[.ca] Maya Angelou Poetry Collection (ISBN 0375420177)

Amazon.com Audiobook Review:
This collection includes more than 100 unabridged poems from three previously released volumes: Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die, Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well, and I Shall Not Be Moved. "On the Pulse of Morning," the Grammy-winning poem written for President Clinton's 1993 inauguration, completes the set. Angelou reads the pieces herself, making each word--sometimes fierce, sometimes soft, but always moving--even lovelier with her velvety voice. This collection is a must-have for all Maya Angelou fans. Listen to Maya Angelou read "Worker's Song." Visit our audio help page for more information. (Running time: 2 hours, 4 cassettes) --C.B. Delaney

Treat Yourself to this Poetic Feast:
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW Poetry The Maya Angelou Poetry Collection. 4 cassettes; 115 minutes; 106 poems. Random House Audio Publishing, Inc. 1999. $19.95. Gr 9 Up-Maya Angelou's poems speak strongly in print, but hearing the author perform her own work is a pleasure not to be missed. The poet literally performs her poems. Her melodious voice sings the spirituals, delivers heart-felt dedications and shares the roots or histories upon which some of these poems are derived. This four-cassette collection treats us to 115 minutes of readings covering 106 poems. The versatility of Maya Angelou's voices delights as she uses a syncopated rhythm to deliver poems enhanced by this beat: Harlem Hopscotch, Pickin' Up and Layin' 'em Down, Baby and Times Square Shoe Shine. Maya Angelou takes us back to the bitter historical past in poems based upon classic Negro spirituals such as Just Give me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Die and to the somber, slow refrains of To a Freedom Fighter. In other poems, Maya Angelou reveals a more personal and intimate side in poems such as Come be My Baby and He Said He Loved Another. Dr. Angelou shares the historical roots and associations she drew upon to create her Inaugural Poem On the Pulse of Morning delivered on January 20, 1993 at President Clinton's inauguration. This rare glimpse into the poet's process is a treasure for introducing young adults to the poetic process. Some explicit language requires previewing before school use. A complete listing of poems and times would be appreciated to locate titles of particular interest. You will be drawn to listen to this collection over and over again.