The Expression Hub

Author: Maya Angelou

Genre: Essays

“A mother’s treasure is her daughter

Anonymous

There are women who serve as an inspiration to others. They do so by their behavior or through their words, or by their writings. Since it is the International Women’s Month, lets pay an ode to such women who dare to think big and try to do their bits in making a world a better place. Though, there is still a long way to go, but I am happy that women nowadays have started raising their voices in matters which are close to their heart. This week we explore the writings of one such woman who has tried to make an impact on the people around her through her writings. She has also been an inspiration to a lot of people including some of the most famous ones like Oprah Winfrey whom she considered her daughter as well. And it is not people like Oprah who are inspired b her but many countless people regardless of the fact that whether they have been famous or not. And maybe that is why it has been aptly said by Melinda Gates, “A woman with a voice by definition is a strong woman. ” After all not all the women are supposed to be born with the fire . But with time , they do become the fire when the actions of strong women do inspire them. And may we raise such women wherever we can because that is how the world will one day become a better place.

About the book: This week we explore, Maya Angelou’s Letter to my daughter which initially by its title I thought might be a series of letters written by her to her daughter. But it seems that my intuition or guess about this one was wrong .😅 This as I delved in turned out to be a collection of essays which Maya had written. The concept for this one came to her when she was going through old boxes which were filled with notes and which she called work in progress. It is then that she decided to pen down these essays in a book that others could read. She writes these essays as an advice and which serve as a testament to the wisdom she had obtained throughout her life.

It consists of 28 such letters some of which include some poems as well and a commencement address dedicated to the daughter she never had. She thanks several women who played a very vital role in her life and helped her shape as a person.

Analysis: This is a book which feels as if there is someone who is advising you with all the wisdom she has acquired . This wisdom is especially important when you are trying to discover yourself as a person . It is because when you discover yourself as a person can you try to be a better version of yourself . And shouldn’t we all try to be that? I don’t know about others at least that is what I want to do for myself- be an individual who just keeps on bettering herself in every aspect of her life. So, such books do inspire you to discover your true calling as well as acquaint you with the purpose of life one has to live. Also, it never hurts when you gain knowledge from other’s wisdom . This is because the wisdom acquired from others can help you prevent the mistakes which one has made in their lives though it is not necessary that one might make. But it is always handy to have someone’s life act as a manual isn’t it?😄

Coming to the positives, this is a book which is written in a very light and a breezy manner that you can read it like a story book. That is I guess the beauty of Maya’s writings- she has written these as if she is trying to have a conversation with the people who pick this piece of writing. This is a good thing to a person who is not much into non-fiction. Also, there are a variety of topics which she covers in these written messages which range from nationalism to experiences of her life to faith in God to love to reclaiming roots and many such more.

As far as the negatives are concerned, maybe it would have been a good thing if the essays would have been inter-related to one another. You are suddenly transported to another topic which kind of leaves you confused sometimes. This might be a great experience to people who enjoy chaos. But for people like me who prefer order and symmetry, I do find my brain go haywire in such cases. This is because I tend to form connections when things are in order in my brain else it just seems completely wrong even though it might not be.

Verdict: If you are a person who is not much into non-fiction but would love to have a start somewhere, this can be a great piece to start from.However, mind you there are a variety of topics covered in the book which are not related to one another. But yes, it acts as a good medium to let us know what the author feels about the various things . Also, the fact that it is not heavy or stuffy unlike some books can also make you include this piece of writing. Thirdly, it is written by a person who has been an inspiration to many . So, maybe this can act as an inspiration to you as well. So, go for it if you can as it can be a wonderful experience to delve into the mind and thought process of a woman who has been highly revered . Don’t forget to share your experiences about the same in the comments section. Meet you next week with another pick. Till then lots of love,care and hugs to all of you.😊🤗

Rating: *** and a 1/2

Cite Bite: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.”