I have seen the movie numerous times, and love it. And i'm really glad that i already loved the movie, because if i'd read the book first, i'm fairly certain i would not have liked the movie. Too many differences, although the feeling of the book and the movie are quite similar.

The book was awesome. I'd recommend it to just about anyone who likes to read. ( )

Did I thoroughly enjoy a book where boxing is featured...remarkably yes. A boys journey from the horrors of boarding school to apartheid South Africa. With many stops in between that are worth the ride. ( )

My all-time favorite novel. Reading doesn't get much better than this. I could never forget Peekay. This novel develops so many memorial characters as well. I've read it twice, and plan to do a third reading. If you read this and enjoy it, be sure to read Courtney's "Tandia" for another great story and more of Peekay. Much thanks to Adam Silvers for giving me this book. ( )

Here's what I wrote about this read in 2010: "Very nice. Story of a highly capable and determined boy English boy growing up on South Africa in the late 1930's through early 1950's. Witness the seeds of apartheid, and the ability of people to significantly touch and impact others." ( )

*4.5 Stars*
// 100 pages to still read

I don't know when I'll have time to finish the last hundred pages, but for now, it's a strong 4.5. I loved Peekay as the main character and the emotional range Mr. Courtney gave him; I don't think we see enough male characters with such a knack for caring and loving. I also really enjoyed how school-boy adventure it felt, and how it all almost seemed to have a happy ending– we just don't get a lot of those in everyday life and I'm a sucker for it. The multitude of parental figures Peekay has as well was really cool to see instead of the typical trope of adults constantly letting down kids we seem to see so much in teen literature, and I just liked how positive the book's message was in all accounts. Having had my own tough childhood I like to think my past experiences have helped me grow for the better instead of hurting me in the long run. It's only shy of 5 stars because I found it a bit long winded at times (3 pages dedicated to describing the land where cacti grow), and I'm not a particularly fast reader so the hours just seemed to pile up. Still good and I still recommend; I learned a lot about the South African cultural climate as well as the power of one ;;;) ( )