Maya Angelou
The memoir's narrator, a mother and performer developing her work as a writer and organizer.
She wants to develop her writing and be taken seriously by other writers.
The book
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeAngelou's account of the Guild reading shows an experienced singer frightened by an unfamiliar audience. She initially hears criticism of her play as a judgment on her right to belong.
How the book draws them
- Remaining after a painful first readingShe finishes reading her play, hears severe criticism, and considers leaving. John Henrik Clarke then welcomes her and insists on revision. She gets up and follows him, staying with the group.
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