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

Loved this book. Had to make myself slow down and take it in. Planning on rereading it soon.

I stand with King Tremain because my story and life have been captured in many parts of King's story. Growing up in the 60s, abandoned by my father, I enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was trained to kill. There were times when I suffered at the hands of our own forces more than any other military. Unlike King, I turned to education. Yet the battles raged on as racism, prejudice, and discrimination continue to be a part of my life as an educator and Black man in the US, 40 years on. Similarly, King's wife destroyed his efforts at family and my 1st wife did the same, by taking my son from me. The insidious and selfish nature of these actions have impacted everyone involved. I'm searching for my only son. Like King, I'm a flawed man. I can only hope that the American tragedy of my stolen son ends with the hopefulness King had for his grandson and his family living a legacy of togetherness that's been withheld from me. I love this story. I read it and listened. Looking forward to the sequel!

I cared about the characters and the outcome of almost every skirmish and there was constant tension so there was rarely disengagement. Like j California Cooper with a serious edge... or a Scorsese Movie with authentic black characters

He is an inspiring depiction of a man the younger generation needs. Thank you Mr. Johnson from an older black man. I hope Amazon will support more books on this level.

This tale takes place over a period less than 50 years but seems like several lifetimes. The characterst are rich and vivid. Our book club loved it enough to re-read it every few years.

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.

This novel is so well written. It shows the struggle, ingenuity and the grit of African Americans as they have fought to move progressively in America. The story of Bordeaux (King) Tremain is tough but most of his interactions are not only to better his standing but that of his community; especially those who could not fight for themselves. This is one of the best stories I have read.

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.

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