“I wrote about my experiences because I thought too many people tell young folks, “I never did anything wrong. Who, Moi? – never I. I have no skeletons in my closet. In fact, I have no closet.” They lie like that and then young people find themselves in situations and they think, “Damn I must be a pretty bad guy. My mom or dad never did anything wrong.” They can’t forgive themselves and go on with their lives. So I wrote the book Gather Together in My Name”

Well if that quote doesn’t sum up the contents of the second instalment of Maya Angelou’s autobiographical books then I don’t know what else will.

During the 4 years covered in this book (1944-1948, 17-21) Maya leads an interesting life. She becomes a cook, a waitress, a madam, a whore, a restaurant manager, a clothes sales person, and a professional dancer. She almost joined the army too. How does anyone do so much in such a short time?! 

The main running theme throughout, isn’t just the fact that young people make mistakes, but Mayas personal resilience and determination to make something of herself in a world where being a black woman was contrary to success. Mayas honesty, in airing her less than honourable professions and relationships is refreshing. Familial love is also a strong theme, with Mayas mother, brother and grandmother featuring, showering how blood connections are strong. 

It’s still hard to “rate” this book as it’s hard to rate someone’s life, but her life and story is told in such a fascinating way that I can’t wait to find out what happens next.