Echoes of a Distant Summer

Tremain Family Saga #2

by Guy Johnson

“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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Family, African American Literature

688 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2002

Reviews

[Letitia Mask · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real story

About life, family, mistakes, secrets and finally love. I ended up not caring for Serena in the first book but she redeemed herself in this sequel. I'm also glad that Jackson came around. The next generation of Tremains ☺ great story

[Darrell Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoes of a Distant Summer by Guy Johnson is a quality sequel to Johnson's Standing at the Scratch Line. Jackson St. Clair Tremain is a dynamic character who changes back and forth in his story. He is a character who you continue to think of even when you have put the book down. However, it is not just Jackson who remains dynamic through the story. There are Jackson's friends, family, and enemies that also hold these character traits and ultimately, make the plot seem so real and intriguing. The plot is violent, with a very detailed exposition to give the characters life. Reading how Jackson ventures through the places he does and seeing the people he meets is exciting. Jackson seems to cope with an internal conflict of how he should react to his grandfather's illness and then, assassination. The plot takes various emotional turns with an added effect of prejudice from some certain characters. This makes for great and powerful feel for the story.

At the end of the novel, the story leaves you wondering and making a overview of all those characters and their chain-effect on Tremain as the leading character. It will make you think on human nature and how we react to certain instants in life. Jackson's philosophical thoughts are a nice incorporation and realistic touch. Characters are so well characterized that some of their own personal side plots almost tend to outweigh the main plot poignantly in a lot of ways. For example, Deleon's experience with his father and mother was a section that I continued to think of afterwards. Things like abuse and racism are real world issues and Johnson illustrates them well in this novel.

To finalize this review, I will say that overall this was a very attention-grabbing novel that featured very compelling characters and plot that makes you ponder in the end. A very good read.

[Erica Brown Gayles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo goooood

Please read the first book first. I couldn’t put either book down once I started reading. I love the way the author let you get to know each character in depth, I was able to empathize and understand and follow them through the two book series. This is one of the best series I have read. I love it.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is truly gifted. You are introduced to most of the characters in the first book, Standing at the Scratch Line, however family members and other friends are introduced and you want to know more about them. I liked that the author presented relevant times from the past to help the reader understand human behavior in the present. At the end of this book, I knew the characters; I knew what they looked like, how they live their lives and I could see their surroundings. I understood their behavior. I would like to see more books by this author. I am sad that I just knew about this book in 2013.

This book could be a fabulous movie, big screen or mini series on a cable network. You must read it, but both. The foundation for this book is put forth in the first book.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as "Scratch Line" but an enjoyable read nonetheless because it allows you to find out what happened to the characters that so sucked you in during the first book. Also, as fine as Jackson sounds, he simply could not fill his grandfather's Stedson!

[Anthony Hosey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one goes on the list of favorites. I will come back to this book again and again just as I have with "Standing At The Scratch-line." I recommend this book along with it's predecessor. Let's hope Mr. Johnson has several more books coming.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to Standing at the scratch line with the next generation of Tremaine's and it was just as good as the first one. Phenomenal writing is through this family. It's a thick book but very enjoyable.

[Carolyn Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this continuation of the Tremain saga! What I loved most is that the characters in this book are perfectly imperfect, and easily relatable. Well done, Guy Johnson. My only complaint is "Where in the heck is book three?"

[Faith Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't think I would like this lengthy book but boy was I surprised! Interesting characters, lots of twists & turns...good read!

[Serenity L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book. Very descriptive. He really used all the adjectives in the thesaurus this time.....

[Corey Lumpkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. Great sequel to Standing at the Scratch Line. I wish Guy Johnson would write more.

[Hazel V. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the BEST readings EVER!!!!

The story of the Tremaine's, DuMont's, DiMarco, Politics, War, RASCISM, Love, betrayal ann allthe insecurities of humans just held me captive. This is a delicious read. It's tied for 1st with the Best seies Ever, " The Holland Family Saga" and "The Corner" I can't wait until Mr. Johnson finishes with the next installment of this story.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book til it turned implausible. Yes it’s big. Yes there’s a lot of plot lines twisted together. Strangely that didn’t bother me. But somewhere around page 400 it started to drag on and become unbelievable. And the rest of the book just felt like a chore for what was not a very thrilling conclusion.

[Jeffrey Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend starting with the first book before diving into this captivating series. Once I began reading, I couldn't put either book down. The author's character development is exceptional, allowing readers to deeply empathize and connect with each character throughout the series. Overall, it's one of the best series I've ever read, and I absolutely love it.

[Jeffrey Walser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story telling execution.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good follow up to "Standing at The Scratch Line." While not as good as the first book, this was a good read.

[Anthony Cox]

Great book!!!!!

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read immediately after book 1, Standing at the Scratch Line. Answers so many questions

[dee-ah-nuh · Rating 5 out of 5]

i didn’t want to end this journey with the tremain family ughhh

[Candice Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75

[Eric Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

some fiction for the holiday. Johnson's
"Standing at the Scratch Line" was good. This is the follow up

UPDATE: So I had know idea that this dude is Maya Angelou's son, who's work I think is kinda cheesy.
But yea he's a great writer. Echoes picks up where Standing at the Scratch Line ends, but this novel can stand alone. I would call it the Black God Father, but its better because of the detail and it deals alot with Black white relationships and in this case also Black Mexican relationships as alot of it takes place across the boarder. My one beef with this book is the language of the characters is a little too "perfect" which kinda makes it stilted, but besides for that I reall loved this book! Big Ups!

[Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time now is 7:48am and I am undone! Get my Children out of here! Holiday, I got the Bike! Ain’t nobody here to see You OTIS! LAWD! The way this book dragged me… The way I was dragged through every terrain and mountain top that Guy Johnson stood on to write this book! He must’ve stood on the shoulders of Giants. It’s gotsta be GIANTS! I don’t know if I want to laugh or cry hysterically or cry hysterically and laugh in disturbed and or distress! Now THIS is how a sequel is done! As I’m writing this one solitary tear has escaped my eye. Because, because, BECAUSE this is the end. Man! Guy Johnson wrote the heck out of this book! May his spirit and his pen rest in eternal peace! #EchoesOfaDistantSummer
#Book96📚📚

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful sequel to his first book: Standing at the Scratch Line. Johnson is very skilled at weaving historical events into the plot in a way that engages the reader making it truly a page turner. What made the book even more interesting was having the setting be the San Francisco Bay Area and characters developed into multi-dimensional people who are flawed but real. I couldn't put the book down----I always wanted to find out how Jax was going to get out of the next predicament or how Serena was going to redeem herself or how Elizabeth was going to resolve her relationship. As the last part of the book indicates: there is resolution.

[Corey Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not inclined to write a review until after I completed the sequel to what was already one of the most exciting books I've ever read ("standing at the scratch line"), and this sequel certainly did it justice! A fast-paced, action-packed, family drama that involves intergenerational traditions, quiet secrets with powerful effects, and restrained hostilities keep you hooked. I am most impressed by the thoughtful considerations of morality, principle, and values such as courage and leadership, that the author foregrounds in the development of each character. A great read that pushes the mind and challenges your (mis) conceptions of law and society through a medium that is relatable.

[Rhonda Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's BACK . . . I love this story and so hate that it had to end. Guy Johnson, please give us more !
"Echoes" starts with the next generation of Tremain's and its written and composed as beautifully as the "Standing". This story is just so awespiring it makes me cry. I feel these characters and their pain and triumphs. Lets do the next generation.

[Venessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most sequels aren't as good as the first book. However this sequel surpasses all my expectations of what a great book should be. The characters come alive, the story line is full of twists and turns that make this Tremain family sequel a must read. Kudos to Guy Johnson! He is a truly gifted story teller just like his mother.

[Beverly Barthiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Standing At The Scratch Line and it does not disappoint. The continuation of the saga of The Tremain family. The grand son of King Tremain reluctantly becomes the 'patriarch' of this complex family. His evolution into this role is interesting to see. When I finished this book I wanted more novels from Guy Johnson.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is a part two of the Standing at the Scratch line so please read that book first..but then check out this one that answers all questions from the first book and raises some new ones..The family is still strong, revengeful and action packed..Highly recommended

[Debra Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books that I have read in a while. Guy Johnson is the son of Maya Angelou. This book is the second book in the sequel. I will be getting Standing at the Scratch Line next. It is well written and action packed.

[Tamika Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was long for no reason. Many of those flashbacks didn't appear to be relevant, even though I'm sure the author thought he was setting us up for where the story was "present day". The ending was kind of anti climatic and abrupt as well.