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Summary: Five Smooth Stones
Review: Shrouded potency.After reading all of the favorable reviews, I began this book with great expectations. This is not the kind of book that grabs you and does not let you go. Yet, there is something about it that compels you to read it in it's entirety. Initially, it seems like an hagiography of David Chamblin but the subtle nuances of defeat, despair and HOPE forces the reader to appreciate this tome. The author's use of biblical references create an aura of spirituality and hope that can not be fully realized until after a few hours of completing this story. I finished this story last night and it was not until this morning that I realized the vast significance of David's personal journey as a black man "trying to live" in the United States. If one views this story in black and white, that lesson has been lost. The character of David Chamblin is the archetype for humanity. This book lost two stars for the depiction of women, black women especially. None of the female characters (although some may argue for Sue Ellen) existed apart from men.
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Summary: Impossible to finish the book and be unchanged.
Review: My mother recommended this book to me, and when I received it, I was a little overwhelmed at it's size. It was the only book I took to Japan with me when I moved, and it became my way to escape. I became totally engrossed in the life of David Champlain, Sarah Kent, Lil Joe, Brad, Hunter, Chuck, Suds and the rest of them, and felt the anger, hatred, love and friendship these characters shared. It put a face on those struggling civil rights activists and made you realize the entire senseless and sadness of it all. I highly recommend it to everyone, and got it into circulation among the foreigners in this area. A moving and wonderfully poignant book.
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Summary: Only book I have ever read twice
Review: I first read Five Smooth Stones shortly after it was first published. Several years passed and I decided to reread the book. It didn't disappoint me and if anything I enjoyed it more. Now I would like to read it again and would highly recommend this book to anyone.
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Summary: one of the most memorable and poignant books i've ever read.
Review: I rarely re-read books but i have been trying to locate a copy of Five Smooth Stones for many years. This one of the most wonderful and touching books i have ever read. you are THERE and you are living in THEIR world. i've recommended this to many people and have warned them not to be put of by the size!
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Summary: Without peer!
Review: Never have I read a book that rendered the life of an American black man with more subtlety, elegance, nuance, and utter humanity than Five Smooth Stones. It was given to me by a friend of my mother's who said that David reminded her of me. I wish I had a vital fraction of his courage. Anyone seeking to understand America as her children of color and those who love them experience it should put this book first on their reading list. "Powerful" fails to describe it fully. "Amazing" will have to do.
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Summary: "one of the best," a mother and her daughter agree
Review: **I read five smooth stones after my mother's thousandth urging to read it. it's size intimidated me at first, but after the first fifty pages i was hooked. it's great and i would recommend it to anyone from ages 14 to 140, no matter where your interests lay. hey, ANY book that my mom and i BOTH agree is one of the best we've ever read is worth reading.***
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Summary: I will treasure this book for the rest of my life!
Review: Every once in awhile a book falls into your hands that regenerates your soul, your very being; a book that causes you to smile,laugh, cry, rant and rave and sympathize. I don't know how I missed this book thirty years ago, but now that I've found it ( a beat up, falling apart $.10 copy in a library resale shop) it will never leave my possession. I am of the generation of "kids" that David so gallantly tried to protect but I am also David and Beanie because through education I was able to get out but not really. I teach the grandchildren of those "kids " today. I am making lesson plans now that will include Five Smooth Stones because this story has everything,- committment,courage,integrity and love that passes all understanding. I hope someone will please make this book into a movie. The perfect David would be the actor in the movie Soul Food who thought his wife was cheating on him and ended up in jail for awhile. Fine,Black and a wonderful young actor.
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Summary: Fantastic
Review: I read this book 30 years ago. Have searched for a copy, but to no avail. This is a good read for anyone interested in hidtory, humanity, journalism or life itself. I can rmember picking it up to read and finding it hard to put down. Have suggested it to many friends. Intend to purchase it again and pass it on to my children and grandchildren to read.
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Summary: One of the best books I have ever read. A must read book!
Review: I had this book given to me in paperback years ago. The story of David Champlain reads like a Thornbirds epic. From the days of growing up wth his grandfather Joe to his college life and on to his marching in the south for civil rights this book makes you feel all the love and anguish he felt thru those events. I,ve read a lot of books and this would definately be in the top 10! I think someone ought to do a movie about this book. HINT HINT Oprah and Harpo productions
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Summary: I remember this as the best book I ever read.
Review: I read this book in the 70's and whenever I am discussing books, I name this as my favorite, best written book. Yet I can't find my copy. I am thrilled to see it back in print again. I am now a writer, and in continuing to hone my style, want to reread this marvelous book. I was in love with David for years!
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