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Summary: A CLASSIC !
Review: We could all use some Peekay in us.
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Summary: Live it, learn it, love it!
Review: The sheer power of change and progressive healing of our global racial woes that this book generates is absolutly uncomparible. This should be required reading at all levels of education. Just read it, and come to terms with the commonality of humankind. Be a Peekay:)
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Summary: Bryce Courtenay shows how one person CAN make a difference
Review: PeeKay is not special, except that he is able to think for himself and always strive to do and believe that which is right. I don't think the aim of Bryce Courtenay's incredible, semi-autobiographical novel is to set up this boy and young man as someone to simply be admired. I think his aim, demonstrated in the way Courtenay has continued to live his own life, was to show that there is wonder in all of us, an inconcieveable amount of power and strength -- if we only can think for ourselves and live life based on our convictions. PeeKay is no superhero. For most of this story he is a scared and bullied young boy -- but one who would not yield. His belief in himself and determination to always do the right thing is what gives him the real power in his life, for which the boxing gloves and muscles he gains as an adolescent are but mere physical manifestations. The "power of one" is real. It can change a person's world or the whole world. And it is within all of us. Many may see PeeKay as an innocent, who refused to accept oppression or injustice because -- as a victim of it himself as a "rooinek" boy sent to a school full of Afrikaaners -- he simply didn't understand the advantages of it because he never learned to use it to enjoy the trappings of power, as many in our world do. But I don't think that is true. I think PeeKay was simply honest about the sense of justice within us all; that's what made him love others. And in the end, nothing is more powerful than love. For "though I have strength enough to move mountians," the Apostle Paul wrote, "but have not love, I am nothing." PeeKay refused to be "nothing," and the real message of this book is that all of us can do the same. If you read this book and don't realize that, then you miss the point.
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Summary: The cure for racism
Review: If only everyone in this world could read The Power of One and maybe there would be a lot less racial prejudice in the world. The book teaches everyone the simple message of believing in yourself to succeed, but I feel it also teaches you to respect other cultures. The Power of One is probably the most moving book I have ever read and I would suggest anyone reading it.
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Summary: I never read, until my mother gave me this book.
Review: I loved this book from the first page to the last. Peekay was a strong little english boy who grew up with all the trials and tribulations in life even more than we can emagine. Geel Pete teaches him " Little defeat big when little is smart, first with the head and then with the heart." Doc, his meantor in piano, and his enemy Judge, who teaches him revenge. I loved this book. Even though the movie is far off in a few places, I loved it. (P.S. The sound track is GREAT!!!!!!)
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Summary: "The Power of One" Book Review by Anna Haymes.
Review: The Power of One is the best book of all time. It is my favourite book and always will be. It is an emotional and moving book, with characters that are strong and powerful. It is the tale of a young boy growing up in the 1940's. A white boy, amongst a sea of blacks. The story deals with racial hatred, morals, injustice and love. It is an epic tale of sadness and woe told with humour and compassion by amazing author, Bryce Courtenay. It is a book you are consumed by, unput down able. It is the story of Peekay, an extremely intelligent and wondrous boy who seeks to learn and understand things that are just beyond his reach. He meets a man named Doc, another intelligent creature, who shares his love of cacti and music with Peekay, teaching him everything he knows. But then, Doc gets summoned to jail for being an illegal alien in South Africa at the time of war. Peekay visits him and sees things there that neither you or I will ever see in our lifetime. He meets a man called Geel Piet, a criminal and prisoner who teaches him how to box, a sport which will shape his life...
The Power of One is a must-read, and I wish I could read it again for the first time...
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Summary: My Favorite Book
Review: After I read this book, it felt as if I shelved it in my heart. Peekay, like all kids, sees the world with big, honest eyes. You'll never talk to a young kid the same way again. I never expect to read a more endearing novel.
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Summary: The Power of One is the power of life.
Review: Peekay and his early life story is the best remedy against the eggs of stone that the birds of lonliness might settle in your heart. Be prepared to laugh and cry, all in the course of one page. The Power of One is the power of life. You will feel different after reading this book. Everybody should meet Peekay, Doc, Geel Piet, and all the others at least on paper. BUT DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE !!! It has nothing to do with the book.
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Summary: The Power of This One!
Review: I don't remember how I stumbled upon this book, but I'll never forget it. I am on my third copy, including a loaner that never was returned. The real strength of this novel is the strength and depth of the characters-even those that only occupy a few pages. We all like happy endings, but as in life it doesn't always happen. PLEASE, read this book. PLEASE DO NOT SEE THE MOVIE-IT IS HORRID. As too often happens, the life of this novel was left on the cutting room floor, or never filmed at all
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Summary: WOW!!!
Review: The Power of One magnifcently captures the animosity that was, and to some extent still is, felt between the English and the Afrikaans in South Africa. The trials and tribulations of young Peekay, and the strength required to overcome them are inspirational. After reading the comments on the ending of the book, I must say that I understand it. The hatred that Peekay experienced growing up must have affected him, and meeting up with his nemesis later in a highly volatile situation could very easily have led to a loss of self control. While it is not the ending that I would ideally have liked for the book, it is a perfectly reasonable ending that fits in entirely with the South African mindset, and the times and places in which the book was written. This is a MUST READ book. Bryce Courtenay is a gifted writer, who has managed to capture the essence of life in South Africa down to a tee. Even though I grew up in SA in the 70's, the feel for the atmosphere of the late 30's and early 40's is astounding, and I could easily relate to Peekay
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