Power of One

Rating:
Summary: One of the BEST books ever!!!
Review: Amazingly, when I read this, it was after a year of what, at the time I thought was fairly lousy books assigned by my teacher. This particular book came at the end of the year just as, I might add, I was trying to give my English grade a face lift.

Then the POWER OF ONE came, following a previous and equally wonderful literary choice THE THREE MUSKETEERS, which I had just read a month earlier. It was one of few books I read that year, cover to cover, and thoroughly enjoyed. And, I must say, helped my grade (It is my knowledge that when you enjoy reading, you do better on a test).

POWER OF ONE is the strangely uplifting tale of Peekay, a young orphan and his growth from his days at boarding school where he was picked on, to his impact on the people of South Africa.

WOW. I refuse to spoil it for you. Read it yourself.

Rating:
Summary: THE ABSOLUTELY BEST BOOK, AND SOUNDTRACK IN THE WORLD!!!
Review: I just want the ENTIRE WORLD to read this amazing book, and its astounding sequel "TANDIA" {if you can find it}. I first saw the movie in April 1994, and I did not move for the entire movie, I was so awestruck with the story. In the End Credits, I saw that it was based on a book, and that the author had credits both as Author, and as Project Consultant... The fact that it was originally a book, made me take note to look for it in a bookstore as soon as I possibly could. Within the next week, I was in a bookstore, and they had a copy. Oh, Joy! Oh, Rapture! That was the beginning of a delightful friendship, as Bogart said in CASABLANCA... :-) I think that I read the entire 518+ pages in record time, even for me, as I know that I read fast. I JUST COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!! From that moment, I purchase at least one copy of this book a year for myself - I wear out the spine of the book- and give several as gifts. When I start to dream sequences of this book, I know that it is time for me to re-read, yes! RE-READ! this ABSOLUTELY ASTOUNDING BOOK! I believe that I have read this book at LEAST 20 times; and I get more out each time I read it... I now even have about 5 people at work reading this book because of me, and I am ecstatic about this! I think that this book should be in EVERYONE'S LIBRARY, just because it is a great book! I listen to the soundtrack periodically, but only if I want a really good cry, as the gentleman who did the instrumental music, HANS ZIMMER, also did the same for Disney's THE LION KING (which I BAWL during)... I now no longer can listen to music without my heart and soul knowing when HANS' music is played... I was crying when I heard FAITH HILL's song from 'PEARL HARBOR' -"THERE YOU'LL BE", and then I found out that it was written by Mr. Zimmer... Do check out the *LOOK INSIDE* feature that Amazon is now featuring with this book, and I guarantee you that the 24 pages that they show WILL NOT BE ENOUGH!!! For those who have read the book, and want more of Bryce's books available in the USA, please drop me a line.
For some odd reason, this is the only book of his which is published here, and he has since written at least 11 others that one can only get in Australia, which includes "TANDIA", the astounding SEQUEL to "THE POWER OF ONE"...

Rating:
Summary: A harsh world through the eyes of a child
Review: This book is truly a great work. For those of you who have loved the movie, starring Morgan Freeman and Stephen Dorff, you will notice some significant differences throughout the novel. But those differences in NO way detract from the power of the story.

Peekay is an English boy growing up in South Africa during World War II. He grows up attending a boarding school run by the other white tribe of South Africa, the Boer's, who are pro-Nazi and hate all things English. Perhaps because he's a small child, or because he faces such hatred at school, Peekay develops an iron will to become a winner. His best weapon being the "power of one", which he defines as the power to believe in oneself, which goes above and beyond any strengths which are readily apparent. And throughout his life, Peekay demonstrates over and over again just how believing in himself helps him through life's greatest dangers.

The book is very real. It is written from Peekay's viewpoint, as he witnesses first-hand death, loneliness, friendship, hatred, and all the emotions we all face every day. Set in such an explosive time and area, these emotions and the events that shaped them are all the more apparent. At times, I cried. Others, I was fuming inside at the injustice done to Peekay, and the Black South Africans he befriended. Other times, I could not help but burst out laughing. I hope that many others will take the chance to read the book and enjoy it as much as I did.

Rating:
Summary: The Power Of One
Review: This is the most inspirating book I've ever read. The Power of One teaches the reader lessons through painful experiences of a passionate white South African boy, the "future welterweight champion of the world". He loses many loved-ones and goes through severely tough times but moves on with a stronger mind and soul. He uses his bright mind and sensational boxing skills to overcome his weaknesses. I extremely recommend this book to anyone and everyone interested.

Rating:
Summary: The Power of One
Review: In Bryce Courtenay's The Power of One the author describes a world where one small boy can make a difference. The author's stellar uses of literary terms help bring this world to life. The book starts out with the main character, Peekay, in a small boarding school where he is picked on almost everyday. Courtenay uses a very descriptive tone of writing which makes the book flow really well. This adds to Peekay's adventure by describing each adventure, which makes the reader not want to put the book down. One of the best features of the book is the antagonist. Peekay is always faced with adversity, so it is adversity that plays the role of the antagonist. Either it be a lose of a loved one or being forced to make a change Peekay handles the problem exceptionally, even at a young age.

The way Courtenay writes portrays Peekay as a young boy who is very advanced for his age. The book is written in a first person through the view of Peekay, which enables the author to use large vocabulary words, and in depth thought because of Peekay's high intelligence. Courtenay is able to show Peekay through a time of innocence and show how much Peekay learns from the surrounding characters by his style of writing. Throughout the novel it becomes more and more advanced as Peekay learns.

Courtenay also uses good local color. He is constantly using African words to further implicate the setting. He also uses local tradition to tell his story of Peekay.

This is easily one of the best books I have ever read and if you have not read it you should. Who knows maybe you will be inspired by The Power of One

Rating:
Summary: The Strongest Power on Earth
Review: This book was absolutly amazing and has literally changed my view on life. I felt very touched by reading it, and was deeply moved by Courtenay's views on human rights, relationships, and will to live. This book is not just about the power of many believing in something similar, but it is the power of many coming together believing in the same thing. This is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: The Power of One
Review: After hearing so much about this book, when I finally picked it up to read it I was expecting great things. I wasn't disappointed. This book really kept my attention. I really admired Peekay's dedication and motivation. I can relate to him in some ways, like always wanting to be the best. I would definately reccomend this book to others, it was well worth the time spent reading it.

Rating:
Summary: Peekay has the power of one
Review: This is a book that I wouldn't mind reading again. It took a little while for me to get into. But when I think that my life couldn't get any better, I think of what Peekay went through at the age of 5. This is worse than what most people go through thier whole life. He had the courage to keep his head up, pride is what helped him do it. I wish that I would be able to do this. Peekay is destined to be a welterweight contender in S. Africa, and nothing will shatter his dream. Will he fulfill or fail his dream? The only way to find out is to read the book.

Rating:
Summary: The Power of One
Review: I first read this book when I was in seventh grade. I remember my mom had just gotten it, and her and my brother and I were all fighting over who got to read it first. I lost, but when it was finally my turn to read it, I just absolutely could not put it down! The book is so riveting and powerful, and it gets better everytime you read it! I know, I've read it six times already, and will continue to read it for the rest of my life!
Peekay is my favorite literary character, and his story is one that anyone of any age, race, or gender will find moving. If you're looking for a good read, look no further! This is one of the best books ever written! I wish I could give it ten stars!

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book
Review: This was one of the first books that I truly felt sad to get to the end. I picked this book up after a teacher recommended it and I couldn't put it down after I started. I felt such a strong connection with the main character, Peekay, and I think Courtenay did such a wonderful job in creating a picture of the characters as well as of South Africa at the time. This book was so powerful and it had such a profound impact on me. I recommend it to everyone.