Customer Reviews

Run with the Horsemen (Penguin Contemporary American Fiction Series)

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!!!

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.

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.

This book, plus Sams' other two related to his growing up in Georgia, reminded me so much of my childhood and events that happened in my life. In places I literally cried with delight; others I just added an "Amen;" and when I got through I felt like Sams had written a story of my life! I couldn't put the book down once I got started. Then, when I did finish, I had to start on his other two that are actually sequels to this one. They're priceless, and in many places classically written.

This is such a beautiful story. I loved all the characters, especially the young boy. You just feel so good as you read each chapter. Would make a perfect gift to anyone who loves to read.

This is one of the best American novels of the 20th century, and one of the greatest pieces of regional writing ever published. The details of growing up in Georgia during the depression, the attention to detail, the laugh-out-loud descriptions, and the unforgettable characters make this a classic. The first of three books in a series, this is the only one that is -er- "innocent" enough to recommend to the school board for inclusion in the curriculum (I should be read by every high school student). The other two are equally good but are more suitable for adult readers. Sams is as clever as Twain, as funny as Shepard, as sincere as Charles Kuralt and as connected to his roots as Faulkner. Highly recommended!

Run with the Horsemen is a captivating piece of American fiction that keeps the reader anxious to find out what is going to happen next. I found it difficult to stop reading the book. As a South Carolinian, I can attest to the fact that the southern dialect was written perfectly. Reading the book made me feel as if I were listening to my grandfather's tales of his childhood excursions along the Catawba River in South Carolina. What an excellent piece of literature! I highly recommend this book!

This is one of those delightful books which have a large loyal following, but which you seem to discover on your own. Not to simplify the plot, it's about a boy growing up in the south in the early part of this century. But in that simplicity is the essence of this novel -- you experience the developing of his awareness of himself and his emotional, spiritual and physical environment. Sams' descriptions of people and places are vivid and eloquent, creating a cocoon of believability in which the reader settles back and becomes a part of the story. This was his first novel, and I am savoring the anticipation of reading more of his work. Sams is a master storyteller.

This is one of the best works I have read in quite a few years. The author's descriptive powers are wonderful and character developement is flawless. This was one of those books I did not wish to end, and thankgoodness, there are two others following. I suspect the books would not be everyones cup of tea as there are some (see other reviews) that "just would not get it." Also, anything thing they were not exposed to in Lit 101 in Jr Coll. would be a bit daunting for them. This is a book you will want to read more than once, so it is probably best to go ahead and by a copy, something I finally had to do. Read it for the pure joy of a good story and for some wonderful writing.

Ferrol Sams is the only author I have ever wanted to send fan mail. I found the trilogy such a satisfying read that I have gone back several times to review passages. Porter Osborne is like a family member now! This book will appeal to a broad range of tastes because of its mix of humor and history.