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Summary: Power of One
Review: Amazing story of growing up, adventure and Africa. If you like this story the 2nd book in the series, Tandia, is a must buy.
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Summary: A Must Read, Absoloodle!
Review: Bar none, the most powerful, engrossing, and emotional experience I've ever had with a book. Read it!
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Summary: Epic book!
Review: I started reading this book after hearing that it was a good read. Good read does not come close to how good this book is! It made me cry with conviction, laugh out loud and I was riveted from the start until the last page. A film adaptation of the book was made but it did not come close to portraying the sheer volume and depth of this book. Wow...a must read!
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Summary: Power of One
Review: I thought this book was exceptional. I laughed, cried, and celebrated for Peekay and his endeavors. I loved this book so much that my first born son is named Peekay and I will make him proud to have such a name.
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Summary: Incredibly Inspirational
Review: I was reccomended this book by my football coach. It was his favorite book throughout highschool, and It is safe to say that it is mine as well. This book can be appreciated by all, even if you have no knowledge of boxing or the South African Culture because i sure didn't.This book takes place in South Africa during Hitlers reign of terror and the protagonist is self-named Peekay. Due to him being from an English speaking family, he is is hated by the majority of South Africa which is overrun with Boers, nazis, and nazi sympathizers. He becomes a boxer with dreams of becoming the welter weight champion of South Africa. This brave young man grows up through this hateful prejudice in one of the most inspirational tales of all time. This is a story of independence, perseverence, and self pride. In which the power of one will always prevail.
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Summary: An absolutely amazing and riveting novel
Review: The Power of One is without a doubt, one of most compelling novels I've ever read, and what prompted me into researching a bit into the history of the African (and European) people under Apartheid living in South Africa. The book, although from a British perspective, seems very unbiased, unlike what you might be thinking. The Power of One begins with the main character (who names himself Peekay) heading off to boarding school, away from his beloved nanny, and into the arms of Boers (Dutch, also called Afrikaners), who not only despise him for being British but despise him as a human being. Throughout boarding school, Peekay is ridiculed but promises himself that he'll never cry again. Although Peekay looses a friend (Grandpa Chook- a chicken of all things), he comes to realize the horrible riff that lies between the Dutch and the British. After leaving boarding school, Peekay encounters a man who teaches him about some of the essentials of what he believed was the power of one, and from this man (a Boer) he discovers his love of boxing, which became his obsession, becoming Welterweight Champion of the World became his goal and his life. This is just the idea behind the power of one, and the introduction of the story. From there, the book tells about the many people Peekay encounters throughout his life and the influence they had upon him and what he believed was the power of one. But what struck me was really how beautifully written the novel is and the way it combines wit, humor, drama, and the everyday troubles of life, and still manages to get its message across and entertain the reader. Just an absolutely incredible novel that sets across a striking vision of South Africa before and during the terror that was Apartheid.
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Summary: One of the best books ever
Review: This book was given to me by a close friend while I was traveling with them in Sydney Australia. It is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read and I have recommended it to all of my friends who all hold the same opinion. I have since read "The Potato Factory", "Jessica", "Tandia" and "Solomon's Song" each is an excellent work, but none compre to the "Power of One". My only suggestion is that if you read this and love it as most people do, wait at least a year before reading Tandia which is the sequel.
Bryce Courtney is very respected in Australia and his books are prominently displayed in all of their bookstores - it is amazing that he is not better known in the US.
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Summary: The Power of One
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read! A story about a young boy's life and entry into the hard world of adulthood - way before he should have made the journey. A story of love between young and old, male and female, white and black. An amazing read!
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Summary: An excellent book in all areas
Review: This is one of the few books that i have read that i was truely amazed by. Peekay is the greatest protagonist, being a person that anyone would want to stand beside. As Peekay fights for the life of South Africa, it shows his true strength. This is an amazing book with great characters and a great message.
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Summary: A book loved by all...
Review: This is one of those remarkable books that is well-loved by all
''types.'' I loved it (45 year old MWF). My uncle said it was the best book he'd read in a decade (he's 74 conservative WW2 vet). My husband couldn't put it down. My book club (8 women in 38 to 50 year old age group) voted it the best book we read this year. With a beautiful voice, the author takes you to a time and place (South Africa 80 years ago) and makes it live for you. Beyone that, he tells a wonderful ''coming of age'' story about Peekay and his struggles and (ultimately) triumphs. You will laugh out loud, as well as cry real tears, while reading this book.
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