My Journey with Maya

by Tavis Smiley, David Ritz (Primary Contributor)

A remarkable story of friendship, love, and courage

When Maya Angelou and Tavis Smiley met in 1986, he was twenty-one and she was fifty-eight. For the next twenty-eight years, they shared an unlikely, special bond. Angelou was a teacher and a maternal figure to Smiley, and they talked often, of art, politics, history, race, religion, music, love, purpose, and--more than anything--courage. Courage to be open, to follow dreams, to believe in oneself.

In My Journey with Maya, Smiley recalls a joyful friendship filled to the brim with sparkling conversation--in Angelou's gardens surrounded by her caged birds, before lectures, sharing meals, and on breaks from it all, they sought each other out for comfort, advice, and above all else, friendship.

It began when he, a recent college graduate and a poor kid from a big family in the Midwest, was invited to join the revered writer on a sojourn to Africa. He would be handling her bags, but Maya didn't let that stop a friendship waiting to happen. Angelou was generous, challenging, and inspirational. Like a mother to him, she was selfless.

Here Tavis Smiley shares his personal memories of Maya Angelou, of a decades-long friendship with one of history's most fascinating women, one who left as indelible an imprint on American culture as she did on him.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, History, Biography Memoir, Book Club

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2015

About the author

Tavis Smiley is an American talk show host and author. Smiley was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, and grew up in Bunker Hill, Indiana. After attending Indiana University, he worked during the late 1980s as an aide to Tom Bradley, the mayor of Los Angeles.
Smiley became a radio commentator in 1991 and, starting in 1996, he hosted the talk show BET Talk (later renamed BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley) on Black Entertainment Television (BET). After Smiley sold an exclusive interview of Sara Jane Olson to ABC News in 2001, BET declined to renew his contract that year. Smiley then began hosting The Tavis Smiley Show on National Public Radio (NPR) (2002–04) and hosted Tavis Smiley on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on weekdays and The Tavis Smiley Show on Public Radio International (PRI) from 2004 until 2017.
Smiley had an employment dispute with PBS in December 2017 which resulted in his suing PBS for wrongful termination. Smiley is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. headquartered in Los Angeles. Since June 2021 he has served as Chief Visionary Officer for his radio station, KBLA Talk 1580.

Reviews

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, Sweet, Poetic Eye Opener! A Beautiful Read! I Absolutely Loved It!

[Velma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a bit flummoxed about how to review Tavis Smiley's My Journey with Maya. I requested a review copy because I am a big fan of both the author and his subject, Maya Angelou, so I had high hopes it would be an entertaining and informative read. I guess what I can say is that it was entertaining, and at times it was informative, but it still somehow didn't meet my expectations. Something I'm not sure how to articulate is missing.

I think it may have something to do with métier; despite the fact that Smiley has written a dozen or more other books (none of which I have read), his strength as a communicator lies in his verbal skills as an interviewer. Judging by My Journey, this did not translate well to the printed word, and Smiley relied overmuch on transcripts of dialogue between he and Dr. Angelou. I'm unsure how or to what degree his collaborator David Ritz influenced the piece; I've never fully understood the role of a ghostwriter or writing partner.

Despite a somewhat bland recitation of events, encounters, and conversations between Angelou and Smiley, it was a pleasant, quick read. If you are a diehard fan of either, you will probably find something in it that you didn't already know, may find inspiration (they are both very inspirational figures, after all), and will likely enjoy it. I, however, will stick to the source material going forward, continuing to, in the case of the author, watch and listen to his scintillating interviews, and in the subject's case, read her work and seek out audio and video of her prolific performances. See? It's the métier.

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This title was provided to me by the publisher, Little,Brown, in exchange for an honest review; no money was exchanged.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A student flattering her and spoke of her like a literary goddess. Her response:
“Please child I am many things, but a deity I am not, we all contain elements of the divine, but I can tell you, that I am definitely of this earth. So if you are seeing me as a saintly, you are not seeing me at all.”
The student was taken a back, then Angelou added, “I don’t want to sound harsh my dear, when I see young people go along with the cult of personality. All that does is distant you from the person you admire. If I drink in your worshipful praise and allow it to inflate my ego. I am injured. If you continue such praise and elevate me to a place where I am no longer a flawed human, then you, yourself is diminished and YOU are injured.”

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first- person narrative account of the years that Tavis Smiley spent in the company of Dr. Maya Angelou is a real eye opener. I did not know that he had access to her in such a personal way through a friendship that lasted over 20 years. She took him under her wing and it helps explains his success as one of the best interviewers I have seen. Tavis, whom I admire, lets his guests speak what is in their hearts with little interruption yet through skillful guidance. All of those precious moments with the wise Dr. Maya surely added to his views and open-mindedness about life in general. This is a great read and I could not put it down. I saw her speak in Boston and I have read and cherished most of her works, but this puts an even greater spin on her illustrious life. Thank you, Tavis Smiley. I feel that I know her even better, now.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read. Tavis Smiley began a friendship with Maya Angelou almost 30 years ago.this book is devoted to her. he shares with the readers about this friendship, their traveling through parts of Africa. the many conversations he had with her. He considered himself lucky to have known this brilliant woman.She was there to offer advice to him over the years. He attended her lectures. and shares with the readers all he has learned from Dr.Maya Angelou. a very nice devotion to a woman who has made her mark in this world. It ends with her death a year ago. Those who are fans of Maya Angelou like I am. May enjoy this touching tribute about the friendship that Tavis Smiley had with her.

[Jenny of Oldstones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maya Angelou died in 2014. A year later, Tavis Smiley capitalizes off their relationship with this book. In 2017, an investigation concluded Smiley had created a toxic workplace environment at PBS, to include sexual misconduct with female subordinates. Smiley then co-opts #metoo on an innocence campaign, sues PBS, and in 2020, a jury finds that the investigation's findings were correct.

Quite a fall from grace for someone who Time once named one of the 100 Most Influential, and yet not the least surprising. I do wonder what Maya Angelou would think about all this, but of course we can't ask her.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the good fortune to be able to rate most completed books with 5 stars. This one? Should have Six. It is a simple and complex book. The subject and the Authors words can be heard with crystal clear tones. The chicken/egg like theme of their Love/Courage challenge is an interesting and thought-filled debate. Though I have not read "I know why..", I have been inspired to do so with courage and love. I love the underlying giggle between them both. True art. Thank you Dr and Thank you Tavis. Excellent! And Thank you co-author David Ritz.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

His story and his expression of love and friendship is wonderful. Maya was a great woman in so many ways, and to see a glimpse in to the wonderful person she was around others (not just from her beautiful and impactful writing) is very interesting to me. Makes the legend more human and more lovable. Quick and enjoyable read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir. As a young man, Travis Smiley traveled to Ghana with Maya Angelo as her assistant, and over the years he developed a mentor/mentee relationship with her. His love and admiration for her are inspirational, and he introduces the reader to a wise, caring and humble person. I really loved the parts where they would be discussing a serious issue, and songs and poems would flow out of her.

I loved the way he closed his book with a letter that he wrote to her after her death which included these words, "It it's true that we are who we are because somebody loved, us, I am who I am because you loved me. I now know that before the foundation of the world, almighty God devised and declared our meeting and abiding friendship. The divine arrangement was in place. You were a beacon of light and hope helping to guide my life." I feel this way about my mentor, Mary Kay Ash.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biographical memoir; a unique hybrid of a book focused on a long friendship between a revered older woman and a young man, her advice, knowledge, uncommon inspiration, and mutual adventures. Moving. Demonstrates the positive power an effective mentorship can have on a receptive life. And that the lessons learned by one living person can have independent power on the life and direction of another. There is no one who shared as much wisdom during her lifetime as Ms. Angelou.

[Nicole Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend the audible version of this book. I devoured it. It was inspiring and covered so many issues about life and living and love. Two beautiful minds commiserating for decades over politics poetry people and life lessons. What a wonderful blessing they were to each other. What an inspiration that when life gives you lemons you can make lemonade.

[Jacklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtfully written book by a young many who becomes an assistant to Maya at just age 21. He tells the story of how he accompanied her to Africa as a bag a handler and how they became life long friends. Although simply written the book gives good insight into the life of Maya Angelou on a personal level.

[Kaitlin Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and enjoyed it very much! I never really looked into Maya Angelou that much until I picked this book up a few years ago and gave it a read, it's so beautiful and interesting. And it made me pick up different authors I would have never heard off before I read it. Plus the way Tavis Smiley and David Ritz writes it's like I'm there in the moment with them.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smiley does a great job of painting a well-rounded picture of Maya Angelou. The more I learn about her, the more I am amazed. While, there are some issues that I might not have agreed with her on, her wisdom is astounding.

[Sharon Gawer chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Maya lovers a fascinating story of what it was like to know her. As a person who wished I had known her like this, I can pretend her words were for me. She is as I had imagined. Lots of richness in her lessons.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book. I see myself coming back to it many times in the future.

[Julie Fitz-Gerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya Angelou feels alive in the pages of this book. An excellent read that shows the beauty of her spirit and strength of her faith.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of friendship and a most inspiring lady

[Julie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing and Inspiring!

Courage and love resound throughout this book. Maya Angelo is a national treasure and spiritual guide, who lights the world.

[ChrissieP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two extraordinary individuals meet and converse over the years about poignant topics, such as creativity, living a meaningful Iife, effective communication , love and courage. I learned so much!

[Justin Green]

I enjoyed this book, it was meaningful , personal and heartfelt, and I read it as a eulogy / tribute rather than as a deep dive into their relationship.

[KP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, I didn’t think I’d like this book. However, it was so great and uplifting. Tavis Smiley had a unique relationship with Maya Angelou and was able to write about it in a way that gives the reader an overview of her life as well as a look at the spiritual, life lessons that Maya discussed with Tavis. These lessons and her advice were the best parts of the book for me.

In addition, I was surprised at how little I knew about Maya Angelou, and I’m so glad I got caught up on her life to at least some degree. What a talented and beautiful woman! She was a mentor to Tavis whom she met when he was 28 and she was 58. Over the years she gave so much great advice to him. As he said, she was both practical AND spiritual. The lessons are beautiful and inspiring. Beautiful, inspiring, practical and great. If you’re like me, you’ll be crying by the end for sure.

Here is an example from the very end of the book when they are debating which is greater, love or courage. Maya believes courage trumps love.

“Let’s take this thorny question of death. …. It is easy to say that love protects me from the fear of death. But I contend that such a statement is glib….. I face the certain prospect of my demise with peace of mind because I have found courage – courage to open unknown doors, courage to walk through doors, and courage to explore new places. It is courage that allows me to consider the final mystery not with apprehension but with genuine curiosity – and even excitement. …. The search for courage is one of life’s great adventures. I’ve been living that adventure since I was a little girl. I revel in the adventure. I cherish the adventure. I don’t know how I knew this, but in the deepest part of my soul I understood that the adventure itself required courage. And because I didn’t want to miss out on the fun …. I simply did what was required. I mustered the courage to forge ahead. Because of that, I have lived the life that I wanted to live. And so can you, Tavis. So can everyone.”

[Christine (Queen of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I can well understand why it is difficult for you to see Dr. King as a mere man. But I can assure you that he was. Like Malcolm X or Medgar Evers or Fannie Lou Hamer, Martin was an ordinary human being who lived in extraordinary times and was able to do extraordinary things. It's the ordinariness of these people that allows us to connect to them. We can relax in our ordinariness and enjoy the humility that ordinariness brings. Only then can we really feel their presence. Rather than be intimidated, we are able to draw closer to them. In that way, Dr. King is not a distant figure sitting on a distant throne. Instead he is an intimate, a father, a friend, a brother." - Maya Angelou

Beyond "I Have A Dream," I don't remember studying any works by black authors before I got to college. I happened to pick this book up prior to reading any of Angelou's work, which meant My Journey With Maya was my introduction to this incredible woman.

This memoir by Tavis Smiley is about his friendship with Maya Angelou, but it covers so much more ground. Among other things, he asks about her support for Martin and Malcolm, she brings up the brilliance of "Jimmy" (James Baldwin), and they take a trip to Ghana - including to a building "known to have been a center of the West African slave trade." Smiley describes that "there are dungeons, which (they) were not shown, that held human beings before they were shipped off to foreign lands and lives of enslavement." It's a quick read, but one that gives the reader a lot to think about.

The underlying thread of this book is Smiley's endless respect and love for Angelou - what an easy thing to relate to. I've since read a couple books by Angelou, and look forward to reading even more.

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite journalist, writer, and media reporter gets an opportunity to meet the infamous poet and author, Maya Angelou. From there, Travis Smiley's interview with Mother Maya blossoms into a mentor/mentee relationship throughout his career as well as a genuine friendship. It's one of those must read American history lessons filled with lots of wisdom and insights of Maya's travels as she shared her craft with the world. A poignant read for me and a 5 ***** book, for sure.

[MaureenMcBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir helps fill in a lot of the blanks between Maya Angelou's first and last memoir and illustrates how she had such a personal impact on so many lives. A regular person could sense her tremendous grace and power from her appearances on Oprah and elsewhere. But this shows how that grace and power worked on the people close to her, calling them to be their better selves. Tavis Smiley comes into Angelou's orbit almost accidentally, as a gopher for her trip to Ghana in the '90s. He starts out as a fan, but she refuses to be his idol. Instead, she becomes his coach, his mentor, his surrogate mother. Her message to take courage aims not just at him but at others. Though she could have justified a cynical view of life, given the brutality in her past,she chose to adopt a grateful attitude. Smiley wisely devotes much of the book to quoting Angelou, and that makes this more than a memoir, more like a call to action. "I have lived the life that I wanted to live," she tells him -- and us. "So can everyone."

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the words of the late great Maya Angelou "It takes courage to love." Did Tavis Smiley find the courage to love after Maya Angelou passed away? That's unknown. It was quite an incredible journey he experienced with her and on his own. A truly remarkable woman's body has passed away but her spirit and her voice keeps rising up. Even in death will she keeping having children and they too shall rise and carry on her with her unyielding inspiration both in literature, art, dance, journalism, countless other things and in human nature. I don't know if she ever gave Booker T. Washington another reassessment. I hope she did.

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tavis was a young man when he met Maya Angelou. They became good friends. As Tavis matured, Maya helped him along with the wisdom that is only hers. Her kind, but straight-forward way of teaching him some of the finer points of life shaped him into who he is as an adult. Some of the lessons were ones I was grateful to hear. It was interesting to hear how Maya explained some of the events she lived through to a member of the next generation, a generation which is shaped by hers.

[Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but then, I love anything that involves Maya Angelou. She befriended Tavis Smiley when he was just getting started in his career. Their friendship grew over the years and this book shared several of the occasions when they spent time together. They challenged each other in conversation and obviously, had great respect and love for each other. Reading this is like being a fly on the wall when two people are having a serious conversation. What a joy!

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book! Tavis Smiley was so blessed to be apart of Maya Angelou's life. She was a truly wonderful and inspiring woman. I almost felt that I was apart of her life too. I'm so glad that my mother admired Maya and that I have come to admire her to. I has been inspired to read more about her and to try and read some of her books.

[Napoleonthefish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my first introduction to maya, and what a intro it was. Like all good story tellers the author made me think of the people who have been Maya's to me. Yet he also made me curious for the rest of this story. He made me want to know the woman who I came to live by reading his love between the lines