The Karate Kid meets Gran TurinoYoung Sam has long ebony hair, caramel skin, a wicked kick, and he is hated by many. An old man holds a bitterness for him, just waiting for the boy to screw up, and when a young girl exploits him in a deplorable manner, Mr. Seamington’s wish comes true. Years later, as Sam drives to the dojo one afternoon, he grips the steering wheel as he witnesses a horrific … horrific scene. Sam has two choices: he can help those who have hated him all his life…or he can watch them die. Inspired by a true story.
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ONE UNIQUE EYE-OPENER
Sensational! Sandy nailed this little gem with 100% on point realism, weaving treads of faith and inspiration into this little jewel, praying for acceptance and sanctuary and finding home, melding this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. Lines become blurred and boundaries are crossed, limitations are amplified and exploited, limitations are amplified and bent, shifting this baby into overdrive, kicking it into a tailspin with a life changing realization. Surprising circumstances and vexing mishaps, swirl with the taxing trials and heartfelt tribulations, spinning alongside the deadly twists and shocking turns, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Throw in drama, tension, turmoil, racism, prejudice, danger, suspense and intense situations, you have one breathtaking masterpiece. The attraction and chemistry grows as each layer is peeled back exposing intense emotions, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with qualities and traits that add depth and diversity, blending into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that’s so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Sandy, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Racism seems to never die. This book show how love can help you through the pain and hate. It catches you right from the start with characters that almost jump off the pages with the reality of the feelings they go through. This is a new author and I have read one other of her books and so far I have been pleased. I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review.
This book gave me all the feels. It took a little while for me to be invested, but then I could not put it down! This book took place in the 80’s, and the racism shown in that context is heart breaking, but real. I enjoyed the pace of the story, which covered a decade. All the feels. I didn’t even realize it was actually based on a true story until the author’s note at the end. After finishing the book, I keep thinking about it. It was a GREAT read!
The book is very well written. I have never read anything by this author and was pleasantly surprised. The story is of Sam – a Native American boy and his struggles with racism and bullying. The story begins when Sam is 12 years old and faces racism for the first time. Throughout high school, he is bullied.
Karate is Sam’s life. He dreams of winning the world karate championship and owning his own dojo one day. He is focused and disciplined, and also a very nice young man. Sam was always one to stand up for the “little guy”. I think that’s part of the reason he was bullied. He was also manipulated by a young lady.
You will be cheering for Sam throughout the entire book. Through everything he goes through, it doesn’t change who he is. He doesn’t become bitter or angry. He does the right thing.
Racial prejudice made no sense to twelve-year-old Sam, a student at the local dojo. So, instead of fighting back, he put all his efforts into working towards a black belt and learning all he could from his Sensei. During his teenage years he was attacked, more than once and almost died.
This is a story of how Sam used his skills to fight in the only way he wanted – by being the best at what he did and earning the respect of people around him.
This novel includes a cast of many characters – boys and girls, men and women, and one young woman willing to do anything to make Sam her husband. The characters are well developed, and the story is well thought out. It points out that love and respect win in the long run.
This book was provided by the author. The opinions are strictly my own.
This book hooked me from the get go I just couldn’t put it down I fell in love with these characters and omg what a story just a perfect
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
A well written story that is captivating to say the least. A suspenseful read that keeps you turning the pages. The characters are engaging and the story line moves smoothly. A wonderful story to get lost in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve never read a book with a focus in karate. It was very interesting and educational. The other theme of racism was dealt with very well. There were strong characters and a solid storyline – which isn’t a surprise since this is based on truth. I appreciated the seriousness that was used with this book. It was well written and thorough. This is my first book by this author, but I’m looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I totally loved this book. The characters were engaging and the plot and storyline moved smoothly. The storyline kept me at the edge of my seat turning page after page. Don’t miss out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book I’ve had the pleasure of reading by Sandy Appleyard and I was not disappointed in the least. The writer managed to keep the suspense going from page to page. She also managed to bring the reader in with a real sense of the racism and discrimination that Sam faced. With amazingly written pages that so accurately depict the characters, the reader will feel like they are standing right in front of them. My heart broke at times, but I also couldn’t help falling in love with the heart of the story. Phenomenal job!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.