{"product_id":"singin-and-swingin-and-gettin-merry-like-christmas-maya-angelou-0553251996","title":"Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas by Maya Angelou","description":"\u003ch3\u003eHere Maya Angelou, dazzling entertainer, casts the spotlight on her show business career—a pageant of international scope.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaya, the woman, shares her sad, failed marriage to a white man, her early motherhood and achingly sensitive relationship with her young son, and her bone-deep, painful suspicion of the white world that welcomes her talent so dramatically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSingin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas by Maya Angelou\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSingin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e is the third volume of Maya Angelou's autobiography, chronicling her life in the late 1940s and 1950s. It follows her journey from single motherhood to a successful career as an entertainer, including a triumphant European tour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHighlights from the Book:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBecoming a Performer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter struggling through various low-paying jobs to support herself and her son, Angelou finds her calling as a singer and dancer. Her career takes off when she gets a job singing in a popular San Francisco nightclub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Porgy and Bess Tour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAngelou joins the cast of the traveling European production of the musical Porgy and Bess. The tour takes her on a dramatic and exciting adventure through Europe and Africa, with stops in Italy, Greece, France, and Egypt. She interacts with diverse audiences and cast members, broadening her worldview and challenging her ideas about race.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict and Guilt Over Motherhood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe excitement of her professional success is dampened by her nagging guilt over having to leave her young son, Guy, behind with her mother. Angelou's inner turmoil forces her to reckon with the choices she has made for her career and family. She eventually leaves the tour early due to her distress over their separation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHealing and Reconciliation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with Angelou reuniting with her son, strengthening their bond, and affirming the healing power of their love. She has now fully embraced her new professional name, \u003cstrong\u003eMaya Angelou\u003c\/strong\u003e—and her son changes his name to Guy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBy the book's end, Angelou has matured significantly and gained a new understanding of herself as both an artist and a mother.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bust-Down Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50407592329531,"sku":"0553251996","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0855\/2077\/7531\/files\/9780553251999.jpg?v=1760491931","url":"https:\/\/bustdownbooks.com\/products\/singin-and-swingin-and-gettin-merry-like-christmas-maya-angelou-0553251996","provider":"Bust-Down Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}