Rating:  Summary: King of Tedium Review: The first and last 30 pages were okay. It was the middle 310 that were the problem. It reads as though it has been cranked out like the mass tort settlements Grisham loathes. This book could use some serious editing. It is also cynical, cliched, and predictable. To be sure, this is nothing new. Grisham's books are typically cynical, cliched, predictable, and in need of editing. What is different is that this book inspires little more than long fits of boredom punctuated by short bursts of tedium. Grisham thrillers are usually at least, well, thrilling. Not this one. I admit that because I liked the Summons, I'll buy the next one. But if they come out any faster, the bookstores are going to have to start selling them on the magazine racks.
Rating:  Summary: Like having an old friend for dinner.. Review: .. and realizing you don't have as much in common as you thought.I DO love Grisham's books - fast-paced, suspenseful, rooting-for-the-underdog types of stories that hook you in and dare you to put them down. This, however, wasn't one of those stories for me. Don't get me wrong - all of the elements are here. But they just didn't work for me in this book the way they have in the past. Perhaps the biggest problem is that the 'underdog' in this story goes from principled, appropriately-struggling lawyer in public service to private practice ...in the space of about 10 pages. Morals vanish, clients are sold down the river, and money starts flying to such an extreme that it's almost difficult to read. I guess the one thing I've always liked about Grisham's books is that no matter what the temptation, his main characters have stayed above the board, but in this book, he goes south with the first check in hand. Perhaps the that's the whole point? While many have said that this is a scathing indictment of the tort / class action climate of today, it was more an indictment (in my mind) of personal morality and its fragility when money is involved.
Rating:  Summary: another #1for JG? Review: I believe if Grisham wrote a book on the proper way to hold your fork while eating, that it would go to the top of the bestseller list. I for one do not understand it. Grisham uses his public popularity to not only put his political views on display (like Tom Clancy), but also his morality views. If the writing were of a higher quality I might see how his books go to #1, but his last 4 (exculding Skipping Christmas) were dogs. I mean if an unknown author took this stuff to a publisher there is no way it would ever get put in print. Anyway The King of Torts lacked suspense, believeability, and was a bore to read. I am glad I borrowed it.
Rating:  Summary: I'm an unabashed fan. Review: Another two day read from Grisham that kept me up way too late wanting to get the whole story in. This is a good tale of rags-to-riches-to-rags; of legal abuse and using the system; of good boy goes bad. The main character toils on public service to indigent cases in need of protection and then eats the forbidden fruit on his way to wealth. Along the way, money clouds his judgement and his motives. I found myself both pulling for him to come out good in the end and to get what was coming to him for abusing the judicial system. In the end, he gets a little of both; something he wants and something he had. If you like Grisham, you'll enjoy Torts. It might not be his best...but it's better than most.
Rating:  Summary: Boring Review: This book does nothing to engage the reader. The main character is so undeveloped that the reader does not care what his outcome is. Each chapter is basically a repeat of the one before it. My advice is to skip it, even when it is published in paperback.
Rating:  Summary: A good, page-turning novel, but not much depth. Review: Although John Grisham's The King of Torts is a well written novel with an interesting plot and equally entertaining subplots, some readers may not have a 'satisfied' feeling once finished with it, owing to the fact that the story does not have any significant twist, as Grisham best books traditionally do. If you are a long time Grisham fan, then you will not be entirely disappointed with Torts, but if this is your first Grisham novel, go for something older.
Rating:  Summary: A good readable book Review: I enjoyed this book. Sure it was predictable, but it was entertaining and well written. Grisham is a master story teller and develops his characters well.
Rating:  Summary: Worth every minute Review: Loved this book, as I knew I would. Quick, easy read. I will forever look at the 800 numbers flashing across my screen and wonder what kind of evil tort lawyer is behind it. :)
Rating:  Summary: Finally - a good ending! Review: My biggest beef with Grisham's books is that the ending is worthy of a mistrial. He has acquitted himself well with "The King of Torts". Clay's character doesn't seem the type to do what he did - is this moral ambiguity or an incomplete character?
Rating:  Summary: Entertaining as usual Review: John Grisham's "The King of Torts" is a fast paced pop novel. It is what one has come to expect from Mr. Grisham. A young, idealistic lawyer who is tempted and ultimately corrupted by untold riches...followed by a quick attempt at redemption. Clay Carter (the central character) is well developed, as are many of the supporting characters. A couple are somewhat cartoonish. Most are interesting, and a few are very important to moving the plot along It is somewhat of a morality tale a/o parable in part. The different paths Clay and the three associates who received the largesse that came with moving from the Public Defender's office to private practice is telling. As with many of his novels, the conclusion is less than fulfilling. However, it is a marvelous ride, and the journey trumps the destination; making for a most entertaining read. It is not deep and ponderous; it is simply good escapist enjoyment.
|