City Reads Books and Stationery
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a 1969 autobiography describing the young and early years of American writer and poet Maya Angelou. The first in a seven-volume series, it is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. The book begins when three-year-old Maya and her older brother are sent to Stamps, Arkansas, to live with their grandmother and ends when Maya becomes a mother at the age of 16. In the course of Caged Bird, Maya transforms from a victim of racism with an inferiority complex into a self-possessed, dignified young woman capable of responding to prejudice.
Angelou was challenged by her friend, author James Baldwin, and her editor, Robert Loomis, to write an autobiography that was also a piece of literature. Reviewers often categorize Caged Bird as autobiographical fiction because Angelou uses thematic development and other techniques common to fiction, but the prevailing critical view characterizes it as an autobiography, a genre she attempts to critique, change, and expand. The book covers topics common to autobiographies written by black American women in the years following the Civil Rights Movement: a celebration of black motherhood; a critique of racism; the importance of family; and the quest for independence, personal dignity, and self-definition.
Angelou uses her autobiography to explore subjects such as identity, rape, racism, and literacy. She also writes in new ways about women's lives in a male-dominated society. Maya, the younger version of Angelou and the book's central character, has been called "a symbolic character for every black girl growing up in America".[1] Angelou's description of being raped as an eight-year-old child overwhelms the book, although it is presented briefly in the text.[2] Another metaphor, that of a bird struggling to escape its cage, is a central image throughout the work, which consists of "a sequence of lessons about resisting racist oppression".[3] Angelou's treatment of racism provides a thematic unity to the book. Literacy and the power of words help young Maya cope with her bewildering world; books become her refuge as she works through her trauma.
Caged Bird was nominated for a National Book Award in 1970 and remained on The New York Times paperback bestseller list for two years. It has been used in educational settings from high schools to universities, and the book has been celebrated for creating new literary avenues for the American memoir. However, the book's graphic depiction of childhood rape, racism, and sexuality has caused it to be challenged or banned in some schools and libraries.
Orders can be picked up from our store in Adenta. Click on this link for google map directions
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
Delivery fees can be paid on delivery. The cost of delivery ranges from GHS 25 to GHS 60, based on your location.
All orders received on business days are processed within 24 hours. Orders received on weekends and holidays are processed within 24-72 hours.
Deliveries in Accra, its environs, Kasoa and Tema, Ghana
Deliveries in and around Accra as well as Kasoa and Tema, would be made within 24 hours after receiving your order confirmation email.
Deliveries outside Accra (Inter-regional Deliveries)
Inter-regional deliveries to areas outside Accra, are made via Speedaf or by bus (VIP, STC) within 48 - 72 hours business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. Please reach out to us on +233205302691 whenever you make an order going outside Accra.
Pick ups
Orders can be picked up from our store in Adenta. Click on this link for google map directions
International Shipping
Currently, we do not offer international shipping. We are still working on an affordable means of shipping internationally. Do send an email to orders@cityreadsbookstore.com before making and order if you are located anywhere outside Ghana.
Return & Exchange
Return & Exchange
Books purchased can be returned within a week. This means from the day you received your purchase, you have up to 7 days to request a return, refund or exchange.
To be eligible, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need to submit the receipt or proof of purchase.
If your return is accepted, we’ll arrange for a delivery company to pickup. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
We make sure our books and all other items are in pristine condition before delivery. In the event where your order arrives damaged in any way (dog ears, broken spine etc), please email us as soon as possible at orders@cityreadsbookstore.com with your order number and a photo of the item’s condition.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at orders@cityreadsbookstore.com.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.
Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 10 business days have passed since we approved your return, please contact us at orders@cityreadsbookstore.com.
WANT TO ORDER BOOKS FOR YOUR LIBRARY OR BOOKSHOP AT WHOLESALE PRICES?
Send an email to Priscilla at orders@cityreadsbookstore.com to arrange wholesale orders.