Power of One

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Summary: The most moving, entertaining, and thought-provoking ever
Review: Bryce Courtenay's "The Power Of One" is the most moving, entertaining, and thought-provoking novel I have ever read. Getting to know Peekay, the novel's main character means getting to know yourself, and the hard life of South Africa after the Boer Wars. Courtenay not only explores the all too familiar truths of apartheid, but also introduces us to the racial tension between English and Dutch South Africans. All of this is seen through the eyes of a little boy, and the few adults who guide him through his early life.

Rating:
Summary: Highest quality reading
Review: This is one of the finest pieces of writing that I've experienced in quite a while. Though occassionally slow at times, the novel maintains interest while making itself very hard to put down. I was extremely disappointed when the book ended because I wanted to read more about Peekay's fascinating life (don't see the movie, however, it didn't do the book justice)

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Summary: An epic-like look at South Africa through one boy's eyes
Review: I was wary about this book at first, being as I'm female and tend to have a hard time relating to male protaganists...however, this book swept me away. I adore it. Courtenay touches upon themes that anyone can relate to, but doesn't overplay them or use cliches. His writing is lyrical, practically poetry, and it just leaves you breathless at times. I have not seen the movie, nor do I plan to, but I imagine that anyone who has seen the movie and then reads the book will be disappointed. Courtenay's ending is surprisingly anti-climatic. Such is life.

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Summary: A reflection of life
Review: Truly, as one person pointed out, there is a lack of a feeling of closure at the end of the book. I loved this, as it's a truer reflection of real life. Could it be said that, as we are accustomed to "closure" and "endings" in our stories, we are always aimlessly searching for such a feeling in our own lives? Let me remind people that the only closure we really ever get is death. With that in mind, maybe we need more books like this one. I know there *are* more books without closure. I guess I'm just saying -- I loved it, and I advise others to read it. If we all lived more responsively to what we really felt, like Peekay, maybe the world would be a little better place.

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Summary: It was a great book.
Review: The power of one was a great book and I couldn't put it down, the book that follows it which is Tandia is just as good.

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Summary: What happens next?
Review: I believe this is a very inspirational piece. Even though Peekay had it rough in the beginning, he worked hard and accomplished a lot. Everyone can learn from his perseverance! The only thing is that I saw the movie before the book, and I was half-expecting a Hollywood happy ending. That leaves my question - how does it end? I know he takes revenge on the judge, but does he become welterweight champion of the world? Does he go back to help the Africans or does he give up his role as the Tadpole Angel? All in all, The Power of One is a teriffic book! I just need more closure than the real ending gives.

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Summary: Believe the Unbelievable!
Review: Peekay is one of the most endearing protagonists I have ever encountered. I picked this book up one night while staying at my sister's house. I had forgotten the book I was reading at the time, and needed something to unwind with. I was desperate, and a Cheerios box would have worked in a pinch. Instead I fell headlong into this incredible story. Peekay is part Winston Churchill, part John Galt, part Dirk Pitt! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Bryce Courtnay hit this one right out of the park. The exchanges clipped along at a believable pace, and my throat felt dry and chalky from the African heat and dust. ORDER THIS BOOK NOW! You will be thrilled with it.

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Summary: A story about an inspiring boy in a hostile environment
Review: In this novel, Bryce embraces the reader with an inspiring story about a young boy named Peekay. A truly magnificent novel that I could not put down. Reading about Peekay really made me understand the title. It gave me a whole new feeling that anybody could make a difference. I have a new hero and inspiration. His name is Peekay. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!

Rating:
Summary: A great book, one of the best I ever read.
Review: This was one of the many books I read in high school. Though it is a long book, it is inspirational book of a how young boy becomes a man in a highly prejudice South Africa. He must overcome many of lifes trials such as being different from the other kids. He does not let this destroy him in his journey through life. I loved reading, no wait, experiencing this book because of what it centers on.

Rating:
Summary: the Best Book I have Ever Read
Review: This book was thrilling, and a masterpiece. The ending was not what I wanted, but it carried on Peekay's vow of redemption. I loved this book and it catupaulted to my #1 book on my list of favorites(in which To Kill A Mockingbird and Flowers for Algernon once took a berth there) The themes were individuality, redemption, and prejudice. Some may feel it was unrealistic, but I believe the greatness of the book overpowered its flaws.