Power of One

Rating:
Summary: Among my favorite reads of all time
Review: This book easily propels you into Peekay's world and makes you root for him and feel for him without the cliched tragedies that many novels rely on to evoke emotions. Putting this book down and holding back tears is nearly impossible. I immediately went on a search after I finished this book for Tandia (the sequel) and had to resort to ordering from Australia to get it. However, if you enjoy this book (skip the movie though), you should definately go out of your way to find Tandia.

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating and inspirational story
Review: One of my favorite books of all time. It's witty, poignant and fascinating all at the same time. I recommend it at least once a week!

Rating:
Summary: It is more important who we become than who we are born.
Review: I came to this book as a complete stranger to all of its elements: I knew nothing of South Africa, I knew nothing of boxing, and I knew nothing of prison life. Now I have expanded my horizons in more than these three directions, thanks to Courtenay's friendly and enthralling style and story. I think one question each reader needs to ask him or herself while reading this book is "What are the odds?" Since wagering plays a fairly significant part in the plot, it is an interesting question to pose. Courtenay enables each of us to put ourselves directly in Peekay's shoes as he faces each new challenge and as people come in and out of our lives at seemingly random intervals. Peekay shows us that it is ambition and sacrifice that determine who we are. This book made me realize that nothing happens by accident, and that when we are placed in situations that seem to be overwhelming, determination and the right approach to any situation can help us overcome adversity on any scale.

Rating:
Summary: Who wouldn't like Honesty?
Review: This is truly my favorite book, although technically not the "best book I ever read." It is not just the events in the book that are compelling, but the exploration of the soul that sets the stage for some true soul-searching. I believe that The Power of One, in which a remarkable and incredibly smart boy struggles through the racism and over all hatred in pre-through post-war South Africa, is a book that can be read and enjoyed by all.

Rating:
Summary: FIVE STARS ARE NOT ENOUGH, A HUNDRED COMES CLOSER
Review: My sister got me this book for Christmas and I resisted reading it for a while. Finally I picked it up and I never seemed to put it down. Courtenay uses the most poetic prose that sweeps you from uncontrolable laughter to streaming tears in an instant. PeeKay's story is wrought with startling abuse and incredible triumphs that wrench your soul and really make you think about human nature and its resiliance. It is one of THE BEST books ever written. There are not enough words to describe its power.

Rating:
Summary: "Engrossing"
Review: As a South African I loved this book in sentimental way. I haven't seen the movie but I can hardly see S.Dorff in the role of Peekay, accent and all! At times it was tedious and confusing (coppermines, boxing etc.) and the long explanations of boxing matches, though necessary, left me lost. I cannot believe this is NOT a true story, the story is so real. Courtenay is brilliant and sensitive storyteller. Unputdownable.

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating story which combines the history of SA.
Review: I found the story to be spellbinding and thought provoking in laying out the history of South Africa. I understand there is a sequel with a name like Tantia. I have not been able to find it in print.

Rating:
Summary: Best book that I have EVER read in my life!!
Review: I am 15 years old and i have read this book so many times my friends think that i'm crazy! it is so powerful it is amazing! it has you laughing so hard your stomach hurts one minute and then crying another. it is a page turner throughout the entire book and i will contiue to read it many more times and pass it on to my family and friends!

Rating:
Summary: sums up south africa's troubles like nobody else can
Review: as a native south african, i fell in love with "the power of one" about two lines into the story. tandia was just as good, and i keep hoping for a sequel!! (hint, hint!!)

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book About Life, History and People
Review: The Power of One is a special book that it is one I can not forget. It is about struggle, life, people, and history. Although the ending left me wanting more, I highly recommend people to spend a few days on the beach and read this wonderful story. As someone who recently traveled throughout Southern Africa, it provided interesting insight into South Africa and its political history. I am currently reading "Tandia" which may be shipped from Australian or English Bookstores to the US.

PS: The movie ain't nothing like the book so don't even try and compare.