Run with the Horsemen (Penguin Contemporary American Fiction Series) [Paperback]

Ferrol Sams (Author)

Book Description

Series: Penguin Contemporary American Fiction Series | Publication Date: July 3, 1984

A boy's account of growing up in the South during the depression era. Both a rare first novel and a new American classic, Sams novel has been compared to Tom Sawyer and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The writing is elegant, reflective and amused. Dr. Sams is a storyteller sure of his audience . . . and gifted with perfect timing." -- The New York Times

The writing is elegant, reflective and amused. Dr. Sams is a storyteller sure of his audience...and gifted with perfect timing. -- The New York Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Ferrol Sams lives with his wife in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he practices medicine. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (July 3, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140072748
• ISBN-13: 978-0140072747
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly An American Classic!!!, November 22, 2001

By 

Erik J. Fortmeyer "beerisjoy" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Run with the Horsemen (Penguin Contemporary American Fiction Series) (Paperback)

A friend sent me a paperback copy of this book for a present recently. I had never heard of it before (I am a "Yankee" by birth) but, got around to reading it. (...) Ferrol Sams is one of the most witty and insightful storytellers I have ever read, and that includes Faulkner and Richard Ford! Anyone from age 14 on up who appreciates a great, fun read will absolutely love this novel. It is the first novel of a trilogy from this still writing Georgian author and doctor. You will feel the part of a kid again reading about the exploits of the brilliant but small "Boy" named Porter Osborne Jr. on his family's Georgia farm during the Great Depression. It doesn't matter what part of America you are from, you will love this brilliant example of true storytelling! BUY IT AND LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Laughed Outloud, January 2, 2003

By 

sandy robideau "robideau" (Eureka, MT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Run with the Horsemen (Penguin Contemporary American Fiction Series) (Paperback)

I always bought a lot of books in a local book store and , based on books I had purchased ,the clerk would occasionally recommend books she thought I would enjoy. She recommended Run With the Horsemen and I bought it. My husband and I always seem to read at night before falling asleep. This book turned out to be one that you couldn't put down. I would start laughing and couldn't stop. My husband read it as soon as I was finished. He reacted the same way. He said you'd think this would be a man's book (the author's service experiences) but even though the subject itself might not have caught my eye, the author has a way of writing that any avid reader would enjoy. I have since purchased the rest of his books and enjoyed them also.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my All-time Favorites, November 6, 2000

By 

Kristi P. Vega "Kristi P. Vega" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Run with the Horsemen (Penguin Contemporary American Fiction Series) (Paperback)

I first read this book ten years ago for my 12th-grade AP English class, and it still is one of my favorites. I have bought several copies, but I keep giving them to others to read, so again, I find myself buying another! Once you get into this book, it becomes a part of you forever, especially if you are from the South. While I was reading the trilogy, I found myself using Porter's language and seeing my world through his eyes. This novel is perfect for young adults who are beginning to appreciate good literature, but still need terrific story-telling to draw them in. It's also perfect for older adults who need to laugh and get a refreshing perspective on life.