Power of One

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Summary: Powerful story of love, hate, revenge, and acceptance
Review: Two parts Huck Finn to one part Forrest Gump, but with a much heavier feeling. Very dark yet strangely comic, with lots of blood and gore. Peekay, a poor picked on outcast, serendipitously becomes attached to a number of father figures who raise him up and train him toward his lifelong ambition of being a boxer. Despite a lack of guidance from his own family, Peekay learns "the power of one" to overcome all the hates in the world: from personal petty bullies, to the larger hatreds of racism and xenophobia. It's unfortunate that there is so much foul language, graphic violence and negative stereotypes of Christians - otherwise I could easily recommend this to younger readers as a fascinating, epic coming of age tale. As it is, for high school and adult, this is not a light read, but so fascinating that you won't be able to put it down until you discover with Peekay the Power of One!

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Summary: Beautiful...
Review: This book is has to be one of the greatest novels I've ever read. It moves along at a fantastic speed (even though it's over 500 pages!) and portrays wit, humour, sadness, and triumph.

The book revolves around it's main character, a young boy, whose name we don't know at this time, (later he changes his name to Peekay), but who is taken from his beloved nanny and sent off to boarding school, where he discovers the horrible affects of apartheid that will remain with him the rest of the story, and emotionally charges him to discover the Power of One, and become Welterweight Champion of the World! (Boxing)

Courtenay created an amazing novel, that creates many emotions within the reader, and an undeniable humorous tone (But Miss Bornstein says...). A book that you won't be able to put down, and will remember for a long time to come, and makes you really feel for all sides of the Apartheid in South Africa...

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Summary: Courtenay is the best
Review: Bryce Curtenay would have to be the best story teller that I have come across. He writes with a power and passion that makes you feel like you know the characters personally. I went through all of Peekay's highs and lows with him, I cried at his sorrow and was elated at his successes. As with all of Courtenay's books that I have read, The Power of One could not be put down until completed. And even if you have seen the movie it is well worth the read as the movie does not have the depth of storyline or emotion that the novel has. Bryce Courtenay has written a masterpiece that will leave you wanting more. (I went out and purchased Tandia immediately after finishing The Power of One)

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Summary: Great book
Review: I recommend this book to everyone. I was so sorry when the book ended. The sequel "Tandia" cannot be purchased in this country...I bought it while I was in England. It was just as moving.

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Summary: Power From One
Review: This book is incredible. Because of the passion with which it examines individual and societal issues, the reader's forced to re-examine his/her own life in the hopes of finding no traces of apathy. The kind of book that makes you want to jump out of your chair and into action to change the world. One of my all time favorites.

Rating:
Summary: The Power of One
Review: This book is profoundly moving and well told. A gritty story of a boy who gleans from his experiences incredible insight and wisdom. The story follows him from his harrowing early years (5-6) to the age of 18. The subject matter is adult, although I would recommend it for the mature college student.The author has a gift of language and uses dialog brilliantly to give insight to his beautifully developed characters. The background, South Africa during WWII, supported the storyline in an informational way--adding depth and magic to the book without being preachy or tedious.

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Summary: Riveting
Review: I remember watching the movie version of The Power of One often when I was much younger. In my ignorance I did not realize it was also an amazing work of literature. This novel appeals to one's intellect and spirit. It draws you in "first with the head, then with the heart."

The Power of One questions the limitations of the time and in doing so, causes the rest of us to question our limitations. Why should anyone be persecuted for simply being different? Why do we wallow in our sufferings instead of rejoicing in life? The Power of One is amazing and complex and provides its readers with a sensation of hope.

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Summary: Peekay Forever!
Review: I hadn't fully read a book for my own pleasure in years, tillmy girlfriend dropped The Power of One on my lap. I thought it'd takeme a full three months to finish this off, but I couldn't put it down. I do, however, recommend a brief review of African social history before venturing into this one. Only then will you truly be able to realize the triumphs of my man Peekay. This book isn't just about a kid who becomes a great boxer. It's about a man whose childhood, hero, friends, and mentors help shape Peekay into the Tadpole Angle! He's a man of all races in Africa, seeking what is right and trying to find his own path, the path to becoming the welterweight champion. I thought it was a beautifully written book exploring the life of a young man growing up in Africa, who's constantly faced with unusual and unique circumstances. And overall Peekay prevails to become the man you want in your corner. So don't be surprise if you find yourself chanting Peekay, Peekay, Peekay a few times out loud! And make sure that you have the sequel Tandia on hand.

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Summary: Simply Wonderful
Review: I won't go into detail, (because others already have) but this book is on another level. It is magical and a dream to read, I highly recommend it!

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Summary: A Book Like No Other
Review: Who can imagine what life would be like in South Africa during WWII? With this book, I was introduced to a whole other culture and way of life. I couldn't stop reading. Bryce Courtney has a talent like no other. This is a book that shows us that we can climb over the Ups and Downs of life and only be smarter and more prepared for our next battle. And of course, what goes around, comes around! I fell in love with it. I recommed this book to anyone who wants to learn more about other cultures and has an open mind. I strongly recommend the sequel, Tandia.