Customer Reviews

True Vine: A Young Black Man's Journey of Faith, Hope, and Clarity

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book provides a vivid acount of the difficulties of a black inter-city kid trying to make it in a world that as a youth he little understands. I am very thankful that John shared his story and his open faith with the rest of the world. ... This has been a blessing. Thank you!

I found myself unable to put this book down even for sleep. It's one of those books you read from cover to cover, then promptly begin to put together the names of friends and family who simply MUST read this book.

I was deeply touched by his unwavering faith and integrity as he wrote about his life in the Chicago ghetto--up through poverty, his setbacks in life, and again recouping to claim a better life for himself and his family. I was most impressed by his early and continued determination to lead an exemplary male life, not wavering in his responsibilities to provide security and leadership no matter the adversity. His strong message of faith is a personal one, clearly and directly told. It is a touching, sincere, very warm book and so worth your time and money. You'll love it, I'm sure of it.

I was feeling pretty down when I picked up True Vine, I knew that I needed to know that I wasn't alone in what life was throwing at me at the time, I had no idea that this book would Re-new my Faith, and give me the Courage to keep going on. My sad, went to glad, my downs went to ups, my bad, went to good, and My Spirit Soared!!!!!!!God put John W. Fountain on this earth to give us our Faith Back, and to know that through God, all things are Possible, God Bless and Keep John, can't wait for book number two........

With True Vine, John W. Fountain has created an inspirational beacon. Not only has he trail blazed a path for all of the inner-city youth struggling in the jungle of poverty, he has written a travelogue of hope for all the souls who may have lost sight of their dreams.

This is one of the best books I have read, and will most likely be among my top 10 for the year. I wrote something down from this book that I know I will take away with me and remember for a long time: "You can't stop dreaming or you start to die."

When I first picked up this book, I was worried it would be a non-stop preach-fest; it turned out to be an inspiring tale of despair, hope, and faith.

Even though I grew up in a ranch house on a cul-de-sac in a well-to-do white Chicago suburb with grassy lawns and two-car garages, this book made me feel like I grew up in the poverty stricken neighborhoods of the west side of Chicago. It made me feel like a part of John W. Fountain's circle of friends and family.

This is the kind of book that comes along only once in a while. True Vine is a true treasure.

John Fountain's story doesn't end the way one might expect - it didn't begin the way I might expect after reading his credentials. This touching and real story of a young black man struggling to rise above the circumstances into which he was born proves that the choice exists for each human to make changes (large and small) to create the life they want. The same challenges and frustrations (death of dreams, loss of hope and life choices) apply to people in all areas of our country and Mr. Fountain's story is a wake-up call to each of us to see the story behind the stereotype and to encourage the pursuit and cultivation of dreams for all Americans.

John Fountain has created a masterpiece. I was hooked midway through the first chapter. The book is filled with humor and sorrow and great life lessons. Fountain proved that no matter how dire our situation, we can overcome it with hard work, determination and faith. Every young male, regardless of race, should read True Vine.
Aspiring writers will also pick up a few tips from the book. It's rich with wonderful descriptions and color that brings the stories alive.

John Fountain's True Vine answers the question of what happens to those teenagers who became statistics and get caught up in the streets, or as in Fountain's case, teen pregnancy. Fountain is a testatment of the inner strength we all possess to take stock and reinvent ourselves to better ourselves. True Vine is this century's new version of what it is to be an all-American teen. With all the choices and pressures young people face today, so much is at stake when we don't make the right choices. Fountain shows how a strong foundation, spirituality, the ability to admit one's flaws and innate common sense can put the American Dream within the grasp of anyone who has the passion and discipline to reach for it. Being American is about evolving into the best you can be. We all can hope to experience the growth and knowledge Fountain has.

True Vine reaches out and entangles the reader, capturing the reader's mind and then clutching their heart. In essence, we begin to laugh with the author, accept defeat with the author and then rejoice with the author. Regardless of race or origin True Vine contains life lessons and anecdotes that resonate with every human being.

I found this book to be very well written from the heart. Mr. Fountain takes us to the inner city of Chicago and places us next to him as we travel together through his life's journey. Anyone familiar with the inner city or not, should read this book. It teaches and gives hope where hope is desparately needed. I wish I had this book while I was struggling to make it in a Chicago barrio (ghetto). God bless you John!!!

This author's life story demonstrates how a refusal to accept society's "labels" and a strong determination, coupled with a strong faith in God can overcome even the most challenging and disappointing events in life. Several times while reading this book I had to stop, pause, reflect, sometime cry, sometime laugh and at other times feel encouraged. Just knowing that this author endured many of the same disappointments, hardships of being a teenage parent, ridicule by society and so called friends validated my pain and my struggles. This should be a required reading for all teenagers.