Helpful Score: 3
This is one of the best books I have read. I gave copies to both of my sons as young teens. They are now grown with families of their own. And to this day they each keep their copy to read from time to time for inspiration and reminder. Jan
A compelling tale of a young boy's refusal to be demoralized by fearful racial torment; of the discovery that loyalty, strength and courage can be fused in the 'power of one' so that nothing worthy of achievement lies beyond his grasp. The Christian Science Monitor
In 1939, as Hitler cast his enormous, cruel shadow across the world, hatred of a similar kind took root in South Africa where the seeds of aparteid were newly sewn. Therre a boy called Peekay was born. He spoke the wrong language--English, the language spoken by those who had sent the Afrikaners to the world's first concentration camps during the Boer War. He was suckled by a woman of the wrong color--black, the color of fear and disdain. His childhood was marked by humiliation and abandonment. Yet he vowed to survive--he would become welter-weight champion of the world, he would dream heroic dreams.
But his dreams were nothing compared to what awaited him. For he embarked on an epic journey through a land of tribal superstition and modern prejudice, where he would learn the power of words, the power to transform lives, and the mystical power that ould sustain him even when it appeared the villainy would rule the world; The Power of One.
Unabashedly uplifting..Asserts forcefully what all of us would like to believe; that the individual, armed with the spirit of independence-"the power of one'--can prevail. -The Cleveland Plain
A compelling tale of a young boy's refusal to be demoralized by fearful racial torment; of the discovery that loyalty, strength and courage can be fused in the 'power of one' so that nothing worthy of achievement lies beyond his grasp. The Christian Science Monitor
In 1939, as Hitler cast his enormous, cruel shadow across the world, hatred of a similar kind took root in South Africa where the seeds of aparteid were newly sewn. Therre a boy called Peekay was born. He spoke the wrong language--English, the language spoken by those who had sent the Afrikaners to the world's first concentration camps during the Boer War. He was suckled by a woman of the wrong color--black, the color of fear and disdain. His childhood was marked by humiliation and abandonment. Yet he vowed to survive--he would become welter-weight champion of the world, he would dream heroic dreams.
But his dreams were nothing compared to what awaited him. For he embarked on an epic journey through a land of tribal superstition and modern prejudice, where he would learn the power of words, the power to transform lives, and the mystical power that ould sustain him even when it appeared the villainy would rule the world; The Power of One.
Unabashedly uplifting..Asserts forcefully what all of us would like to believe; that the individual, armed with the spirit of independence-"the power of one'--can prevail. -The Cleveland Plain
Helpful Score: 3
My most favorite book of all time. I've read it 5 times, and it never loses my interest
Helpful Score: 3
This is one of the best books that I have read and recommend it highly.
The reader is drawn into the story from page one as the young boy struggles to determine and deal with what is going on in his life during very turbulent times. It is a story of friendships, perseverence and the determination of a young boy as he grows into manhood and negotiates his way in South Africa, a place that is very dangerous physically, socially and emotionally. The story begins just prior to World War 2 and progresses to about 20 years later. Anyone who has seen the movie will not really recognize the book as it is much, much better.
All in all, a Great Read!
The reader is drawn into the story from page one as the young boy struggles to determine and deal with what is going on in his life during very turbulent times. It is a story of friendships, perseverence and the determination of a young boy as he grows into manhood and negotiates his way in South Africa, a place that is very dangerous physically, socially and emotionally. The story begins just prior to World War 2 and progresses to about 20 years later. Anyone who has seen the movie will not really recognize the book as it is much, much better.
All in all, a Great Read!
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my all time favorite stories. It's one of those books you can read over and over again. A beautiful coming of age story in South Africa during and after WWII. This story will touch your heart.
P.S. the movie is nothing like the book.
P.S. the movie is nothing like the book.
Helpful Score: 1
one of the BEST books i have eveer read (and a fantastic movie, too)! i wanted to read this book forever - i was sad when i turned the last page. descriptions are so vivid, you feel like you are living it.
