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Rating: 
Summary: The Tremain Saga Continues
Review: Guy Johnson, once again, has written another un-put-downable novel. The plot is so intricate and compelling that the reader reflexively considers the various permutations of the plot-lines as if the story is reality. I am grateful to Johnson for writing about strong, black male characters. He has reinvigorated my interest in black literature. His research is extremely thorough because he creates multilayered and textured settings. From a technical standpoint, Johnson needs to work on his dialogue. No one, especaily not in the '80s, talked with such high-handed vocabularies. His prose remains outstanding, but the characters often sound like talking dictionaries. For instance, instead of saying that a person is preachy, a Johnson character will say "He's didactic." And that's another criticism of the book --Johnson preaches constantly about how blacks should be and what they should be about. His messages -- while true -- are not subtle and, ultimately, off-putting. Dialogue and didacticism notwithstanding, Johnson has shown that he is without question his mother's son. This is a must read for black men everywhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Whoa! This was an awesome book!!!!!!!
Review: I remember reading his first novel - Standing at the scratch line, and I thought it started too slow for me...but then all of a sudden it took off and I couldn't wait until the next book was released. I jumped on it as soon as I heard it was out and have read and re-read it just to make sure I didn't miss anything. Guy Johnson is an awesome writer, his vision and passion for detail is extraordinary. This story really made me anxious for more. I only hope this saga continues and if I know Guy, the next book will be even better than this one. Words cannot explain how I feel about this mans talent...Awesome!
Rating:
Summary: Echos of a Distant Summer
Review: I was breathless from reading this sequel. Guy Johnson is a true griot, in the footsteps of his mother, Maya Angelou. This is the age old saga of two families torn and intertwined. I can't wait for the next installment!
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Sequel!!
Review: If you read the first book "Standing in the Scratch Line", then you will be familiar with the saga of King Tremain. This book picks up where the last one left off. It is now 1982 and King Tremain's orphaned grandson, long estranged from both of his grandparents, is pulled back into the family fold when King is assisnated. I won't give it away, but many characters from the first book return in this one, and this book also fills in the gaps from 1947, where the last book stopped. It's a long read but you will not be disappointed. Johnson has a rare talent for character and plot development, and it's a shame that he is not a household name like his Mother (Maya Angelou).
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Sequel!!
Review: If you read the first book "Standing in the Scratch Line", then you will be familiar with the saga of King Tremain. This book picks up where the last one left off. It is now 1982 and King Tremain's orphaned grandson, long estranged from both of his grandparents, is pulled back into the family fold when King is assisnated. I won't give it away, but many characters from the first book return in this one, and this book also fills in the gaps from 1947, where the last book stopped. It's a long read but you will not be disappointed. Johnson has a rare talent for character and plot development, and it's a shame that he is not a household name like his Mother (Maya Angelou).
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Sequel!!
Review: This sequel to Standing at the Scratch Line is as good as, if not better than, Standing.. It is superb!! For those who have read Standing At The Scratch Line, this novel continues with the saga of the Tremain family. This story picks up with the adult grandson, Jackson, who has been estranged from his grandfather King Tremain for several years. As King is near death, Jackson flies to Mexico to see his grandfather and leaves with a mission and desire that proves he truly is the grandson of King Tremain, whether he likes it or not. Although this is a lengthy novel, the auhtor uses every word, phrase,page, etc., to draw an in-depth, complete and wonderful picture of who Jackson is, but more importantly the Tremain legacy and past that King has left to his grandson...whether he wants it or not. Although King is assassinated very early on in the book, through well placed, smooth and poignant flashbacks to the 1950's and 1960's, the reader gets much more insight into King Tremain and his life and legacy. Finally, to sum it up "you better ask joe 'cause you sho' don't know" what you are missing if you miss out on the chance to read this wonderful novel.
Rating:
Summary: Superb Writing Runs In This Family
Review: This sequel to Standing at the Scratch Line is as good as, if not better than, Standing.. It is superb!! For those who have read Standing At The Scratch Line, this novel continues with the saga of the Tremain family. This story picks up with the adult grandson, Jackson, who has been estranged from his grandfather King Tremain for several years. As King is near death, Jackson flies to Mexico to see his grandfather and leaves with a mission and desire that proves he truly is the grandson of King Tremain, whether he likes it or not. Although this is a lengthy novel, the auhtor uses every word, phrase,page, etc., to draw an in-depth, complete and wonderful picture of who Jackson is, but more importantly the Tremain legacy and past that King has left to his grandson...whether he wants it or not. Although King is assassinated very early on in the book, through well placed, smooth and poignant flashbacks to the 1950's and 1960's, the reader gets much more insight into King Tremain and his life and legacy. Finally, to sum it up "you better ask joe 'cause you sho' don't know" what you are missing if you miss out on the chance to read this wonderful novel.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing2-Just like the first one if not better!
Review: Wow! I cried like a baby at the end of this book. Who cares how long it is, you don't even realize it while you're reading it. The story of the relationship between Jackson and his grandfather, King, is so wonderful and amazing. I wish my son could have memories like that - not the violence, but the love and bonding. Again, Guy Johnson, has written an amazing novel of family love, loyalty, and drama! This is a must read, but please read Standing at the Scratch Line first! My book club decided to read this sequel and I'm so glad we did, because we had all fallen in love with King in the first book and now Jackson is there to take his place. These books would be a great mini-series or movie.
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