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Power of One
Power of One | Bryce Courtenay
"Unabashedly uplifting."THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALERSet in a world torn apart, where man enslaves his fellow man and freedom remains elusive, THE POWER OF ONE is the moving story of one young man's search for the love that binds friends, the passion that binds lovers, and the realization that it takes only one to change the world. A weak and friendless boy growing up in South Africa during World War II, Peekay turns to two older men, one black and one white, to show him how to find the courage to dream, to succeed, to triumph over a world when all seems lost, and to inspire him to summon up the most irrersistible force of all: the Power of One.
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TheSpineView
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#Movie2BookRecs @Klou
Movie: Bronson

Klou Interesting 4mo
44 likes2 comments
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BookNerd9906
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Pickpick

Love this beautifully written coming of age story. And I learned a lot about the history of South Africa during WW2. #bigjunereadathon @Clwojick

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Suet624
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Pickpick

I finally finished! it‘s been on my shelf for years & my #bookspin selection twice but it‘s finally done. This 500-page, tiny type, supposedly semi-autobiographical (really?) story was well written and engrossing. I kept wondering how much of Peekay‘s life experiences were real & that may have affected how I felt about the story. Nevertheless, it‘s a powerful journey. I may be ready for the sequel in a month or 2 but for now I‘m ready to move on.

LeahBergen I loved this when I read it (many years ago)! 2y
Suet624 @LeahBergen there is imagery and situations that I won‘t forget anytime soon. 💕 2y
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Erinreadsthebooks The movie is great, too! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! It always feels SO good to get one of those long-term backlist books off the TBR!!! 2y
Suet624 @TheAromaofBooks it sure does! Thank you for your assistance in getting it done! 2y
Suet624 @Erinreadsthebooks I‘ll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip. 2y
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Suet624
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This is me the 4th day after my second booster, catsitting at someone else‘s house. Miserable. But the outdoor roaming cat knew it and stayed with me throughout. I‘ll never get through this book though. My headache and fatigue are making it tough.

LeahBergen Aww, I hope you‘re back to normal very soon! 2y
Suet624 @LeahBergen Thanks, Leah. This shot really kicked me in the butt. 2y
aa_guer2021 Hope you feel better soon! 😻 just know! 2y
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batsy Sweet kitty to keep you company 💕 I hope you're feeling better soon. 2y
squirrelbrain Feel better soon! 2y
BarbaraBB That sucks. Hope you feel better soon 🤍 2y
rockpools Feel better soon! 🌼 2y
AmyG Feel better Sue. 😘 2y
Cathythoughts I hope you feel better soon. Great to have the second booster done though 👍🏻 I‘d say Ill be called for mine soon 👍🏻 (edited) 2y
Suet624 @aa_guer2021 They sure do! 2y
Suet624 @Cathythoughts I kept thinking that if I was having so much trouble with this booster, I can't imagine what would happen if I actually got COVID! I was having such trouble breathing! 2y
Cathythoughts Your breathing is better now then ?! I hope so. Yes I had trouble breathing after my second vaccine and needed steroids for awhile. .. but it passed in a couple of weeks and alls been fine sinse. All will be well .. I hope you are ok now. 2y
Smrloomis Ugh, I hope you feel better soon! ☹️ 2y
Jas16 I so hope that you are feeling better soon. 2y
Suet624 @Cathythoughts Yes, my breathing is better but my lungs in general haven't been great since I got Lyme Disease. So I think they are just vulnerable to this particular vaccine. I'm glad you're doing well. 2y
Suet624 @Jas16 @smrloomis Thank you so much for your kind words. 2y
Leftcoastzen Hope you feel better soon ! You have a kitty nurse , that‘s a comfort I hope. 2y
CarolynM Hope you feel better soon💐 2y
BiblioLitten I hope you are feeling much better today. 💕 2y
tenar Sending you well-wishes ❤️ The first booster kicked my butt, so I imagine my second will, too. Great job getting yours done! 2y
Suet624 @tenar Best wishes to you!!! My big debate is how many of these boosters will I need? My scientist friend says they are racing to find a way to offer an annual shot, like the flu shot. I hope they figure it out. This every-five-months thing is tough. 2y
Suet624 @BiblioLitten I'm getting there! Thank you.... 2y
Suet624 @Leftcoastzen That cat was a wonderful nurse. Sadly I had to leave the kitty to its true owners. :) 2y
Suet624 @batsy Thank you, Suba! 2y
Suet624 @CarolynM Thank you... I still have aches but at least the headache and fatigue are gone. Best wishes to you. 2y
Anna40 Hope you feel better soon 2y
Suet624 @Anna40 a little bit better every day. Thanks! 2y
tenar @Suet624 It‘s absolutely tough! I‘ve also read about a nasally administered booster in the works; hoping it both has fewer systemic effects and may improve our ability to fight the virus off right in the respiratory tract!🤞🏻 Definitely rooting hard for the scientists these days. Hope you keep feeling better day by day! 2y
RohitSawant Hope you're much better now, Sue! 2y
kspenmoll So sorry You had such a difficult reaction to your booster. I am way behind on checking your posts & missing you! 2y
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TracyReadsBooks
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#Two4Tuesday

1. Not on purpose…but I will get distracted by shiny new books thereby relegating ones I already own to the “I‘ll get to it sometime” stack.

2. Years and years and years. The tagged book, for instance, I bought in 2014 or 15 (I think) based on a friend‘s recommendation. I‘ll get to it…eventually…probably…😬

@TheSpineView

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! ❤📚❤ 2y
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bgelfeld
Power of One | Bryce Courtenay
Pickpick

One of the most inspirational, powerful, and moving books I‘ve ever read

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kwmg40
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Pickpick

This is a page-turning and inspirational coming-of-age story set in post-WWII South Africa. The book was sent to me by a fellow #BookCrossing member, which makes it even more special!

#ShutdownReadathon @Squidget

DieAReader 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 3y
Tineke The favourites roundabout right? I have read this copy too. 3y
kwmg40 @Squidget Thank you!

@Tineke Yes, that's right! I've discovered so many excellent books through the roundabout.
3y
29 likes3 comments
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Suet624
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Here are my picks for #bookspin. Can‘t wait for February 2nd.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y
Singout Need to check out “All Over Creation.” I loved Ozeki‘s earlier books. 3y
Suet624 @Singout I loved her earlier books too! I don't know why this particular book has been left to linger on my bookshelf for so long. 3y
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Tineke
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Pickpick

This is a rich coming of age story. Filled with hard things, but with a positive outlook. Lots of hope and hard work. Rich with so many subjects.
TBR since September 22nd. 2020, 513 pages.

Freespirit I read this book many years ago and I remember thinking it was great. 3y
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Curiouser_and_curiouser
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Pickpick

After work today I came home and spent 5 hours in bed listening and reading along, rewinding many times for various reasons, until the very end!
I am triumphant!!!
What a brilliant last few chapters and finale.
Very enjoyable and highly recommended 🙂

ljuliel Top 10 4y
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Curiouser_and_curiouser
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Pickpick

Almost there!
I began this book in 1995. I read through to halfway but DNF.
I picked it back up last year in 2019 & read it from the beginning, paired with the audiobook when in the car, & I'm still going, determined to finish but, honestly it's a bit of a struggle. Perhaps it's not my bag atm?

I have though, enjoyed this enlightening story, full of opportunities for little Peekay to grow & learn, & excel amongst Sth African politics. Absolutle!

Emu I loved this one when I read back in 1997. Maybe I should revisit it. 🙂 4y
Curiouser_and_curiouser Well it is a very good story. I've got a whole shelf of his other books, most of them are door stoppers! I think I'll take a break from Courteney for a while and read a few from my TBR 2020 list, then I'll tackle another one. Maybe Tandia? Which is the sequel to this one. Have you read any others of his? 4y
Emu Yes, I read Tandia, which was disappointing compared to TPoO. And I read Jessica, which I really enjoyed. 4y
Curiouser_and_curiouser @Emu ok, yes, I have imagined as much. I have Jessica and about 17 others, I collected a heap from the op shop recently, so they are waiting for me. Looking forward to exploring more of his work. 4y
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Curiouser_and_curiouser
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Pickpick

Even though I have a stack of books ready and (eagerly) waiting for 2020, I'm still working my way through The Power of One, carried over from last year, which, to be honest, I'm struggling to finish. The first half is great and you almost cant put it down, but after about half way my interest has dwindled, the same as it did 24 years ago when I first read it. I read til about halfway through and DNF.
Looks like I've only got about a quarter to go

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Curiouser_and_curiouser
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Pickpick

Ok, I had my eyes all ready for Atwood's Cats Eye and The Blind Assassin but inbetween my renewal limit to The Blind Assassin on audiobook & borrowing the hard copy I began re-reading The Power of One (both audio & book) & I just cant put it down!!!
Such an awesome book, bringing me to tears or laughter whether I'm driving around, washing the dishes or in the car waiting for the kids to finish school
So adventurous & moving but easy & fun to read

Kimberlone I have had this book for years and still haven‘t read it but the movie is so good and I highly recommend if you haven‘t seen it! 5y
Blaire One of my all-time favorites! 5y
Curiouser_and_curiouser @Kimberlone I'm pretty sure I have seen the movie but it was after I'd read the book the first time, and from memory I was disappointed. But I will look forward to seeing the movie again when I finish the novel as I am older and wiser than I was 25 years ago!! Lol. I'll check for it on Netflix & watch it with hubby as even though I've been going on about how great the book is, he isn't a reader. I hope you read it soon!! Let me know how you go 😊 5y
Curiouser_and_curiouser @Blaire I think its definitely up there in my favorite category too!! I'm looking forward to his other novels now. I've got two waiting for me on my shelves, recent op shop finds.... 😉 5y
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Curiouser_and_curiouser
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Pickpick

Got these 4 going on audiobook atm.

I began The Power of One 24 years ago (I've written the purchase date, 1995, inside the front cover) but I only got half way through. So I'm starting again and really enjoying it!! I'm reading both my paperback as well as the audio.

Audiobooks are so good for on the run mummies 😍😍😍

wen4blu Every year I consider rereading The Power of One, but it hasn‘t happened yet. 5y
Curiouser_and_curiouser @wen4blu Yeah, it's a thick book, but I must say even though I only read half of it many years ago, I can say it was profound and I did really enjoy what I read of it, I think it was life circumstances which caused me to not finish it at the time. I would suggest to just read the first few pages and that might be enough to draw you into this awesome book 😉 I hope you someday choose it. Good luck!! 5y
LoverOfLearning What app do you use to listen to audiobooks?? 4y
Curiouser_and_curiouser @LoverOfLearning I listen to audiobooks books on an App called Borrow Box, it's an app which you need to be a library member to use. So, to log in you need your library number and your password. It's all free of course. Ask if your local library has an app like this. Ours had a flyer and the library assistant helped me log in. It's the BEST! I hope your library has one too :) 4y
LoverOfLearning @Curiouser_and_curiouser wow very cool. I'll look into this! 4y
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Petelord
Pickpick

Loved this book

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bookishbitch
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Pickpick

The writing is absolutely sublime. Heartbreak and exhilaration. Good and evil. An amazing look at one boys journey into manhood. Plus I learned some of Africa's history along the way. It did take me a while to read because I wanted to really digest it as I went. I found it totally worth the time.

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bookishbitch
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Lunch break got a lot more comfortable with the new bench cushions.

Moony Wonderful Bookmark. Such a cool idea! 5y
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bookishbitch
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I really love this.

booklahoma It has always confounded me that so many people have extensive educations but have never truly learned how to think. 5y
bookishbitch @booklahoma It makes one worry for the human race at times. 5y
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bookishbitch
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"The photograph captured the exact moment when I understood with conviction that racism is a primary force of evil designed to destroy good men."

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bookishbitch
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Have you ever begun a book and loved the writing so much you don't even care what the story holds? This is where I am right now.

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Elma
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Thanks for the #giveaway! These books look amazing. I would start with The Power of One, because I loved the movie in college. #3books @MyBookSwapClub

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Bklover
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Thanks for the giveaway! I think I‘d start with The Power of One. It‘s the one I‘ve heard the least about! Know I‘d enjoy them all! #3books

AmyG The Power of One is just wonderful. Enjoy. 5y
Itchyfeetreader The power of one is a fabulous film I have the book on a wish list for when I have some time 5y
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Coleen_Nieto
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1. YES! Im listening to the tagged book now!
2. Usually any kind of house work. And driving.
3. I can't let my mind wander or think about anything else. I cam only did tasks that don't require thought.
4. If you get a narrator you don't enjoy listening to it's hard to focus.
5. Always regular speed.
@Ke633
#tellmetuesday

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Coleen_Nieto
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One of my favorite books, recommended by my dad years ago. He'll be gone 12th years on July 10th so a nice way to remember him.

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RebelReader
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1. The tagged book is wonderful and I think everyone should read it once.
2. Barcelona, Spain after I walk the Camino!
3. Welcome @kellyann28 to this wonderful community and thanks for doing this #giveaway.

kellyann28 Thank you for entering! ❤ 6y
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RebelReader
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Cinfhen Thanks for posting....not heard of this book #stacked 6y
AmyG I loved this book. I read it when it was assigned to my son in High School. @cinfhen it‘s SO good. 6y
RebelReader @Cinfhen I read it years ago and loved the characters so much. I have bought several copies because I lend it out and they get ratty. 6y
RebelReader @AmyG I love these fav posts because they make you remember wonderful books you haven‘t thought of in awhile. 6y
wen4blu I keep meaning to reread this one. It's a favorite! 6y
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RebelReader
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The tagged book is one of my all time favorites and will make you laugh and cry.
Litsy is a positive, supportive place and Littens are my tribe. I truly didn't know there were so many people as crazy about books as I am.
I picked 5 family members and friends as my support team because I'm doing the Whole 30 challenge. Today is day 8 and someone checks in with me every day! I'm so blessed!
Congrats @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks on your milestone!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thanks for sharing!! I‘ll have to research what that is exactly!! 😘❤️ 6y
wanderinglynn You can do it! 🎉 I‘ve done Whole30 3 times now. And every time, I do feel better. In fact, I‘m getting ready to start it again. I‘ve stated doing Whole30 about once every 3-4 months to keep resetting my eating habits as I tend to fall into what I call lazy eating (I live alone, so I eat out WAY too much). 😀 6y
RebelReader @wanderinglynn I think it would be tough to stick to if you had to eat out a lot. I have to admit it hasn't been that hard and my sugar and junk cravings are gone now. 😉 6y
wanderinglynn @RebelReader Yes, I found the first 4-5 days the hardest. After the first week, it gets easier & you‘ll feel a lot better. 😀 6y
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BooksBecomeYou
Power of One | Bryce Courtenay
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BooksBecomeYou
Power of One | Bryce Courtenay
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Rainy day, reading in the parent pick-up line. Arrived early so I could read a little longer. Peekay is a memorable character, always managing to bloom in the harsh, hateful conditions he keeps finding himself.

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BooksBecomeYou
Power of One | Bryce Courtenay
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Book of the week, with old plane ticket and Cracker Jack prize.

I use at least two bookmarks in every book (to track my daily pages), then leave them in the book to give extra life to my library. I also sign and date the last page when I finish a book. What are your book rituals?

CatConstellations Did u see what I texted now today? 6y
BooksBecomeYou Did you text me? If this is about pizza, what time is this thing happening tomorrow? 6y
revenge4porgy When I read, I read under the covers. I also have a journal with me in case I want to steal anything 6y
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ErikasMindfulShelf I always write my name, when I got the book and who gave it to me on the front cover. I like the idea of writing the day you finished it on the last page. 6y
BooksBecomeYou @revenge4porgy Great idea to have a journal on hand when you read! I need to do that. 6y
BooksBecomeYou @irre I love the idea of writing when and from whom - I am going to start doing this! 6y
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YouReadMyEyes
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1. My Little Prince artwork, as pictured. 🌟 💫 🌙 #TheLittlePrince #LePetitPrince
2. The tagged book has been on my shelf for over 15 years...unread 😳 I also really want to read The Stand and keep putting it off due to the size. This will be the year!
3. Hmmm? Well, at least I know what I‘ll be drinking with dinner... 🍷
4. #schnauzersoflitsy 🐶❤️🐶
5. Google says The Aquitaine Progression. GH says The Sicilian by Mario Puzo.

#HumpDayPost

MinDea I love Let Petit Prince! 6y
YouReadMyEyes @MinDea 😊💛😊 6y
86 likes2 comments
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PNWBookseller85
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My favorite book from my school days. The photo is just from Google. I don‘t know what happened to my copy. I read this book over and over again my senior year of high school. #riotgrams

TheBookStacker I love this book, I try to give it to everyone I know! This one and 6y
Kaye Excellent book. 6y
Erinreadsthebooks Yes! So good! 6y
LeahBergen A favourite of mine! ❤️ 6y
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StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
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****TRIGGER WARNING ***
The feminist in me came out
#riotgram #spinepoetry #timesup

When She Woke
Stiff, Quiet
Far From The Madding Crowd

Not That Kind Of Girl
Me Before You
Stolen

Speak
The Power Of One
We Need To Talk About Kevin

kspenmoll 👏🏻👏🏻 6y
CouronneDhiver Wowzers! 🏆 6y
Kaye Power of One is a wonderful book. 6y
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YouReadMyEyes
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This book has been unread, sitting on my bookshelf since around 2001 😳 I hope its feeling aren‘t hurt. One of these days I will read it. #24in48readathon #sharetheshame #24in48

Kaye Gosh, this is a great book ! Hope you get to it soon. Well worth the time. ✨✨✨ 6y
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Updrifting
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"... besides love, independence of thought is the greatest gift an adult can give a child." #greatreads #southafricanliterature

AmyG What a good book. My kids had to read it for school so I read it, too. 6y
Updrifting @AmyG I loved it! I've heard the other book to read from SA is "Cry the Beloved Country," but I haven't read that one. ? 6y
AmyG I haven‘t read that either. 6y
CatLass007 I read this years ago and loved it! 6y
Updrifting @CatLass007 It's been a while for me, too! But it was so inspiring. 6y
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Naiomi78
Pickpick

I love all books by #brycecourtenay

jfalkens Welcome to Litsy and happy reading 😊🎊📖🎉📚 6y
Naiomi78 Thank you. Once I figure out his all out I will have hundreds of books to upload here 6y
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Emmers
Power of One | Bryce Courtenay
Pickpick

After all these years, it's still one of my favorite books.

RaimeyGallant Welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon And here's a compilation of Litsy tips that some of us put together:
http://litsy.com/p/aDJja2lMZFFY
6y
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AmyG
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My kids read this in High School...so I read it, too. I always read what they had to read. Wonderful book. #NOVEMBERBYTHENUMBERS

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amycollard
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Pickpick

Loved this book so much! Which surprised me, because so much of it is about boxing, which I have never liked. But Peekay, the boy who narrates this story, is the best. It tells the story of South Africa in the 1930's and 40's. As a white British child, he's ostracized because he's not Boer (white Afrikaner). But through his eyes you see the history of horrible oppression of the black population before it was officially called apartheid. Powerful.

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BarbaraJean
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One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight #numbertitles! #riotgrams

emilyhaldi 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 7y
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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
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"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete, the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further, or box better." #rockinmay #dontstopbelievin

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Catartbrt

"One thing is certain in life. Just when things are going well, soon afterward they are certain to go wrong. It's just the way things are meant to be."

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theshrinkette
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So my cousin recommended this to me....thoughts?

Centique I loved it .... but it was so long ago that I read it. Maybe 20 years? Some scenes have stayed with me and they were full of the feels! And I bought the hard cover so that's saying something 👍 7y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag I haven't read this particular book but he's a great author - bits of the story will undoubtedly stick with you (bits of Jessica have certainly stayed with me) his books are all massive tho 🤔 7y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ this book! 7y
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PNWBookseller85 I love this book too!! 7y
Eyelit One of my faves! 7y
bmsddk There were several gritty scenes (in my opinion), but the story kept me reading. Hope you enjoy it! 7y
38 likes5 stack adds6 comments
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Blaire
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Here is one I'm planning to reread,but am nervous about rereading because it was the perfect reading experience the first time around. Read in one day, lying on the front of a sailboat in glorious weather. (My usual reread are all the Anne of green gables books). #reread #booktober #recommendsday

Eyelit I ❤️❤️❤️ this book and I've been afraid to reread as well. Have you read the follow up? 7y
Blaire @Eyelit I haven't. Will check it out. This one is one of my all-time favorites. I really want to revisit but couldn't stand to be disappointed. 7y
BillVT I loved Tandia too. Great to visit with old friends and meet new ones too. 7y
17 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Hoopiefoot
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For as many sports that I've watched and played in my life I have surprisingly few books about them on my shelves. But I read this one in high school and it's really stuck with me. #funfridayphoto

Penny_LiteraryHoarders Great, great read!! 8y
tanged Love this one!! 8y
LeahBergen Oh, this is a fave! 8y
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SarahBZ
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My top shelf holds my all time favorites and here is a portion of it. #augustofpages #bookphotochallenge

MrBook Very nice! 😊👍🏻 8y
Eyelit ❤️ Bryce Courtenay! 8y
10 likes2 comments
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EmilyChristine

Not sure what the first "adult" book was that I read. But I remember grabbing this one off my high school library shelf. And it was fascinating. I hadn't read anything like it before.