Power of One

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Summary: One of the best books I have ever read!
Review: This unique story has everything: marvelous and unusual characters, serious moral issues, stunning locales, and a deeply satisfying nearly poetic narrative of humans at their best and worst. This book is so magnificently written that I wouldn't change a single word! I have given a copy to everyone of importance in my life. (P.s. The movie of the same name does not begin to do it justice, even with a fine cast.

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Summary: the best book I've ever read.
Review: I picked up this book while traveling in Australis after seeing the movie on a 22 hour bus ride. I had no idea what a hold it would have on me. This marvelous, touching and tragic story is simply one of the best books I have ever read. Much to my dissapointment, Bryce Courtney books are next to impossible to find in the US. If anyone has any suggestion as to how I might obtain Tandia, April Fool's Day, or The Potato Factory, I would be indebted for life

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Summary: The most powerful and uplifting book ever written!
Review: Set in the Transvaal region of South Africa, "The Power of One" is the heart-warming story of Peekay, a six year old boy who experiences early in life the ravaging effect of racial division during the WWII era. He is left with a wisdom and intelligence which serves him well throughout his life. Bryce Courtenay has written this truly magical novel about boxing, education, success, inner strength and the meaning of life, based on his own experiences in South Africa as a child. The author has captured the epitomy of political and racial turmoil in South Africa while presenting the reader with a fast-paced, balanced book. All I could say (I was too dazed) as I finished the book was "Wow!!!" I'm quite sure you will too, especially if you are looking for a magical touch or enchantment in a book. I hope this book will warm your heart and change your life forever, as it did mine. I'll leave you with a quote about life from our narrator Peekay: "The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete; the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further, or box better...'First with the head and then with the heart,' means more than simply mixing brains with guts. It means thinking well beyond the powers of normal concentration and then daring your courage to follow your thoughts."

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Summary: Fast paced reading. Moral and though provoking.
Review: This is one of the best books that I have ever read. I loved the story and I had such empathy for little Peekay. Thr movie is great, but read the book first. It surpases the lines of races and prejudice. It really shows how distructive and dumb racial superiority can be

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Summary: This book introduced me the ENJOYMENT of reading
Review: I was given this book as a gift from my Grandmother. I hadn't cracked a book since high school about 5 years earlier. I haven't stopped reading in 8 years. I'm always "in a book". 'The Power of One' is truly inspirational. A tiny child's spirit outgrows his body as he learns conventional knowledge and the power of his own spirit through the teachings of the varied people of his life. A pianist, a boxer and others show him a wide range of experiences one can have in life. If you believe what this book tries to inspire, you can change your life. I have never forgot the spirit of this child. I now have two of my own children and only hope they too, can believe that one person can change the world around them

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Summary: A classic story about the truimphs of the human heart
Review: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, is a book that examines the prejudices and childhood emotions which all of us feel. This story focuses on a young, intelligent boy named Peekay who grows up in a world where hate is a common occurance. Even after living in this society, Peekay grows up loving other people and judging them by their actions not by how the rest of society views them. Many readers seem to disturbed by the ending of the story becuase it seemed so trivial and low. However, in looking at this ending through a human perspective one would realize that the actions taken by Peekay are only natural. Many great works of literature focus on revenge and hate, that does not make the story itself trivial. I would contend that the life of this young boy is one we can all draw lessons from. This novel has tremendous character development, a well written plot, and depth. A story that truly captures the essence of the truimphs of the human heart

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Summary: Wonderful, until the end.
Review: I agree with the other very positive reviews - up to a point. Up until the last few pages of the book, the story totally captured my interest and fueled my imagination. In addition to providing an excellent story, well told, the book took me on a fascinating tour of the "velds" and culture of South Africa. It expanded my mind and opened my heart right along with those of Peekay (the main character), as Doc and other mentors introduced him to a world of noble ideas and high ideals. What a terrible disappointment, then, when the author betrayed his main characters, his premise and especially his readers, by stooping to use a "satisfying revenge" resolution, typical of what one would expect to see in a "B" movie out of Hollywood. Still and all, a very worthwhile and enjoyable read and you can write your own ending

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Summary: A moving, well written tale.
Review: In addition to being a fascinating and moving tale, The Power of One is a parable on racial, political, and social tolerance. It is an historical reminder of the conflict between the British and the Afrikaners that ultimately created the taut political climate in South Africa. The book tells the story of a sensitive, intelligent boy who learns to evaluate people on their merits as opposed to their politics, social status , or color. As he matures, he is able to overcome the hatred and meanness surrounding him by attracting and becoming friends with many insightful, generous people who challenge his intellect and teach him how to achieve his potential. The Power of One is well written, and moves along at a good pace. It quickly pulls the reader in and keeps him there until the exciting and satisfying conclusion. A great read! I give it a 9

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Summary: This book is gratuitous,self aggrandizing, and trivial.
Review: It's no wonder this book was turned into a movie- it has all the banal, trivial, shallow messages, plot constructions and characters that Hollywood loves. A gratuitous look at a small boy against an amoral political and social system who triumphs by "believing in himself". Period. And to top it off, the prose is mediocre. If you want true grit and "boy against world" genre literature, read "The Crossing" by Cormack McCarthy. That is Literature

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Summary: A classic tale of South Africa during World War 2.
Review: The Power of One, by Bryce Courtenay is a splendid book. From the onset of the book to the exciting conclusion this is a hard book to put down. The plot moves along smoothly and Courtenay does a marvelous job of characterization, enabling the reader to truly feel the emotions of the character. The book does, however, use a lot of objectionable language and has some adult sexual references. Although the novel does include some violent scenes, the scenes are necessary to the storyline and can be treated more as enlightenment for the reader as anything. Overall however, The Power of One's constant "in-your-face" action, ingenioius plot planning, and true portrayal of South Africa during Apartheid make this a must read for anyone in quest of a good book to read