The message of this classic book is beyond powerful, even in today's society.

Last week, we told you about a movie that truly captured the spirit of Arkansas. It was on a list called the "United States of Movies" put out by Entertainment Weekly. They chose the original True Grit as Akransas' movie.

Now it's only fair that we look at books to play the same role.

This list was put out by Travel and Leisure. Apparently there has been a book that has been written about each state across the country. Not a single state has been left out of a story line in the history of literature anywhere from children's books to contemporary fiction. There's power in that.

When it comes to Arkansas, they reached back to the 1960s for the classic I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Published in 1969, this autobiography details the early life of American poet and writer Maya Angelou. The book begins with Maya being just three years old and focuses on her life until she was 17. She talks about her experiences in Stamps, Arkansas with racism, sexual assault, and abandonment.

This book has received praise for decades and is a must-read.

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