Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women Hardcover – Big Book, 17 January 1995

Maya Angelou was an American poet, a great memoirist, and civil rights activist that helped influence the world. She was a powerful, yet beautiful voice to the voiceless. Her works have been deemed some of the most beautiful works of art, providing the wisdom and hope all people look for. The four poems within the collection, “Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women” is definitely a keeper because she gives you all walks of life as a woman in which she actually experienced firsthand in one single book. Maya Angelou’s book, “Phenomenal Woman” is one of her best works that I think every girl, no matter the color of her skin, should have in their collection because it helps young women to face adversities, build an identity, and appreciate why we are all unique and special. Although the book goes in a different order when reading, I would like to begin with “Our Grandmothers” to set the foundation connecting history to the present. This poem told the story of generations of women that faced adversities in order to save and support their children. I believe this poem demonstrates how grandmothers and mothers are a critical asset to the family. It briefly begins with the scene of a mother enslaved en route to save her children knowing that she would be the sacrifice for their freedom. It further names great African-American women who came before us, who sacrificed and laid down a foundation of strength, which allowed many of us to be here today. It finally connects the dots to the “grandmothers” and adversities we see in today’s generation; still yet these women are being an angel to their families, even though they struggle to provide in a time and age where the “system” is still against them. The poem “Weekend Glory” is definitely a must read because in today’s society, we see young women with a lack of priorities. These young ladies would rather flaunt and impress people while living above their means than conduct themselves as ladies. They struggle with low self-esteem and insecurities that they “bandage” with fancy cars, clothing, and glamour while still being unhappy. This poem can definitely teach young women how to strive for more, have priorities, and still have fun. This collection of poems should also be purchase because it helps young women to build a strong identity no matter what society says or try to do to break them down. In the poem “Still I Rise”, Maya demonstrates with her powerful voice no matter what is thrown your way, said, or physically/mentally breaks you down, you will still rise and overcome. I believe this poem is also very important due to what is going on in current society with the killing of innocent black men, women, boys and girls. This poem was referred to as the “Black Anthem” by writer Hermene Hartman in 2014. This poem still applies to today’s complications in which Maya fought so hard to resolve before her death. This poem teaches us to persevere, be patient, strong, and continue to be the hopes and dreams of our ancestors. In closing, the final poem, “Phenomenal Woman” is my favorite because it taught me no matter how different I am, to appreciate and embrace my differences because it makes me unique. This poem is what allowed me to be open with myself and build my own foundation. I love myself for the country, tall, skinny, kinky hair QUEEN that I am. This is a book for all women to pass down from generation to generation, and yet the words of this book remains as powerful and meaningful as when they were first written by our dear beloved Maya Angelou. So of course, I recommend the purchasing of this collection.

This collection of poems, particularly the titular poem, I feel is a must-read for all young women in their 20s. It was a game changer for me, and now I'm giving it out to all my friends and colleagues who I feel would benefit from Maya Angelou's wisdom!

Absolutely fantastic poetry for phenomenal women! IT's a very small book containing 4 or 5 poems, but they are some of Angelou's most well-known. It's a joy to be able to own and reread the legacy of her poetic words that you left for us all. This little book would make a great present for all those phenomenal women in you life.

I keep it in my purse to read while I’m out and have appointments. Yes it’s small and easy to carry around and reread.

The poem Phenomenal Woman is superb