Rating: 
Summary: Excellent!
Review: In King Tremain, Guy Johnson has created the kind of character that Hollywood has traditional been afraid of protraying! Tremain is a strong, confident Black man who does not need nor seek the approval of whites. In fact he has no qualms in killing them to protect his family and community. Tremain is a man committed to the uplift of his people in general and his family in particular. He will let no man, white or black stand in his way! I reccomend this book to anyone who wants to better understand the conditions that black people had to struggle under in this country. It is truly amazing that we have come as far as we have considering the unrelenting physical and pyschological violence commited daily against our ancestors! I especially recommend this book to young people, both Black and White, to help them understand the shameful history that still divides this country. As an African I take my hat off to Mr. Johnson; he has created a character and a story of epic proprotions! This is a story that truly needs to be told. I can't wait for the sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Gripping...
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Stratch Line and would recommend it to everybody. I'm ashamed to even say that I was reluctant to read it initially, and had it not been a selected reading for my bookclub, I probably would not have. I found the historical aspects a bit confusing. I'm not history or civil-rights buff, but I though the term "Afro-American" was coined during the civil rights era, not during the early 1900's. Other than inconsistencies such as that, the book was engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page through the very last. Looking forward to a sequel about Jack.
Rating:
Summary: BOLD!!! Powerfull!!!! Energizing read!!!
Review: With this novel, Guy Johnson, has set the stage for the perfect anti-Hero in "King Tremain". You will feel the energy, drive , determination, and tragedy that guides this story of characters in life's many twists. Every reader will fine something of interest in this story, because real life is full of fascinating curves and bends in the road towards the final journey. Hopefully, Mr. Johnson will write another novel to carry on the story into the "next generation" and corelate it to modern era.
Rating:
Summary: The latest African-American Classic!
Review: I was hesitant to even pick up this book, yet alone read it...the cover doesn't do the contents justice. So glad am I that I decided to open the cover and read the synopsis. After that, there was no doubt in my mind that I had to have it and from beginning to the end I simply could not put it down. It was the best read and I simply could not believe that this was Guy Johnson's first work of non-fiction material. I have raved about this book to all my male friends...it simply is required reading for all African-American males. It instilled in me such a sense of pride...King Tremain does unto White Americans what they have long done to us without retribution! Finally, some payback! Alas, too bad that King Tremain is only a fictional character! If this book is not movie material, what is?
Rating:
Summary: A great novel!!!
Review: Three cheers for Guy Johnson's Standing at the Scratch Line, and thumbs up all the way for "King" Tremain,the first Black American fictional hero of this century. Johnson's "King" Tremain is a great character, and I hope there is another Tremain story to be read in the near future.
Rating: 
Summary: 4 Stars for Sargent Tremain!
Review: Guy Johnson's Standing at the Scratch the Line is a novel of amazing scope. The issues and historic events covered in this novel are expansive, covering almost 50 years of American history; Johnson puts together a story of massive proportions. The trick of the novel is that Johnson is able to cover so much while tightly focusing on one man, one extraordinary man - King Tremain. King is amazing. He is an equalizer, a bringer of cold justice. Johnson grows King's character from a killer into a killer with cause. King develops a conscious, really a social conscious almost without realizing it. Johnson plays a later character against King and the reader is able to see what King could've become without the intervening balancing influences of his life. Some of Johnson's historical research appears to be a little off but the reader should not allow that to interfere with his well crafted telling of this story. The story almost reads like a serial or chapter story. The reader can easily envision this book running like the old Saturday matinees - The Adventures of King Tremain! There's a definite pattern to the action sequences but the movement of the story doesn't suffer from the predictable ebb and flow. The development of Johnson's characters is sporadic, some are well shaped and some are mere shadows quickly passing through the story, either way they add to the tale. Taking your place at the scratch line, meeting life head on, on a man's terms, that is what this story is about, defining your terms and living by them regardless of the consequences and costs. Standing at the Scratch Line is an ambitious work. I am looking forward to Johnson's next installment? I think I feel a sequel coming on.
Rating:
Summary: Standing at the Scratch Line a rare book: you wont put down.
Review: "Standing at the Scratch Line" is one of those rare books you'll share with others around you. Lots of emotion. You'll cry, laugh, evan be breathless, and at the same time grit your teeth as you flip page by page. Mr. Johnson ... truly has a gift and makes the words flow on so ... that you fly thru the book. This is a book that you will want to add to the best sellers list. Just can't wait for the sequel -- it would be great to know how the next generation turns out with Tremain's grandson. Mr. Johnson keep on doing it. You filled my life with your ability.
Rating:
Summary: outstanding
Review: I could not put this book down until I finished. This is one of the best books I've ever read. I am convinced that there have always been black men and women that had so much pride, they fought back by any means necessary. I can't wait for part two, because I know that there has to be one. I have no negative statements to describe this book. I checked it out at the library but I will buy it. Please hurry with part two. Thank you for this book Mr. Johnson.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I've read in many years!
Review: Unfortunately, I checked this book out of the library, instead of purchasing it. Of course, I will add this gem of a novel to my own library. I could not get enough of King Tremain's life. The turn of events in the story completely threw me for a loop. I was pleasantly surprised at Guy Johnson's complexity as a writer. I hope that he continues the saga of the Tremain family. I can visualize a series of novels that will complete their history. I can not wait for Johnson's next novel. I enjoyed this one story more than any of the stories of his most-talented mother, Maya Angelou.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed every minute...give me more...soon!
Review: I have recommended this book to everyone who would listen. Read it. It will remind you of your grandfathers and great-grandfathers. If it doesn't you will surely gain some insight into a different level of the struggle Black men have faced over the generations.
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