The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou

I bought one for me and one as a gift, but the pages were uneven and the binding fragile with a dented cover on one of the two. For the price, I expected a sturdier book. I wonder if I just got defective ones. I've seen poorly made books sold at outlet bookstores. The two I received wouldn't last long before they fell apart.

I'm a huge fan of her work, so I'll be hitting the bookstores ASAP to find sturdier versions of the same collection.

Maya Angelou is one of the weakest poets to be published in America. She writes drab, shallow prose puddles that seem more theater monologues. Her style equivalent to the average telephone conversation. Though a good actress, she doesn't seem capable of the multi-level metaphors, imagination or deep engagement.

Her work runs conversational, sleepy at best. A famous actress, however, her writing is weak, a surface which reflects almost nothing profound. What a horror to think Americans find in her writing even the slightest bit of literary prowess.

The uneducated reading public not familiar with great poetry like Elizabeth Bishop encounter Maya Angelou as a source of little more than sapid, over-done, monotone breathing exercises. Barely the stuff of literature.

Maya Angelou is a beautiful person with a beautiful soul who expresses life ,love,passion,goodness and suffering in ways that leave you emotionally elevated. Her poetry is not just rhyme without reason, it's music for the inner self, the soul. Sometimes you come across a book you know you want to keep forever and still want to share with someone else. Mine remains on my bookshelf...............I purchased another copy for a dear friend.

I have given this twice as "thank you" gifts to women and both loved the book.

MAYA ANGELOU IS ONE MY FAVORITE GREAT AUTHORS OF POETRY . HER POEMS REACH THE SOUL AND SPIRIT OF A PERSON. THROUGH GREAT JOY OR GREAT PAIN..............