And Still I Rise: Maya Angelou

And Still I Rise is a luminous collection that captures Maya Angelou’s incomparable ability to weave resilience, beauty, and truth into poetry that speaks directly to the soul. Readers consistently describe this book as both lovely and deeply meaningful—poems that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. Many find it inspiring in a way that goes beyond motivation, offering a glimpse into the heart of a woman who has faced life’s storms and risen above them with grace and unshakable dignity. One reader called it “the voice of a true survivor,” and it’s hard to think of a more fitting description. The collection is not only profound but also surprisingly versatile. It’s the kind of book you can savour slowly, dipping into a single poem during a work break, or immerse yourself in for hours. Angelou’s voice is strong and sure, yet warm, carrying an emotional weight that resonates in both quiet and triumphant moments. Her language is as beautiful as it is precise—every word chosen with the care of a jeweler setting a gem. The power of this collection can be felt in poems like Impeccable Conception, where a “Lady Poet” finds meaning and inspiration in the smallest details of life—a falling leaf, a dying rose, even a fleeting glance or hesitation. This mirrors Angelou’s own gift: her ability to see significance in everyday moments, transforming them into art that is both intimate and universal. Just as the Lady Poet rushes home to capture her observations in writing, Angelou’s poetry feels urgent and alive, drawn from the immediacy of human experience. In And Still I Rise, every page is an invitation—to reflect, to feel, and above all, to rise. It is a book to return to again and again, each reading revealing something new, as if the poems themselves are still breathing and growing. Angelou doesn’t just write poetry—she distills life into it.

Maya Angelou's collection is a delight, full of humour. But they also contain a mighty punch to a complacent conscience. A penetrating insight into the world of oppression, ignorance and hate but filled with so much love.

Good value and an excellent gift

And Still I Rise contains some amazing, life affirming, world altering poems. Among my favourites were Phenomenal Woman, And Still I Rise and The Caged Bird. The poems pack a punch. I enjoyed every poem in this collection. Some of the poems I’ve read before in various collections and anthologies. I read many more for the first time. The poems in And Still I Rise deal with experiences of slavery, love, domestic violence among others.

Easy read. Highly recommend

I first got to know about Maya Angelou through her autobiographies about 20 years ago and,after reading them, didn't really look for anything else by her. But after talking to a work colleague about Maya I learned that she also wrote poetry.The one poem in particular that we spoke about was 'And Still I Rise' which my colleague told me had sustained her through several tough times over the years. I bought a book of Maya's poems and thoroughly enjoyed them especially 'And still I Rise' and 'Black Family Pledge'. My work colleague(who is also a very dear friend)retired earlier this year and I knew that as well as reading Maya Angelou's poetry she also enjoyed listening to her reading her poetry so what better gift could I give her than a cd of Maya reading some of her awesome poems! My friend was absolutely thrilled with the cd and has spent many happy hours already listening to it.If you are a fan of Maya then I would highly recommend this as there is nothing like listening to a poet reciting their own poems and Maya brings them to life as no one else could!

And still I rise is one of Maya Angelou's most famous poems, as well as the title of this collection, which is her third volume of poetry. This is an excerpt: Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own backyard. You will also find another well know poem of her here, Phenomenal woman. In it, Angelou describes the power that is innate to woman and what it means to have the confidence to be a sassy and "phenomenal woman". Many of her poems are about race or gender, but what shines through the most is her resilience and joy in spite of a difficult life. Maya Angelou has a strong voice that refuses to be silenced. I really cannot recommend this volume enough. Like a previous review said, her poems to me, as well, is like a prayer. I know some of the poems by heart, but still I pick them up to read through sometimes. I also like to give this volume away as a gift to friends, as I believe that this is one that all women (in particular) should have knowledge of.

Love this little books and its soul touching poems

Good poetry. I like it, and the one named still I Rise is the reason why I bought the book

Very thin and small book, filled with nice poems from impressive Maya Angelou.

Precioso libro con muchos temas para reflexionar. Nada mejor de la poesía le habla al alma.

Maya Angelou è una scrittrice che adoro, comprato per un regalo. Arrivato nei tempi, tutto perfetto

Fantastic