Book Review: Rainbow in the Cloud: The Wisdom and Spirit of Maya Angelou
by Maya Angelou
Publication Date: Oct 28, 2014
List Price: $20.00
Format: Hardcover
Classification: Nonfiction
ISBN13: 9780812996456
Imprint: Knopf
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Parent Company: Bertelsmann
Read a Description of Rainbow in the Cloud: The Wisdom and Spirit of Maya Angelou
Book Reviewed by Kam Williams
“‘Words mean more than what is set down on paper,’ Maya Angelou wrote in her groundbreaking memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Indeed, Angelou’s words have traveled the world and transformed lives—inspiring, strengthening, healing…
Now, in this collection of sage advice, humorous quips, and pointed observations culled from the author’s great works… Maya Angelou’s spirit endures… A treasured keepsake as well as a beautiful tribute to a woman who touched so many, Rainbow in the Cloud reminds us that ‘If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shines from within.’”
—Excerpted from the book jacket
Dr. Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri
on April 4th, 1928. She overcame a traumatic childhood to blossom into a
world-renowned poet, author, educator, actress, historian, filmmaker and
civil rights activist.
Over the course of an enviable career that spanned a half-century, she would
write 7 autobiographies, 5 collections of essays, 18 books of poetry, 2
cookbooks, 7 children’s books and 7 plays. She also received innumerable
awards and accolades, including 60 honorary doctorates from such schools as
Columbia, Howard and Smith, to name a few.
Rainbow in the Cloud is a collection of 200 of the late icon’s most
memorable quotes borrowed not only from previously published works but from
social media posts and pearls of wisdom shared over the years with
her only son, Guy, and other family members. Her uplifting words touch
on a litany of themes ranging from community to spirituality to grace to
love.
On relationships: “Everything of value takes work,
particularly relationships.”
On friendship: “I’ve learned that people will forget what
you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how
you made them feel.”
On self-esteem: “If we have someone who loves us…
then it’s easier to grow resilience, to grow belief in self, to grow
self-esteem. And it’s self-esteem that allows a person to stand up.”
On race: “Prejudice is a burden which confuses the past,
threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”
On emotions: “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something
with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Timeless insights from a treasured teacher likely to touch lives for
generations to come.