Rating: 
Summary: Such a Book--Such a Life!
Review: I found myself unable to put this book down even for sleep. It's one of those books you read from cover to cover, then promptly begin to put together the names of friends and family who simply MUST read this book.I was deeply touched by his unwavering faith and integrity as he wrote about his life in the Chicago ghetto--up through poverty, his setbacks in life, and again recouping to claim a better life for himself and his family. I was most impressed by his early and continued determination to lead an exemplary male life, not wavering in his responsibilities to provide security and leadership no matter the adversity. His strong message of faith is a personal one, clearly and directly told. It is a touching, sincere, very warm book and so worth your time and money. You'll love it, I'm sure of it.
Rating:
Summary: Such a Book--Such a Life!
Review: I found myself unable to put this book down even for sleep. It's one of those books you read from cover to cover, then promptly begin to put together the names of friends and family who simply MUST read this book. I was deeply touched by his unwavering faith and integrity as he wrote about his life in the Chicago ghetto--up through poverty, his setbacks in life, and again recouping to claim a better life for himself and his family. I was most impressed by his early and continued determination to lead an exemplary male life, not wavering in his responsibilities to provide security and leadership no matter the adversity. His strong message of faith is a personal one, clearly and directly told. It is a touching, sincere, very warm book and so worth your time and money. You'll love it, I'm sure of it.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome inspirational book for everyone...
Review: I found this book to be very well written from the heart. Mr. Fountain takes us to the inner city of Chicago and places us next to him as we travel together through his life's journey. Anyone familiar with the inner city or not, should read this book. It teaches and gives hope where hope is desparately needed. I wish I had this book while I was struggling to make it in a Chicago barrio (ghetto). God bless you John!!!
Rating:
Summary: My Re-newed Faith
Review: I was feeling pretty down when I picked up True Vine, I knew that I needed to know that I wasn't alone in what life was throwing at me at the time, I had no idea that this book would Re-new my Faith, and give me the Courage to keep going on. My sad, went to glad, my downs went to ups, my bad, went to good, and My Spirit Soared!!!!!!!God put John W. Fountain on this earth to give us our Faith Back, and to know that through God, all things are Possible, God Bless and Keep John, can't wait for book number two........
Rating:
Summary: A Fountain of Truth: Revelations that Stir the Soul
Review: In the book True Vine, Fountain writes a timeless and powerful message of truth and consequences. It is a personal testimony that speaks to youth and adults alike...if you believe in (God) a power greater than yourself and apply positive action (faith and hard work) to fuel your beliefs, there is absolutely nothing that you cannot do. My grandmother used to say "He (God) may not come when you want him, but He's right on time". Fountain uses bits of wisdom like this, as shared by elders in his family, to help us understand the power of faith and the proof as is manifested in his survival and ultimate success. Long after you read this book, you will feel the despair of an impoverished K-town; and, it has to make one think about how many neighborhoods exist today where children and families barely survive (and many don't) through unspeakable horrors, insufferable living conditions and unbelieveable hardships -- in America, the richest country in the world? But the saving grace in this story for me is that John W. Fountain not only survived and succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, but that he cared enough to honestly share his story with the world. True Vine is a true story -- one that reveals some of the hidden truths about family, community, poverty, its victims and its survivors. True Vine is a branch of knowledge that provides us with food for thought about problems and solutions that we, as individuals, as viable members of communities and organizations, can all take part in -- righting the wrongs -- fighting poverty and violence. With faith as our foundation, one step at a time, we can help build prosperity in underprivileged neighborhoods for future generations. Fountain can be likened to the "voice crying in the wilderness" from which many will hear and be saved. This book is truly a fountain of revelations. It is much more than a personalized how-to-succeed book. There is a lesson in every chapter that should be read by every child and every parent in America. I am certain that this is not the last time we will hear from this great author. I for one, will be looking for more.
Rating:
Summary: A must read
Review: John Fountain has created a masterpiece. I was hooked midway through the first chapter. The book is filled with humor and sorrow and great life lessons. Fountain proved that no matter how dire our situation, we can overcome it with hard work, determination and faith. Every young male, regardless of race, should be required to read True Vine.
Aspiring writers will also pick up a few tips from the book. It's rich with wonderful descriptions and color that brings the stories alive.
Rating:
Summary: A Testament to the Power of Hope
Review: John Fountain's story doesn't end the way one might expect - it didn't begin the way I might expect after reading his credentials. This touching and real story of a young black man struggling to rise above the circumstances into which he was born proves that the choice exists for each human to make changes (large and small) to create the life they want. The same challenges and frustrations (death of dreams, loss of hope and life choices) apply to people in all areas of our country and Mr. Fountain's story is a wake-up call to each of us to see the story behind the stereotype and to encourage the pursuit and cultivation of dreams for all Americans.
Rating:
Summary: A Testament to the Power of Hope
Review: John Fountain's story doesn't end the way one might expect - it didn't begin the way I might expect after reading his credentials. This touching and real story of a young black man struggling to rise above the circumstances into which he was born proves that the choice exists for each human to make changes (large and small) to create the life they want. The same challenges and frustrations (death of dreams, loss of hope and life choices) apply to people in all areas of our country and Mr. Fountain's story is a wake-up call to each of us to see the story behind the stereotype and to encourage the pursuit and cultivation of dreams for all Americans.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing story of redemption
Review: John Fountain's True Vine answers the question of what happens to those teenagers who became statistics and get caught up in the streets, or as in Fountain's case, teen pregnancy. Fountain is a testatment of the inner strength we all possess to take stock and reinvent ourselves to better ourselves. True Vine is this century's new version of what it is to be an all-American teen. With all the choices and pressures young people face today, so much is at stake when we don't make the right choices. Fountain shows how a strong foundation, spirituality, the ability to admit one's flaws and innate common sense can put the American Dream within the grasp of anyone who has the passion and discipline to reach for it. Being American is about evolving into the best you can be. We all can hope to experience the growth and knowledge Fountain has.
Rating:
Summary: A person everyone should know
Review: There is something inspirational for everyone in John Fountain's story. I hope this book will be widely read, and it deserves to be considered a classic.
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