Echoes of a Distant Summer: A Novel

Book Description

“You done lived a tough life, boy, and I know I’m part responsible for that. I ain’t askin’ you to excuse me or forgive me. Just know I did the best I knew to do. I was just tryin’ to make you tough enough to deal with the world. To stand tall among men, I knew you had to be strong and have yo’ own mind.”

“You were preparing me for war, Grandfather.”

Guy Johnson, the author of the critically acclaimed debut Standing at the Scratch Line, continues the Tremain family saga.

Jackson St. Clair Tremain hasn’t spoken to his grandfather King in nearly twenty years. Disgusted by the violence and bloodlust that seemed to be his grandfather’s way of life, Jackson chose to distance himself from King and live a simpler life. But now King is gravely ill, and his impending death places Jackson’s life—as well as those of his family and friends—in jeopardy. Reluctantly, Jackson travels to Mexico to see King. But after a brief reconciliation, his grandfather is assassinated, and Jackson suspects that his grandmother Serena may have had a hand in it. Jackson takes control of King’s organization, and as he does, he reflects on the summers he spent in Mexico as a child and the lessons he learned there at the knee of his strong-willed, complex grandfather.

In Echoes of a Distant Summer, Guy Johnson introduces us to a new hero, Jackson St. Clair Tremain, who learns that, like his grandfather, he must be willing to protect those he loves—at all costs.

Customer Reviews:

Worth reading again, and again, and again, and again..........2007-04-23

I loved both Guy Johnson's books. Living now in the bay area I can completely see the places he talks about in the book and picture myself there. I love the way he uses retrsopection and how well he links the two. I love Jackson Tremain's character and how the character evolves and changes when confronted with his grandfather's past. Can't believe or agree with Elizabeth's decision at the end, but it makes for a very circle of life kind of ending. Read Standing at the Scratch Line first to get the whole story behind it.

A must-read.......2007-03-28

I was skeptical at first, that him being Maya Angelou's son made him think that was enough to make him a writer. He proved me SOOOO wrong (and I am glad!) I am usually not a fan of the gangster world, but he drew me in so fast with this book. Every bit was a delight to read. I actually read them starting with Echoes, and then moved to Standing, and I thought it worked well, changed my perspective of King. The only disappointment I have is that it's been a few years since these came out, and I haven't seen anything else by him. Hopefully that will change soon.

This story comes alive!!!.......2006-12-24

Encore!! Excellent read! I can not recall a book that I enjoyed as much as I enjoyed these two books. Would love to see it on the BIG Screen. Thank you so much Mr. Johnson. If you haven't read it, get them both and take some time off from work because you won't be able to put the books down.

What Must Be Done - It's time for that movie!.......2006-08-12

Do we have to get find and send a director to Guy Johnson with a planeful of actors... someone get this to the big screen! If Tyler Perry can commercialize Madea, I am confused why we can't have these books made into a movie. Heck, I have someone willing to do it! Let's face it, the world isn't a perfect place and less than perfect personalities bring out some interesting public discourse (Black women made Madea). Not all our inspirational people are noble God fearing and pious so why should our make believe "larger than life" folk be any different. One reviewer examined the historic accuracy of the book. While being a noble observation it misses the point that Black Folk, African Americans ...and for that fact Americans and the world need to be able to tell the truth in real historic events let alone the fictional stories. Further, in bring on a sense of Black Folk place in this world, there is still much to do with dismantling the rediculous vision of the timid, unlearned, unpatriotic, lazy, morally bankrupt Black Male that American has underwritten for all these hundreds of years. How long will these perpetuate? Answer: Until Black Folk change these images and begin telling their own stories... one by one; fiction and non-fiction alike. Lord knows, currently there aren't enough Black Historians to undo the less than honest works of the legions of half-truth historians America has seen and not enough Jewish historians to care (much Black is written by our Jewish friends). These stories will, like the lies that preceded them, go a long way toward gaining a foothold on the destiny of human kind everywhere.. not just Black Folk! Our destiny is tied together and human kind will never be whole nor great until nobody is allowed to be viewed as "less than."

Excellent-A Must Read.......2006-02-21

Guy Johnson shows that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree". Being Maya Angelou's son has to be a burdent, but Mr. Johnson shows in both of his King Tremain books that he has made a name for himself. A must read for anyone who values excellent reading material.

Book Description

After Ben Holiday purchased Landover, he discovered the magic kingdom had some problems. The Barons refused to recognize a king and the peasants were without hope. To make matters worse, Ben learned that he had to duel to the death with the Iron Mask, the terrible lord of the demons--a duel which no human could hope to win....

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Depressed lawyer goes kingly.

With his wife dead and being a lawyer basically sucking the really big one, the protagonist of the piece decides to do something outlandish. He sees an ad in a strange trade publication for the titular place, and having plenty of cash, decides to buy it.

When he does, he has a bunch of work ahead of him as the place is falling apart, which is why it is so cheap. With an oddball sidekick crew he has to do something about it. Completely not very serious.

Adventure For Sale.......2007-08-02

This is the first time I have read a book by Terry Brooks. I don't read much Sci-Fi, but this sounded fun. I was not disappointed. This was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a while. This story has it all, adventure, mystery, suspense, comedy, romance... The characters are well developed and each has it's own personality.

Ben Holiday, an attorney and widower, finds an ad in a high-end catalog for a magic kingdom. The ad promises dragons and castles, fairies and sorcerors. Ben, who is tired and disgusted with his current life, decides to check it out. A million dollars later, he finds himself the owner of Landover. Landover is a magical place that has gone without a King for many years and it will be Ben's job, along with his small cast of supporters; a wizard, a talking dog, and a beautiful girl who becomes a tree, and 2 monkey-like creatures who never stop grinning to bring Landover back to it's restored condition.

There is nothing to complain about or dislike with this book. It's fun and well written. I enjoyed it so much, I have purchased the rest of the series. Give it a try, you'll have a good time.

Wonderfully fun read.......2007-07-16

I just love this series by Terry Brooks! It is such a fun, light read. It is well-written, the characters are interesting, the plot keeps your interest, and it's just plain comical. This book is not terribly deep so if you want something that will really make you stop and think, this is not it. If you want, however, something that will give you a few hours enjoyment, then this is the book for you. Check out the other books in the series, too. They are also very fun.

Hey finally, a not so typical fantasy book, thats actually good!.......2007-07-10

After losing a little faith in Terry Brooks after reading Shannarra, being extremely put off because it was just a rip off of LOTR, I was a litle hesitant in reading this book, but once I did i quickly found myself absorbed in the story.
Funny and a lot different from standard quest type epic fantasies, I found this to be refreshing and enjoyable break. The plot was interesting as well, but I won't get into that to prevent spoiling it for anyone.
So if you like fantasy but are a little tired of the same old plot clothed with different characters and worlds, then read this book. You'll enjoy it.

Best series ever!.......2007-07-07

I love this series, these books are awesome. I tried to read the shannara books by terry brooks and they are just plain dull compared to Magic Kingdom. This book is interesting and funny, I love it.

Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold (Magic Kingdom of Landover)

Average customer rating:

Great Story by a great story teller...

Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold (Magic Kingdom of Landover)
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Orbit
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1857232569

Customer Reviews:

Great Story by a great story teller..........2007-02-12

Terry Brooks has a great story here. I was skeptical at 1st I don't like mixing fantasy with reality but it was such a great story and flowed so well I just loved it. Thanks Terry for another great series. The Kobolds in this book changed my whole world perspective on these little creatures.

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Magic Kingdom for Sale ( Sold ! )
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O7JFKU

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Magic Kingdom for Sale - Sold!

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HILJTG

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Magic Kingdom For SAle Sold
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Orbit
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KL5JUK

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Magic Kingdom For Sale Sold
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RMT0B6

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Magic Kingdom for Sale, Sold!
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S5ZUS4

Average customer rating:

Magic Kingdom for Sale--Sold-T

Manufacturer: Del Rey Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

5 Titles By Terry Brooks Magic Kingdom of Landover Series (1-5) : 1. Magic Kingdom for Sale - Sold 2. The Black Unicorn 3. Wizard At Large 4. The Tangle Box 5. Witches' Brew

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5 Titles By Terry Brooks Magic Kingdom of Landover Series (1-5) : 1. Magic Kingdom for Sale - Sold 2. The Black Unicorn 3. Wizard At Large 4. The Tangle Box 5. Witches' Brew
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VTFLRM

Product Description

multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.

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Magic Kingdom for Sale - Sold!
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000S5PE7Q

Book Description

The mind of Ray Bradbury is a wonder-filled carnival of delight and terror that stretches from the verdant Irish countryside to the coldest reaches of outer space. Yet all his work is united by one common thread: a vivid and profound understanding of the vast seet of emotionsthat bring strength and mythic resonance to our frail species. Ray Bradbury characters may find themselves anywhere and anywhen. A horrified mother may give birth to a strange blue pyramid. A man may take Abraham Linkoln out of the grave--and meet another who puts him back. An amazing Electrical Grandmother may come to live with a grieving family. An old parrort may have learned over long evenings to imitate the voice of Ernest Hemingway, and become the last link to the last link to the great man. A priest on Mars may confront his fondest dream: to meet the Messiah. Each of these magnificient creations has something to tell us about our own humanity--and all of their fates await you in this new trade edition of twenty-eight classic Bradbury stories and one luscious poem. Travel on an unpredictable and unforgettable literary journey--safe in the hands of the century's great men of imagination.

The mind of Ray Bradbury is a wonder-filled carnival of delight and terror that stretches from the verdant Irish countryside to the coldest reaches of outer space. Yet all his work is united by one common thread: a vivid and profound understanding of the vast set of emotions that bring strength and mythic resonance to our frail species. Ray Bradbury characters may find themselves anywhere and anywhen. A horrified mother may give birth to a strange blue pyramid. A man may take Abraham Lincoln out of the grave--and meet another who puts him back. An amazing Electrical Grandmother may come to live with a grieving family. An old parrot may have learned over long evenings to imitate the voice of Ernest Hemingway, and became the last link to the great man. A priest on Mars may confront his fondest dream: to meet the Messiah. Each of these magnificent creations has something to tell us about our humanity--and all of their fates await you in this new trade edition of twenty-eight classic Bradbury stories and one luscious poem. Travel on an unpredictable and unforgettable literary journey--safe in the hands of one the centurys great men of imagination.

Customer Reviews:

Decent collection, but not Bradbury's best.......2007-01-20

I have read many sci-fi short stories, and by far Bradbury's are often my favorites. This collection though, I consider sub par. It is jumbled and some of the stories aren't even sci-fi are seem out of place. The collection has many great stories, but I don't recommend it to people new to Bradbury; if you haven't read "The Illustrated Man", I suggest it over this collection.

Not Bradbury at his Best.......2005-09-12

I would like to note, as have some other reviewers, that I am working from the 18 story collection. It saddens me to say this, but these stories are a far cry from some of Bradbury's other material, and hardly worth the time for modern readers. Bradbury has an unnerving tendancy in his short stories to be one-dimensional, hokey, and heavy-handed; all these characteristics are on display in this collection. Also, I am willing to forigive his portraits of women in some of his earlier work, but these stories date as late as the 1960s, and Bradbury has to learn to write women in ways that are not hysterical or conniving.

While there are moments when Bradbury is able to recapture some of the awe and beauty of his earlier work, much of this is, sadly, sentimental hackery. Stories like "Any Friend of Nicholas Nickleby's is a Friend of Mine" and "The Man in the Rorscharch Shirt" are so obvious and dull as to be difficult to finish reading. "Tomorrow's Child" is so absolutely ridiculous and wrong-headed that is almost makes a person angry. I've read quite a bit of Bradbury, and this was the first book of his where I have had trouble reaching the end. "The Inspired Chicken Motel" is the one bright spot, I felt, where Bradbury manages to stumble into a father and son's shared sense of wonder, and their desire to believe in some kind cosmic meaning, revealed in an omen. Other than that, the stories are rote and uninspiring.

There is plenty of great Bradbury out there; I love Dandelion Wine, Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and Something Wicked This Way Comes. All those books are worth owning. But not everything Bradbury ever wrote is genius, and certainly not _I Sing the Body Electric!_

Ray Bradbury -- untalented, or merely incompetent?.......2005-07-10

In the fifth edition of "Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians", the article on Rachmaninov affirms that the popularity of his works is proof they aren't very good. By that reasoning, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms must be even worse composers.

But there is _some_ truth to the idea that popularity and "quality" are inversely related. Ray Bradbury, arguably the most popular 20th century writer of fantasy and science fiction, is a perfect example. Bradbury is a writer for people who have no imaginations of their own.

I read a lot of science fiction when I was young. (Fantasy had not become as popular as it is today.) By a wide margin, no writer struck me as consistently awful as Bradbury.

Why? None was quite so _obvious_ -- Bradbury telegraphed his punches in the titles of his stories! His treatment of any idea was often heavy-handed and sentimental. And he claimed priority for any work with even the least resemblance to one of his (qv, "The Foghorn" and "Beast from 20,000 Fathoms"). I don't know whether "Boys, Grow Giant Mushrooms in Your Basement!" predates Philip K. Dick's "The Father-Thing", but if it had, Bradbury surely would have sued.

It's about time (while Mr. Bradbury is still alive) to proclaim him the semi-competent mediocrity he is. There, I said it. He also needs a kick to the knees for his inane use of Whitman's "I sing the body electric", a reference to human sensuality and sexuality, to title a story about an asexual, unsensual android.

I sing the body electric;
The armies of those I love engirth me, and I engirth them;
They will not let me off till I go with them, respond to them,
And discorrupt them, and charge them full with the charge of the Soul.

Was it doubted that those who corrupt their own bodies conceal themselves;
And if those who defile the living are as bad as they who defile the dead?
And if the body does not do as much as the Soul?
And if the body were not the Soul, what is the Soul?

I find it amazing Ray Harryhausen has put up with him for 70 years.

"I Sing The Additional Grip/Electric!".......2003-05-15

(Please note that the edition I am reviewing is the older publication that contains only the original 18 works that make up I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC!.)

I usually adore Ray Bradbury short story collections, but I think it would be more honest of me to say that I "merely" very much enjoyed I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC!. While I wouldn't rank this as his best work, it contains a number of seductively powerful moments. It's a wonderful set of quite varied fiction, however not all of the stories gave me the same emotional charge that I get out of other selections of Bradbury's writing. It's still a compilation worth reading, of course, since even Bradbury on a mediocre day is still better than the vast majority of short story writers.

As with other Bradbury collections, it is difficult to characterize the feel of this. The stories cover a smorgasbord of topics; included are stories about Mars colonies, Irish peasants, supernatural chickens, electric grandmothers, and a host of other mind-bending fictions. You have to admire his creativity if nothing else. And he has a fantastic way of making even the most bizarre of artifacts seem as familiar as apple pie and the smell of freshly cut grass. His characters are painted with broad strokes, but they're so carefully crafted that you'll feel as though you've known them all your life.

Some of my favorite Bradbury stories are his most basic and uncomplicated ones, I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC! being no exception. THE KILIMANJARO DEVICE is a simple tribute to Ernest Hemmingway written with a deceptive elegance. The science fiction overtones of DOWNWIND FROM GETTYSBURG, THE LOST CITY OF MARS and the titular story mask some very real human emotions. In some stories, youth and old age are brought together, with childlike enthusiasm touching characters at all points during their lives. In other stories, depression and gloom are all-encompassing and inescapable.

On the other hand, there are a few stories that I just didn't care for. And I must admit that the poem at the end (CHRISTUS APOLLO) did very little for me. Still, it's testament to Bradbury's ability as a writer that the poorest stories can only fill me with mild indifference. Very little here blew me away in the manner of his DANDELION WINE book, but there is nothing that I would refuse to read again.

I enjoyed I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC! during my initial read. But I found myself appreciating the stories even more the second time around. Bradbury excels at painting the whole spectrum of humanity, from the most noble to its most pathetic. And he turns both extremes into very compelling stories. This is probably not his greatest collection, but it is definitely not one to be skipped.

Wonderful!.......2003-04-10

When I was about 14, I went through a several year phase of reading every science fiction book I could get my hands on. And now, fifteen years later, I decided to go back and try to read a few of the books I remembered. I especially remember enjoying books by Asimov, Bradbury, Dick, Wells and a few others. This was the first one I happened to read, and I was amazed. The first few stories were kind of 'iffy', but I was quickly pulled into each and every story. Ray Bradbury has a writing talent that few today can replicate. His mastery of words and his imagination are amazing.

I've read a few 'modern' sci-fi, and they've all failed to impress me. The true wonder of sci-fi is in books like this. Sure some of the ideas are out-dated, but who cares? It is science-fiction. Stephen King and the others I read didn't seem to capture the wonder that is in books like this.

I know that some prefer modern sci-fi, but for me, the 'oldies' are where the great science-fiction lies.

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I Sing the Body Electric! And Other Stories
Ray Bradbury
Manufacturer: Subterranean Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VGRWYK

Average customer rating:
I Sing the Body Electric: And Other Stories
R Bradbury
Manufacturer: Rebound by Sagebrush
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 141767167X

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This Stuff Is Really Happening - WAKE UP, PEOPLE

contains intriguing ideas concerning apocalyptic events

Millennium: Peace, Promises, and the Day They Take Our Money Away
Texe Marrs
Manufacturer: Rivercrest Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Prophecies | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Prophecy | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1930004079

Book Description

The sparkling 1990s! Gateway to an incredible Seventh Millennium of man on planet Earth. Economies are booming, money flowing, communist regimes in disarray, democracy on the rise. Peace is breaking out all over, and interest in religion is at an all-time high. Politicians promise the best is yet to come. What could possibly go wrong?

Millennium reveals astonishing Bible prophecies for our day. Will the coming United States of Europe pave the way for the Antichrist? Is a reunited and arrogant Germany about to produce a monstrous new "Hitler" and a Fourth Reich? Will they take our money away and issue "new" currency as financial panic grips America and economic disaster plunges the nations into dark depression? Could mounting global catastrophes and international crises cause peoples everywhere to cry out for World Government? Is there a mysterious conspiracy by false "Christs" and religious cults to set up a One World Religion? And most important: Will Jesus himself return in the next few years to establish His glorious Millennial Kingdom?

Customer Reviews:

This Stuff Is Really Happening - WAKE UP, PEOPLE.......2002-04-16

His critics dismiss Texe Marrs with the label "Fundamentalist Christian." So be it. But at least he takes a stand. At least he reads the Bible of his faith. At least he applies it to the world around him.

I like Marrs' books. They have the excitement of conspiracy theory. But grounded in Bible study. If you don't believe in the Bible (or are afraid your friends will think you're a nut if you do) you probably won't like his books. But if you're into Bible prophecy, and use the Christian Bible to guide your life, then I think you'll appreciate Marrs' perspective.

I'll admit, I try not to put any Christian writer on a pedestal. God is still the definitive Author. But there's a place for writers who use the Bible to comment on current events. I appreciate the work they do. Especially when it prompts me to go back and read Bible passages they've pointed out.

So, Mr. Marrs: I thank you for taking so much flak, yet still keeping the faith. And I eagerly await your next book.

contains intriguing ideas concerning apocalyptic events.......1999-04-20

This is a presentation of the possible events that will usher in the reign of the Antichrist. Key event is a worldwide financial crisis and desperate people in need of a solution. The solution will be offered by a group of conspirators, or "money masters." Countries will no longer have individual currencies, but a one-world currency will be initiated. Some of the theories presented involve timelines which have about expired, there is repetition in thought and ideas, and some of the ideas presented seem extreme. Still, it is not possible to dismiss all of the book as lunacy, and a few of the ideas stick in the mind and raise questions about what is happening in the world of today and in the United States.

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