Customer Reviews

All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes

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"All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes" is an effective continuation of Maya Angelou's monumental, multi-volume autobiographical narrative. This installment begins in the early 1960s, with Maya and her son living in Africa. As a whole, this book is a fascinating meditation on the ties and disjunctions that exist between African-Americans and black Africans.

Maya reminisces about working for the University of Ghana, seeking employment as a journalist at the "Ghanaian Times," and beginning to pick up the Fanti language of Ghana. Particularly fascinating are her memories of the death of W.E.B. DuBois, the visit of Malcolm X to Africa, and her visit to Germany to perform in a production of Jean Genet's play "The Blacks." Angelou's book is both the vibrant record of an extraordinary woman, and an important portrait of Africa at a key era in its modern history.

From purely a literary standpoint, I find ALL GOD'S CHILDREN NEED TRAVELING SHOES perhaps the best of Angelou's series of autobiographical works that I have encountered thus far. It is the fifth "installment," having been preceded by I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS, GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME, SINGIN' AND SWINGIN' AND GETTIN' MERRY LIKE CHRISTMAS, and THE HEART OF A WOMAN. While I suppose that any of these could be read in isolation, to do so would be analogous to reading a single chapter from a full-length novel. One may enjoy the contents of that single chapter but will miss all the background material that explains how the characters reached that point in time and space as well as everything that follows to explain and wrap-up the story. For the same reasons, one really should read each of Angelou's books and in chronological order, too. Consequently, if one is examining reader reviews before purchasing ALL GOD'S CHILDREN, and if this is the first of Angelou's books being considered, please wait. Reading the others first will enhance significantly the reader's enjoyment of this one.

Pure autobiographies tend, in my experience, to be rather dull reading for the most part. Where is the excitement in a list of events and dates? That sort of dry recitation of historical facts is the reason that most of us were likely bored to somnambulance by our high school history textbooks. Happily, this is not at all that sort of autobiography. What one finds in Angelou's books is the world seen through her eyes and interpreted by her mind, and she carries with her the filters built strand by strand by her life experiences.

What "life experiences"? Being born Black into a legally, socially, culturally and thoroughly segregated country. Being abandoned by one's father. Being shipped across country by one's mother to be raised by an aging grandparent. Feeling the constant scorn and belittlement fostered by racial segregation. Bearing a child when one is still herself a child. Being duped by another into prostitution. Failing at an attempt at marriage. On the other hand, conversing with such figures as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. Touring Europe as member of a musical cast. Living in Africa. Angelou's experiences, both negative and positive, were emotionally extreme, or at least significant, events, and they created interpretative filters that are quite different from those of essentially all of her readers. This difference is what makes her books captivating to read and worthy of her readers' consideration.

I suggest that the epitome of Angelou's skill as a prose author of the first five books I have mentioned above comes in the closing chapter of ALL GOD'S CHILDREN. Her encounter with the Ewe tribal women in the marketplace in Ghana's village of Keta is expressed in nearly supernatural terms. In the actual event, she is merely mistaken for another person, but, to Angelou, the encounter firmly establishes Africa as her spiritual homeland, the origin of her own ancestors who, generations earlier, were sold into slavery in a strange land across the ocean. The skill with which she describes her feelings at this encounter is one to which any writer might aspire.

I must admit to another aspect of Angelou's writing that I find almost annoying, however, and that is her repeated and continuous reference to the effects of slavery. If any evil exists in the universe, if sin seeks an embodiment, if a cause for all the misery in the contemporary world must be identified, Angelou finds it in slavery. Judging solely by the attitude revealed in these five books, one could conclude only that all Caucasians are blue-eyed devils, that they alone made possible the eternal and unforgivable sin of enslavement, that no redemption is possible and that racial integration is never achievable or even desirable. If there is such a concept as "original sin," it has nothing to do with a mythological Adam or Eve in a "garden of Eden" but rather with the insufferable conceit of Whites and the horror of slavery, most particularly slavery in the United States. To judge by the attitude that pervades these five books, one would think that Angelou was herself born into slavery, exploited economically and sexually by her White masters, and denigrated to the very edge of sanity. Not to excuse or to minimize in any way the physical and emotional pain of slavery, its immorality or absence of any ethical justification whatsoever, but "methinks the lady doth protest too much." She claims for herself an understanding of the debasement of slavery that her own history does not support. She assumes a mantle as spokesperson for long dead generations that she is not qualified to wear. To what extent historical slavery and racial prejudice may bear the blame for what were her own poor choices in life I am hardly qualified to say, yet I would caution the reader to bear in mind the fact that we are seeing events through the author's intellectual filters and that no one's filters are totally objective.

Having said that, I hurriedly add that my critical observation should in no way deter anyone from reading Angelou's books. On the contrary, while I may feel that she is at times presumptuous in assuming spokesperson status on the topics of slavery and contemporary racial bigotry, her perceptions provide many revelations for her readers and are worth noting. On now to the next book of this series, A SONG FLUNG UP TO HEAVEN.

In 1962, Maya Angelou went to Ghana with her 17-year son. "All God's Children Need Travelling Shoes" tells the story of her personal journey to understand herself as a black American. This book provides fascinating insights about Maya Angelou in her early years and about Afro-American culture in general. In rich language, she provides both historical snapshots and compelling stories about Ghana's gentle people, herself, and the diaspora that brought black people to America.

I finished this book feeling just a little more connected to an Africa about which I've only been able to fantasize. This book sings to your heart with prose that is rhythmic and satiating, delicious to the eyes and savory to the tongue. For me, the only thing that could possibly top "Auntie's" writing is her speaking. In a voice that booms with quietness, Maya stokes and caresses, calms and enlightens. I've never had a disappointing experience with her autobiographical work or poetry. She's simply wonderful.

Maya Angelou's autobiography reveals a loving and spiritual soul that many of today's readers aren't getting enough of. Her devoted and rich style of writing is very moving and will leave you in awe.
In his "journal", Maya Angelou confesses her opinion about different cultures around the world. Being an African- American and having lived in africa, she writes with a strong love for the people of that continent. She shows her love for the Christian religion and her son, Guy. The two of them moved through Cairo, Ghana, Liberia, and Egypt gracing others with her talents and liveliness. Even after enduring difficult times and tragedies, Maya stilled managed to gain self control and keep her boldness to find a way out.
Maya is a poet, a performer, a writer, a traveler, a musician and a great mother. of all of her accomplishments, I was most impresses with her poetry which is occasionally expressed throughout her book. With her poetic voice, she turns her life story into a great and powerful poem. "The moon is "red" as fire over black hills" is an expression from one of her great poems the critics acknowledge. I think that it was a good idea to add quotes from many of her poems because then you not only learn her words, but you almost "become" her words. I really do look up to all of Maya Angelou's accomplishments.
I think that Maya Angelou's words will be very inspiring to readers all around. Not only is she inspiring to me, but to many others that have read her books. William McPherson from the Washington Post Bookk World says, "Maya Angelou regards the world and herself with intelligence and wit; she regards the vents of her life with style and grace". I really do argee with him that she is very inspirational in everthing that she does.
This is a deservedly popular book about the amazing ife, love and goals of Maya Angelou. I can only hope that this book will touch your heart like it did mine.

I thought it was a great book. It was my first ever read of Maya Angelou. I think the book has made me a fan of her. Her style of writing was mellifluous, sincere, and truthful.

I am not a very emotional person, but the part that made my eyes water was when Maya went to the market in Kato, as the book ended. She met Ewe women who instantly confused her for an Ewe. They were sure Maya was an Ewe decendant because of her features and tone of voice. Once, she was mistaken for a Bambara, and an Ahanta as well. It was beautiful. I admire Maya for her having fortitude and being curious and passionate. She loves her people and was more than willing to come back home to America to help them by working for Malcolm X, promoting civil rights, et al. I have great respect for her. She also learnt how to speak the Fanti language, which I would guess was not easy.

It was a great autobiography. I wonder what would have happened if she had married the Malian Fulfulde man.

Maya Angelou's auto-biography reveals a loving and spiritual soul that many of today's readers don't get enough of. Her devoted and rich way of writing is very moving and will leave you in awe.
In his "journa", Maya Angelou confesses her opinions about different cultures around the world. Being and African-American and having lived in Africa, she writes with a really strong love for the people of that continent. She shows her love for the Christian religion and her son, Guy. The two of them moved through Cairo, Ghana, Liberia, and Egypt gracing others with her talents and liveliness. Even after enduring difficult times and tragedies, Maya's character stilled managed to gain self-control and keep her boldness to find a way out.
Maya is a poet, a performer, a writer, a traveler, a musician and a mother. Of all of her accomplishments, I was most impressed with her poetry which is occasionally expresses throughout this book. With her poetic voice, she turns her life story into a great and powerful poem. The moon is "red as fire over black hills" is an expression from one of her great poems that critics acknowledge. I think that is was a good idea to add quotes from many of her poems because then you not only learn her words, but you almost "become" her words. I really do look up to all of Maya Angelou's accomplishments.
I think that Maya Angelou's words will be very inspiring to readers all around. Not only is she inspiring to me, but to many others that have read her books. William McPherson, from the Washington Post Book World says,"Maya Angelou regards the world and herself with intelligence and wit; she regards the events of her life with style and grace". I agree with him that she is very inspirational in everything that she does.
This is a deservedly popular book about the amazing life, love and goals of Maya Angelou. I can only hope that this book will touch your heart like it did mine!

With great detail, Maya Angelou describes the journeys of her life with her son. She shares her emotions with such strong words you feel like you are right there with her as she is telling her tale. From sorrow, to pity, to happiness, and all the way back through again, Maya Angelou tells a story of hope and dignity...how she survived life with a little faith in god and in family.
I recommend this to book to anyone who is in need of a little hope or needs to get in touch with their inner self. This book is touching and uplifting. Give it a try, I know you'll love it as much as me, if not more!

I just recently finished the book and I felt that it was a great book on Maya Angelou's part. I really enjoyed it. I really didn't believe that she had her child at such a young age and what happened to him when he got hit my a car. I especially liked the fact that when Maya went to Ghana, she wanted to represent African Americans in the best way that she could. She did just that. She let people know when they were wrong or out of place. She was also well respected enough to be called "Auntie." Everyone should read this book to be enlightened on the world around us, particularly AFRICA.

When I was university student we often heard the phrase 'the personal is political'. Sometimes I have felt that to point out the political connections of my personal experience is boring, obvious, and tedious for other people. Now I see how wrong I was. What is obvious to some is unknown to others and I commend Maya Angelou for leading a life full of courage and having the gumption to write it all down so eloquently. She captures the small moments in life yet never lets you forget the social structures of race, gender, and class that shape and sometimes limit our lives. Congratulations Maya.