Power of One

Rating:
Summary: I'll just read my favorite part.....
Review: I say this to myself before I start to read, but I usually end up having to go back to the beginning and read it all over again--and that's saying alot when I stay up to 6am to finish it!! I wasn't going to write at all until I saw a review by student who had to read it before 9th grade. I first read it when I was in 8th grade, because it sounded interesting. I couldn't believe how spectacular it was. It made me yearn for a mentor like Doc. This book goes beyond the coming of age ritual--it is a suberb testimony to the human capacity for understanding without being aware of what they are doing. If all the books in the world were like this, I'd never leave my room! I saw the movie, and was rather disappointed with the fact that they had to put a love interest into it--rather typical of Hollywood. I wasn't aware there was a sequel, but I guess I know what I'm doing during my Christmas vacation!

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read!!!
Review: Bryce Courtenay is a master storyteller. From start to finish 'Power of One' takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions that will make you laugh, cry, and applaud. I have read this book many times throughout the years and each time I find myself once again absorbed into the world of Peekay. The story hits you hard with racism and the uplifting of the human spirit. I have recommended 'Power of One' as a must read to friends and family. This is one of the best books you will ever read!!!

Rating:
Summary: A stunning portrait of S.Africa, and a brilliant philosophy
Review: I was wary of reading this book at first, as I understood it was about boxing. But, oh, am I glad I read it! Mr. Courtenay cleverly weaves boxing into a moving story about a brave young boy, and he made even me--me, a female who couldn't care less about sports--care very much about every little thing that happened to Peekay and Doc and Morrie. It has been a long time since a novel brought tears to my eyes, but this one did it. Whoever said we could all use a little Peekay in us was quite right. The philosophy set out in this book is an excellent one to live by. Bravo, Mr. Courtenay: you have made the beauty, and the darkness, of South Africa come alive for yet another reader who was shamefully ignorant of both.

Rating:
Summary: You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll never put it down!!!
Review: I would rate this book ten stars if they gave me the option. This is my favorite book in the world. I was introduced to it almost four years ago and still love rereading it. I think Bryce Courtenay is the most gifted author of the day -- he writes in the most beautiful style that I can only hope to emulate. The character of Peekay is the sort of Everyman you wish you were... I love how he seems to change the world by just his being around. And although a good portion of it deals with boxing (which I have to admit did not impress me too much the first time I read it) non-sports fans will still enjoy Peekay's descriptions and the remarkable dialogue and characters. I can't even put into words how much I love this book. Read it -- you won't be disappointed!! It's a little difficult to find (I had to order my original copy from Australia), but if you can get your hands on it, read Tandia, the sequel to The Power of One. It answers all the questions that TPO leaves hanging.

Rating:
Summary: It will change the way you think about racism.
Review: I read The Power of One when I was fifteen, after watching some of the movie and hearing favourable reviews from my friends. I was shocked, astounded, and amazed. Yet it changed the way I thought about the issue of race. For many people, racism is about people of one colour hating people of another colour. But that isn't true. Peekay, the Judge, and his council of war are all Caucasians, yet the hate between them is intense. Because there is even racism between the same colour. Why? Because people don't realise how futile racism is - hating another person for what- being born in another country, having a different name, a different body? Do they make up a person? Do these things determine a person's self wealth? The Power of One examines how one person can rise above the dispicable sea of hatred to find in himself the "power of one". I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something with meaning. Although disturbing in some parts, it will definitely change the way you think. Read it.

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!
Review: I read this book years ago but it still is stronge in my mind. No one should miss this bookl, it has everything for everyone: excitement, romance, sports,bad guys,good guys, a cause, a message, philosophy.....

Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK!!!! UPLIFTING!!!
Review: LOVED THE BOOK, COULDNT PUT IT DOWN!!!!!! BUT I THOUGHT THE END NEEDED SOME WORK...JUST KINDA LEFT YA DANGLING...ITS A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE WHOS EVER DELT W/ BEING DIFFERENT AND BEING TEASED AS A KID THOUGH..

Rating:
Summary: Leagues above all books I have read.
Review: Novels that are uplifting and rejuvenating are preciously rare. This is one of them. What is contained in here is not only the story of a young boy who thrives amid adversity, it is an entire philosophy of optimism and self-confidence: being able to trust yourself to do things in ways you never thought possible. This novel inspires you to push your limits and pursue your dreams. The story also speaks directly to your heart and soul; there is no need to sift through the thick symbolism and imagery. Rather, the author's message is laid out for all to understand. Best of all, the value and genius of the book increases every time you read it, for it is a handbook to living life to its fullest.

Rating:
Summary: Very good, except for the ending.
Review: Very good book. I was very engrossed with the book.....got lost in it a few times & confused a few times! Did not like the ending at all.

Rating:
Summary: I think that this book is very well written.
Review: This book is one of the most interesting books that I have ever read.It's about a little boy that faces a rough time in South Africa because he is different.The story goes through a lot about boxing and the mind.I believe that it is a "must read" book.