stories ending in life lessons, parting again with warmth of love and gratitude.

Maya Angelou avait la capacité de dire de grandes choses simplement. Il est vrai que l'ouvrage est court mais il n'a pas moins sa place dans nos bibliothèques et peut aisément servir pour la classe.

Brilliant, efficient service - product arrived in great condition (better than I thought it would be, as it was pre-owned) Really pleased with purchase! The book itself is an brilliant read - inspirational, incredible, uplifting ... I would suggest it to everyone!

I would read over and over. Never gets old