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Rainbow in the Cloud: The Wisdom and Spirit of Maya Angelou
“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. Through a long and prolific career in letters, she became one of the most celebrated voices of our time.
Now, in this collection of sage advice, humorous quips, and pointed observations culled from the author’s great works, including The Heart of a Woman, On the Pulse of Morning, Gather Together in My Name, and Letter to My Daughter, Maya Angelou’s spirit endures. Rainbow in the Cloud offers resonant and rewarding quotes on such topics as creativity and culture, family and community, equality and race, values and spirituality, parenting and relationships. Perhaps most special, Maya Angelou’s only son, Guy Johnson, has contributed some of his mother’s most powerful sayings, shared directly with him and the members of their family.
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.”
Now, in this collection of sage advice, humorous quips, and pointed observations culled from the author’s great works, including The Heart of a Woman, On the Pulse of Morning, Gather Together in My Name, and Letter to My Daughter, Maya Angelou’s spirit endures. Rainbow in the Cloud offers resonant and rewarding quotes on such topics as creativity and culture, family and community, equality and race, values and spirituality, parenting and relationships. Perhaps most special, Maya Angelou’s only son, Guy Johnson, has contributed some of his mother’s most powerful sayings, shared directly with him and the members of their family.
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.”
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1997
121 people are currently reading
2246 people want to read
About the author
Maya Angelou
286 books14.4k followersMaya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
December 20, 2014
This is a beautiful book. It can be read, cover to cover, in a very short time. The answers to all life's meaningful questions can be found inside. Before I began seriously reading it, I randomly flipped to a page and what I found brought a smile to my face and made me cry, all at the same time. Beautiful!
January 18, 2018
A selection of Maya Angelou’s beautiful thoughts and quotations organized according 13 different themes. The title is very fitting for the sentiment of the book.
January 17, 2015
"Rainbow in the Cloud: The Wisdom and Spirit of Maya Angelou" is the most meaningful and heartfelt book I've read so far this year. Broken up into various chapters from "Childhood and Parenthood" to "Womanhood" the black and white photos included, along with Angelou's quotes and poems, gave me a total experience in the presence of a great writer.
Some poems such as "I was born to work up to my grave But I was not born To be a slave", stayed with me long after I read it. Through the years I've looked to Angelou for guidance, since she accomplished so much despite racial and gender obstacles, and by reading this book I was able to continue that journey with her even though she's no longer with us.
Some poems such as "I was born to work up to my grave But I was not born To be a slave", stayed with me long after I read it. Through the years I've looked to Angelou for guidance, since she accomplished so much despite racial and gender obstacles, and by reading this book I was able to continue that journey with her even though she's no longer with us.
November 20, 2021
Loved this! Definitely a book to read in one sitting and take in some of the wisdom that Maya Angelou imparts.
September 28, 2023
This book, in my opinion, is not to be read in one sitting. But to be opened randomly and to be savored in small doses when you need it. She was so wise and so thought provoking. This book is one I will keep on the shelf to be read again.
December 20, 2014
I believe that each of us comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory. -MA
If you are always trying to be normal, then you will never know how amazing you can be.-MA
Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women. -MA
There were times when it was said that I had more determination than talent. This may be said of many. It may also be said that life loves the person who dares to live it. -MA
The idea of overcoming is always fascinating to me. It's fascinating because few of us realize how much energy we have expended just to be here today. I don't think we give ourselves enough credit for the overcoming. -MA
It is said that courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue with consistency. -MA
We are not our brother's keeper; we are our brother and we are our sister. We must look past complexion and see community. -Maya Angelou
Let me remind all women that we live longer and better lives when we have sisters we love, not necessarily born in our bloodline or of our race. -MA
If you are always trying to be normal, then you will never know how amazing you can be.-MA
Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women. -MA
There were times when it was said that I had more determination than talent. This may be said of many. It may also be said that life loves the person who dares to live it. -MA
The idea of overcoming is always fascinating to me. It's fascinating because few of us realize how much energy we have expended just to be here today. I don't think we give ourselves enough credit for the overcoming. -MA
It is said that courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue with consistency. -MA
We are not our brother's keeper; we are our brother and we are our sister. We must look past complexion and see community. -Maya Angelou
Let me remind all women that we live longer and better lives when we have sisters we love, not necessarily born in our bloodline or of our race. -MA
February 22, 2015
I liked this book which was a compilation of many of Maya Angelou's most famous bits of wisdom by topic area. Her son put the book together after her recent death as a tribute to her and to honor her. Some of my favorite bits of her wisdom include:
"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."
"When people speak with brutal honesty, what is most remembered is the brutality, not the honesty."
"If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shies from within."
"Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else."
"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you an be."
"My hand is in the small of your back; I may let you stumble, but I will never let you fall."
"Since life is our most precious gift and since it is given to us to live but once, Let us so live that we will not regret years of uselessness and inertia."
"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."
"When people speak with brutal honesty, what is most remembered is the brutality, not the honesty."
"If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shies from within."
"Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else."
"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you an be."
"My hand is in the small of your back; I may let you stumble, but I will never let you fall."
"Since life is our most precious gift and since it is given to us to live but once, Let us so live that we will not regret years of uselessness and inertia."
May 4, 2021
Gems of wisdom from a wonderful woman.
Read
July 19, 2020A transcendent collection of thoughts from Dr. Maya Angelou. Absolute lightning rods are to be found here. A treasure to transform with.
Here are a few favorites.
In order to survive, the ample soul needs refreshments and reminders daily of its right to be and to be wherever it finds itself.
One must contrive to keep innocence in one's life, how else is one to continue to enjoy the simple things such as sunrises, sunsets, or the acknowledging smile of a stranger.
If our children are to approve of themselves, they must see that we approve of ourselves.
Independence is a heady draft, and if you drink it in your youth it can have the same effect on the brain as young wine.
Prejudice is a burden which confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.
When people speak with brutal honesty, what is most remembered is the brutality, not the honesty.
When I sense myself filling with rage at the absence of a beloved, I try as soon as possible to remember that my concerns and questions, my efforts and answers should be focused on what I did or can learn from my departed love. What legacy was left which can help me in the art of living a good life?
Here are a few favorites.
In order to survive, the ample soul needs refreshments and reminders daily of its right to be and to be wherever it finds itself.
One must contrive to keep innocence in one's life, how else is one to continue to enjoy the simple things such as sunrises, sunsets, or the acknowledging smile of a stranger.
If our children are to approve of themselves, they must see that we approve of ourselves.
Independence is a heady draft, and if you drink it in your youth it can have the same effect on the brain as young wine.
Prejudice is a burden which confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.
When people speak with brutal honesty, what is most remembered is the brutality, not the honesty.
When I sense myself filling with rage at the absence of a beloved, I try as soon as possible to remember that my concerns and questions, my efforts and answers should be focused on what I did or can learn from my departed love. What legacy was left which can help me in the art of living a good life?
June 6, 2017
There is so much inspiration to be found in the pages of this book! Maya Angelou has always made me stop and think better of myself and others no matter their circumstances, where they came from and where they are going to. A few quotes I just love and work at living by:
"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." (p.84)
"If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shines from within." (p.69)
"Our young must be taught that racial peculiarities do exist, but that beneath the skin,
beyond the differing features, and into the true heart of being, fundamentally, we are
more alike, my friend, than we are unalike."
There are so many more points of wisdom to read and be inspired by and her spirit lives on in her legacy of writing and sharing her true vision of the world. What an extraordinary lady she was.
"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." (p.84)
"If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shines from within." (p.69)
"Our young must be taught that racial peculiarities do exist, but that beneath the skin,
beyond the differing features, and into the true heart of being, fundamentally, we are
more alike, my friend, than we are unalike."
There are so many more points of wisdom to read and be inspired by and her spirit lives on in her legacy of writing and sharing her true vision of the world. What an extraordinary lady she was.
December 12, 2022
A finish in one sitting moment. Maya Angelou shares little shipping’s of her thoughts on womanhood, motherhood, home, spiritual journeys, being Black and choosing to see emotions/joy authentically. It felt like sitting down with the wise over a cup of tea and jotting down life lessons.
QOTB: “If our children are to approve of themselves, they must see that we approve of ourselves.”
“I am grateful that love exists: familial love (love
between relatives), romantic love (a passion be-
tween lovers), agape love (divine love between
God and friends), love of nature (the majesty of
mountains, the lasting love of oceans), and the joy
of laughter. We are stronger, kinder, and more
generous because we live in an atmosphere where
love exists”
QOTB: “If our children are to approve of themselves, they must see that we approve of ourselves.”
“I am grateful that love exists: familial love (love
between relatives), romantic love (a passion be-
tween lovers), agape love (divine love between
God and friends), love of nature (the majesty of
mountains, the lasting love of oceans), and the joy
of laughter. We are stronger, kinder, and more
generous because we live in an atmosphere where
love exists”
April 23, 2018
A quick read I read it in less than a hour. This is a compilation of Maya Angelou’s most impactful words of wisdom. Some of the chapters include Love & Relationships, Literature, Spirituality, Grace, Courage, Emotions and Self-Esteem plus many others. This is the perfect book to lift your spirits when you’re not feeling your best. Dr. Angelou gives the reader that old school wisdom that quite frankly, is simply hard to come by today. I am so grateful for books like this because it fills me with inspiration when my tank is on E!
June 24, 2020
Maya Angelou is without a doubt one of the very best American writers ever. Her memoirs can wring every feeling out of you, and her clarity in capturing singular moments of her life make you feel like you were there. This little tiny book is full of some of her most beautiful and truthful quotes, on pretty much any subject that matters. If you are looking for inspiration, this pithy volume would be a nice way to find some.
January 27, 2019
Would never have selected this on my own; it was a book club pick. Mercifully short (less than 100 pages including photos), this collection of Angelou's musings reminded me of Hallmark card messages or Chicken Soup homilies better used for teachable moments to middle school students. Not my cup of tea.
February 15, 2020
This is such a beautiful and short read! It injects a burst of positivity, hope and light into your day (or night—whenever you may read it!). I found it very inspiring, and underlined many quotes to go back to later. I have somehow never read any of Angelou's other works, so I'm even more excited to get to them now! This is definitely a good introduction to her words and wisdom that everyone should read.
April 6, 2025
3.5- i bought this book at a thrift store bc i love maya angelou and didn’t realize that it was a collection of short quotes organized by topic rather than an anthology of longer writing pieces. the quotes were all compiled without any context from the original works they came from, which wasn’t as impactful in my opinion. it was still a pretty good read, but some of the quotes about womanhood were dated, and altogether it was choppier than the works published when she was alive.
October 9, 2017
Great collection of quotes from Maya Angelou, lots of wisdom and good advice.
September 6, 2018
A good read. Lots of wisdom. I think the problem for me is that I thought it would be poetry. lol
December 16, 2019
Finally understood why people are preaching her!
February 13, 2021
A beautiful collection of Dr. Angelou’s quotes categorised excellently!
December 6, 2022
god i love maya angelou
February 4, 2018
Great little book filled with amazing wisdom!
February 20, 2025
Goddamn I love Maya Angelou
June 23, 2017
quick read, if you are looking for some of maya's best quotes. great for reference and citations
April 14, 2016
The book rainbow in a cloud by Maya Angelou was by far one of the best books I have ever read. When you read her books its like you can hear her voice and her presence. This book is a tribute to some of the best work shes done, it has excerpts in here from I know why the cage bird sings to letter to my daughter. This book contains advice and how she dealt with certain situations. Her writing is a true work of art and I recommend it to everyone.
November 27, 2014
I love love love Maya Angelou and will read anything with her name on it. I was slightly disappointed at this one. It could be because I feel like her family estate is trading on her name. I don't think this lives up to the caliber of her prior writing. It seems as though it was put together piece meal.
January 26, 2015
I don't usually buy or ask for quote books as gifts, so this is the only one I have other than a book of Ben Franklin quotes. I would say that Maya and Ben are two of the wisest Americans who have shared their wisdom. This book was the perfect way to spend a snowy day in January.
April 11, 2015
This short book contains a collection of sage advice, humorous quips, and pointed observations pulled from Angelou's works on topics ranging from Childhood & Parenthood to Black Identity to America to Spirituality and Grace to many others.
September 26, 2015
A lovely little volume that is a mixture of sometimes uncanny wisdom and wry, but playful humor, from the late Maya Angelou. An added benefit: some wonderful photos from the long life of this beautiful and inspiring woman.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews