The Heart of a Woman

( 36 )

Overview

Maya Angelou has fascinated, moved, and inspired countless readers with the first three volumes of her autobiography, one of the most remarkable personal narratives of our age. Now, in her fourth volume, The Heart of a Woman, her turbulent life breaks wide open with joy as the singer-dancer enters the razzle-dazzle of fabulous New York City. There, at the Harlem Writers Guild, her love for writing blazes anew.

Her compassion and commitment ...
See more details below
Paperback
$11.27
BN.com price
(Save 24%)$15.00 List Price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up In Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (Paperback)
  • All (20) from $5.99   
  • New (15) from $8.33   
  • Used (5) from $5.99   
The Heart of a Woman

Available on NOOK devices and apps  
  • NOOK Devices
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK
  • NOOK HD/HD+ Tablet
  • NOOK
  • NOOK Color
  • NOOK Tablet
  • Tablet/Phone
  • NOOK for Windows 8 Tablet
  • NOOK for iOS
  • NOOK for Android
  • NOOK Kids for iPad
  • PC/Mac
  • NOOK for Windows 8
  • NOOK for PC
  • NOOK for Mac
  • NOOK for Web

Want a NOOK? Explore Now

NOOK Book (eBook)
$11.99
BN.com price
Marketplace
BN.com

All Available Formats & Editions

More About This Book

Overview

Maya Angelou has fascinated, moved, and inspired countless readers with the first three volumes of her autobiography, one of the most remarkable personal narratives of our age. Now, in her fourth volume, The Heart of a Woman, her turbulent life breaks wide open with joy as the singer-dancer enters the razzle-dazzle of fabulous New York City. There, at the Harlem Writers Guild, her love for writing blazes anew.

Her compassion and commitment lead her to respond to the fiery times by becoming the northern coordinator of Martin Luther King's history-making quest. A tempestuous, earthy woman, she promises her heart to one man only to have it stolen, virtually on her weding day, by a passionate African freedom fighter.

Filled with unforgettable vignettes of famous characters, from Billie Holiday to Malcolm X, The Heart of a Woman sings with Maya Angelou's eloquent prose — her fondest dreams, deepest disappointments, and her dramatically tender relationship with her rebellious teenage son. Vulnerable, humorous, tough, Maya speaks with an intimate awareness of the heart within all of us.

In this fourth volume of her highly acclaimed autobiographical series, the esteemed poet and author continues the story of her remarkable and sometimes turbulent life, beginning with her days as a singer-dancer in New York City, when her love for writing blossomed at the Harlem Writers Guild. Then there were fiery times as the northern coordinator of Martin Luther King's history-making quest and more impassioned moments when she promised her heart to one man only to have it stolen, virtually on her wedding day, by an African freedom fighter. Through her eloquent prose, Angelou shares her fondest dreams, her heartfelt disappointments, and her loving relationship with her teenaged son. Filled with unforgettable vignettes of famous figures, from Billie Holiday to Malcolm X.

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher
"I know that not since the days of my childhood, when people in books were more real than the people one saw every day, have I found myself SO moved."

— James Baldwin

"Full of laughter and tears, love and hate, failures and triumphs, and above all, understanding."

— John O. Killens

"Gather Together in My Name

"Gather Together in My Name is part of a select body of literature that includes The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Claude Brown's Manchild in the Promised land, and Ernest J. Gaines's The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. Maya Angelou regards the world and herself with intelligence and wit; she records the events of her life with style and grace."

— William McPherson, The Washington Post Book World

"Here the 'caged bird' soars, and sings in a voice as rich and funny, passionate and mellow as any writer I know."

— Shana Alexander

Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780812980325
  • Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
  • Publication date: 4/21/2009
  • Series: Oprah's Book Club Series
  • Pages: 336
  • Sales rank: 84141
  • Product dimensions: 5.20 (w) x 7.90 (h) x 0.90 (d)

Meet the Author

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was raised in Stamps, Arkansas. In addition to her bestselling autobiographies, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and The Heart of a Woman, she wrote numerous volumes of poetry, among them Phenomenal Woman, And Still I Rise, On the Pulse of Morning, and Mother. Maya Angelou died in 2014.

Biography

As a chronicler of her own story and the larger civil rights movement in which she took part, Maya Angelou is remarkable in equal measure for her lyrical gifts as well as her distinct sense of justice, both politically and personally.

Angelou was among the first, if not the first, to create a literary franchise based on autobiographical writings. In the series' six titles -- beginning with the classic I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and followed by Gather Together in My Name, Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas, Heart of a Woman, All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes, and 2002's A Song Flung Up to Heaven -- Angelou tells her story in language both no-nonsense and intensely spiritual.

Angelou's facility with language, both on paper and as a suede-voiced speaker, have made her a populist poet. Her 1995 poem "Phenomenal Woman" is still passed along the Web among women as inspiration ("It's in the reach of my arms/The span of my hips/The stride of my steps/The curl of my lips./I'm a woman/Phenomenally/Phenomenal woman/That's me"), and her 1993 poem "On the Pulse of the Morning," written for Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration, was later released as a Grammy-winning album.

Angelou often cites other writers (from Kenzaburo Oe to James Baldwin) both in text and name. But as often as not, her major mentors were not writers – she had been set to work with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. before each was assassinated, stories she recounts in A Song Flung Up to Heaven.

Given her rollercoaster existence -- from poverty in Arkansas to journalism in Egypt and Ghana and ultimately, to her destiny as a successful writer and professor in the States – it's no surprise that Angelou hasn't limited herself to one or two genres. Angelou has also written for stage and screen, acted, and directed. She is the rare author from whom inspiration can be derived both from her approach to life as from her talent in writing about it. Reading her books is like taking counsel from your wisest, favorite aunt.

Good To Know

Angelou was nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Nyo Boto in the 1977 miniseries Roots. She has also appeared in films such as How to Make an American Quilt and Poetic Justice, and she directed 1998's Down in the Delta.

Angelou speaks six languages, including West African Fanti.

She taught modern dance at the Rome Opera House and the Hambina Theatre in Tel Aviv.

Before she became famous as a writer, Maya Angelou was a singer. Miss Calypso is a CD of her singing calypso songs.

Read More Show Less
    1. Also Known As:
      Margeurite Johnson
      Maya Angelou
    2. Hometown:
      Winston-Salem, North Carolina
    1. Date of Birth:
      Wed Apr 04 00:00:00 EST 1928
    2. Place of Birth:
      St. Louis, Missouri
    1. Education:
      High school in Atlanta and San Francisco

Read an Excerpt

The Harlem Writer's Guild was meeting at John's house, and my palms were sweating and my tongue was thick. The loosely formed organization, without dues or membership cards, had one strict rule: any invited guest could sit in for three meetings, but thereafter, the visitor had to read from his or her work in progress. My time had come.

Sara Wright and Sylvester Leeks stood in a corner talking softly. John Clarke was staring at titles in the bookcase. Mary Delaney and Millie Jordan were giving their coats to Grace and exchanging greetings. The other writers were already seated around the living room in a semicircle.

John Killens walked past me, touching my shoulder, took his seat and called the meeting to order.

"O.K., everybody. Let's start." Chairs scraped the floor and the sounds reverberated in my armpits. "As you know, our newest member, our California singer, is going to read from her new play. What's the title, Maya?"

"One Love, One Life." My usually deep voice leaked out high-pitched and weak.

A writer asked how many acts the play had. I answered again in the piping voice, "So far only one."

Everyone laughed; they thought I was making a joke.

"If everyone is ready, we can begin." John picked up his note pad. There was a loud rustling as the writers prepared to take notes.

I read the character and set description despite the sudden perversity of my body. The blood pounded in my ears but not enough to drown the skinny sound of my voice. My hands shook so that I had to lay the pages in my lap, but that was not a good solution due to the tricks my knees were playing. They liftedvoluntarily, pulling my heels off the floor and then trembled like disturbed Jello. Before I launched into the play's action, I looked around at the writers expecting but hoping not to see their amusement at my predicament. Their faces were studiously blank. Within a year, I was to learn that each had a horror story about a first reading at the Harlem Writers Guild.

Time wrapped itself around every word, slowing me. I couldn't force myself to read faster. The pages seemed to be multiplying even as I was trying to reduce them. The play was dull, the characters, unreal, and the dialogue was taken entirely off the back of a Campbell's soup can. I knew this was my first and last time at the Guild. Even if I hadn't the grace to withdraw voluntarily, I was certain the members had a method of separating the wheat from the chaff.

"The End." At last.

The members laid their notes down beside their chairs and a few got up to use the toilets. No one spoke. Even as I read I knew the drama was bad, but maybe someone would have lied a little.

The room filled. Only the whispering of papers shifting told me that the jury was ready.

John Henrik Clarke, a taut little man from the South, cleared his throat. If he was to be the first critic, I knew I would receive the worst sentence. John Clarke was famous in the group for his keen intelligence and bitter wit. He had supposedly once told the FBI that they were wrong to think that he would sell out his home state of Georgia; he added that he would give it away, and if he found no takers he would even pay someone to take it. "One Life. One Love?" His voice was a rasp of disbelief. "I found no life and very little love in the play from the opening of the act to its unfortunate end."

Using superhuman power, I kept my mouth closed and my eyes on my yellow pad.

He continued, his voice lifting. "In 1879, on a March evening, Alexander Graham Bell successfully completed his attempts to send the human voice through a little wire. The following morning some frustrated playwright, unwilling to build the necessary construction plot, began his play with a phone call."

A general deprecating murmur floated in the air.

"Aw, John" and "Don't be so mean" and "Ooo Johnnn, you ought to be ashamed." Their moans were facetious, mere accompaniment to their relish.

Grace invited everyone to drinks, and the crowd rose and started milling around, while I stayed in my chair.

Grace called to me. "Come on, Maya. Have a drink. You need it." I grinned and knew movement was out of the question.

Killens came over. "Good thing you stayed. You got some very important criticism." He, too, could slide to hell straddling knotted greasy rope. "Don't just sit there. If they think you're too sensitive, you won't get such valuable criticism the next time you read."

The next time? He wasn't as bright as he looked. I would never see those snotty bastards as long as I stayed black and their asses pointed toward the ground. I put a nasty-sweet smile on my face and nodded.

"That's right, Maya Angelou, show them you can take anything they can dish out. Let me tell you something." He started to sit down beside me, but mercifully another writer called him away.

I measured the steps from my chair to the door. I could make it in ten strides.

"Maya, you've got a story to tell."

I looked up into John Clarke's solemn face.

"I think I can speak for the Harlem Writer's Guild. We're glad to have you. John Killens came back from California talking about your talent. Well, in this group we remind each other that talent is not enough. You've got to work. Write each sentence over and over again, until it seems you've used every combination possible, then write it again. Publishers don't care much for white writers." He coughed or laughed. "You can imagine what they think about black ones. Come on. Let's get a drink."

I got up and followed him without a first thought.


From the Paperback edition.

Read More Show Less

Reading Group Guide

1. What is the significance of Maya quitting show business to become a civil rights activist?

2. Maya's husband Make is a freedom fighter--yet he treats Maya as a possession. Why do you think Maya stays with him? Do you think Make sees his own hypocrisy, and why or why not?

3. When approached by a friendly stranger, Maya's mother remarks, "He's colored and I'm colored, but we are not cousins." What episodes in the memoir might evoke the same response from Maya?

4. The memoir concludes with a poignant scene, as Guy bids farewell to Maya before he goes to college. Guy is characteristically wise, brave, and mature for his years. What do his parting words say about his perceived role in their relationship? How has Maya's role changed?

Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 36 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(21)

4 Star

(11)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(1)

1 Star

(1)
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 36 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Jan 13 00:00:00 EST 2010

    A Fabulous Book

    In The Heart of a Woman, Maya Angelou describes her life as her son, Guy, grows into an adult. Her anger is evident as a racist homeowner refuses to let her rent and as Guy is discriminated in his new school because he tells where babies really come from. She meets Billie Holiday and receives advice on life and being famous that she remembers coming from a sick and lonely woman. Her move to New York yields many new opportunities, including working to make blacks and whites more equal. Doing this leads to her second marriage and another move. This time she is in Cairo, Egypt and finds a job on as a assistant editor on a newspaper.
    This book is inspirational, touching, and absorbing. Her struggles remind us how lucky we are to live in this time where segregation is not allowed and blatant racism is unacceptable by modern society. Every young woman should read her book because its inspirational and gives valuable advice without patronizing.

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted Sun Mar 17 00:00:00 EDT 2013

    The Heart of a Woman is about Angelou when she is in her early 3

    The Heart of a Woman is about Angelou when she is in her early 30s. Her life was chaotic as a singer-dancer living in New York City. This is a story about a woman finding herself. Ms. Angelou describes her living conditions, being a mother to a son she must let family keep while she gets her feet on the ground, and a marriage to a man that ends. Ms. Angelou describes her involvement with the Harlem Writer Group. This leads Ms. Angelou to express herself through writing. This book deserves four thumbs up for the way Angelou describes her life. It could be easily read in a couple of days. It would appeal to men and women in different stages of life. Its central themes are the joys and burdens of being a black mother in America as the son she had at 16 finally grows into a man. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the racial problems that the U.S. had and is still having since Martin Luther King and Malcolm X’s time.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted Wed Feb 09 00:00:00 EST 2011

    Good

    Nice book....&.....<...>

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Nov 18 00:00:00 EST 2005

    Outstanding Book

    I felt that this is a marvelous Boook, at the bigining when she started wrinting, it wasn't easy for her but she never gave up. she is a caring mother and focused a lot about her son Guy well being. As a Teenager this book tought me a lot , it showed me that if you want something in life you have to go get it because it's not going to come to you.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Dec 23 00:00:00 EST 2004

    very inspiring for the most part

    After reading the fourth book of her biography, I think it is a cruel irony that a lot of the mistreatment, abuse and reproach she has suffered has been at the hands of black men. I was outraged at the scene of the 'palaver' and could not understand how an intelligent and brilliant, American woman agreed to go along with it, but the fact that she gave in to their 'recomendation' baffles my mind.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Feb 13 00:00:00 EST 2003

    Love this book!!

    I really loved this book because it was very inspiring. Maya lets us know that we can achieve anything if you put your mind in to it. This book was very inspirational.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    R.I.P.

    REST IN PEACE MS."ANGEL"OU

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon Jan 07 00:00:00 EST 2013

    Didn't want to stop....

    Until I read it all! Grrreeeaaat!!!
    Ms Lisa, BIG Angelou fan.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Jun 28 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    I Love To Read Books

    I Love to read books by any author!!!!!

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Feb 22 00:00:00 EST 2007

    Outstanding

    This book inspired me to be thankful for everything I have. When I'm grown and old I will tell my grandchildren so read this book. What can I say, Maya is an inspiration!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon Aug 18 00:00:00 EDT 2003

    great book!

    This book was exceptionally great. As a teenager I really got into it, and could relate to every part. I learned so much about life and the commitment of trust. This book deserves 5 stars for excellence and a true outlook on life. Great job Maya!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 2001

    Phenomenal

    Maya's writtings have been a part of my reading since I can rememeber and she is a very inspring woman. 'The Heart of a Woman' is a really detailed book of her adult life. I recommend this book to many and will encourage my daughter when she is old enough.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Jun 14 00:00:00 EDT 2001

    Great Book

    The Heart Of A Woman was an exceptional book.It showed indepth her life growing up and maturing.I recommend it to everyone.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon Apr 24 00:00:00 EDT 2000

    Wonderful Book

    This had got to be one of the best book I have ever read. I hated to put it down and when I finished I wanted to read it again. I don't usually pick up autobiographys, but this one was on Oprah's list so I read it. It was a very inspirational book and I recommend it with 4 stars.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Mar 23 00:00:00 EST 2000

    Maya Angelou does it again!

    Ms. Angelou is truly an inspiration. Despite her very humble beginnings, she created an extraordinary life for herself...and the book was so interesting, I couldn't put it down!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Aug 18 00:00:00 EDT 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 17 00:00:00 EDT 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon Jan 24 00:00:00 EST 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Feb 28 00:00:00 EST 2012

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 36 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)