Standing at the Scratch Line: A Novel (Strivers Row)

"Say what?!?!" is what I said AFTER I downloaded it and realized just how MANY pages there were in this book! But oh my, it is a page turner to put all other page turners in their place. It is a riveting story. I am a pacifist so beware it has a lot of violence. But I loved it! I am so glad my friends recommended the book to me!

Peace....One of the BEST novels ever written! I would recommend this book to anyone who has the time to read a GREAT book. Peace!

This book should be required reading for all African-American boys! It sets the standards for what it means to be a strong black man and the true values of Friends and Family.

Best book I ever read! Love the plot and seamless weaving of the storyline. The author has a wonderful understanding of history, which helps this to be a historical novel as well, taking us over a fifty year span. It is not delicate in its racial sensitivities. Also, it sheds light on discrimination within the American black culture. I feel this should be required reading in high schools. It is as intoxicating as A Farewell to Arms, Invisible Man,To Kill a Mocking Bird, Native Son, the Color Purple and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Especially recommended for black males because it is Empowering! It shows a man's man who demonstrates bravery, honor, entrepreneurship, ownership and loyalty. Most of all he's Unapologetically Black. Hail King Tremain :) FYI: You should know that this is actually a prequel to the author's first novel, "Echoes of a Distant Summer", which is not as well written but gave birth to King Tremain's character.

Extremely well written novel that details the life of Leroi (King) Tremain. Leroi was born and raised in the south during the early 1900. The author does a superior job in narrating the circumstances of Tremain's life. Although he lived in an era where Jim Crow laws flourished those laws did not control Leroi. He challenged the very people who hid behind those laws to make themselves feel privileged for not being born with darker skin. Leroi was so bold that he was given the nickname "King" short for King of Death while he was in the Army during WWI. I have read many books and this by far is one of the best books that I have ever read. It is true to life contains those deep things about right and wrong and narrates the universal consequences for wrong deeds. This is not just a book with subject matter on black and white but also a book about the complications of family. Guy Johnson - your book should be made into a movie! Five Stars of enlightening knowledge and entertainment.

This was one of the best novels that I have ever read! The authors expertise in creating imagery was exceptional. His ability to relate the various episodes in a cogent and relevant manner maintained ones interest to the extent that the book was hard to put down and I looked forward to continuing my next reading session. I was so intrigued with his first novel that I couldn't wait to read "Echoes of a distant summer" and I must say, I was similarly enamored with it.

I read this book years ago and fell in love with it. King is one hell of a well written character. I wish there was something nice I could say about his wife Serena but there's not. I grew up with the dark skin stigma and was picked on as well for it. So I was emotionally invested in this book from the beginning. I'm glad to have it in my collection. It's worth reading multiple times.

One my two favorite books

A very good book for men. The main character was violent, but had principles

Love this book. It is a classic! Even glad that I found a first edition of it in such a wonderful condition.