Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas

The third volume of Maya Angelou's autobiography begins with an ill-starred marriage to a Greek man, then follows her career in showbusiness. The latter half records her impressions on a tour of Europe and Egypt with the show Porgy and Bess:

The year was 1954, only a decade since their country [Italy] had been defeated by my country in a war fought for racial reasons as well as economic ones. And, after all, Joe Louis, whom the man seemed so proud to mention, had beaten an Italian, Primo Carnera. I thought my acceptance at the restaurant had been a telling show of the great heart of the Italian people. I hadn't been in Europe long enough to know that Europeans often made as clear a distinction between black and white Americans as did

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the most confirmed Southern bigot. The difference, I was to discover, was that more often than not, blacks were liked, whereas white Americans were not.

Angelou's writing continues to be highly engaging, both personal and historically fascinating. Her enthusiasm for life and keen observation thereof make her autobiography a great read. show less

The third book in the late Maya Angelou's autobiographical series. It is really amazing how much has happened in this woman's life. And, how, just when Angelou is down on her luck, an amazing opportunity always comes up. Her life is certainly a roller coaster ride thus far. This installment covers her brief first marriage (a failure -- Angelou is a derivation, a change suggested by her voice coach, from her married name of Angelos) , her job as a dancer at a strip joint and after she is fired, her friends help her get a job elsewhere as a calypso singer, and then how she falls in the role of being in the cast of Porgy and Bess, and traveling Europe as a result. There is no doubt that Angelou is always working hard, and I'm sure she show more would say that luck had nothing to do with it, but it is interesting to see how she is clearly on her way to fame instead of just disappearing into the cracks like so many women who find themselves a single mother at age 16 and the like. Angelou does not take things meekly. She does acknowledge that her struggle to support her son financially comes at a cost.

In this, her third book, we still have not found out how she becomes a writer and poet, which is how most of us know her today. Angelou remains thoughtful and observant about situations surrounding her -- race relations, for instance. Her autobiographies so far do not take on a "tell-all" tone, or worse, an attempt to get back to everyone who wronged her in life. I look forward to continuing in this autobiographical series. show less

Another installment in Maya Angelou's series of autobiographical works, this installment chronicles Angelou's first steps into show business and fame, as well as further discoveries and adventures in her personal relationships. Though it may be a step less emotional and dramatic than the two earlier works in her series, it is just as poetic and telling. Readers of her earlier works will find it a worthwhile read, and a fast one.

Recommended.

I thought that this was the second book in her six-book autobiographical series, but it's actually number three. I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This book wasn't nearly as funny; however, she shared some interesting and colorful stories! Overall, it's an enjoyable read.

Here's what I wrote in 2008 about this read: "She does it again . . . Continues her autobiography from young adulthood as a musical performer. One footnote: This book provided MGA early insights into difference between the experience of black folk in Europe vs. US."

jB