Rating: 
Summary: Propaganda with a tired ensemble cast
Review: It's disheartening to see such a sensitive subject propped up on a tired set of characters. Hollow men and women who seem to be every liberal's ensemble cast for political "works of art." From The Contender, to West Wing, to Mr. President, to Protect and Defend, their faces are getting old - worse, predictable. Welcome to the town of left leaning fiction, where all the enlightened are Democrats, where all the evil are Republicans, where the strong are single liberal women, and the misguided are Christian or fathers (or both). This is fireside reading for the NOW gang - for the rest of us it's just kindling. This seems to be something akin to political "talking point" fiction rather than a unique, refreshing point-of-view. I offer two stars for medical and legal technicalities, which one hopes are accurate. Otherwise, this reads like a party platform.
Rating: 
Summary: Silly Propoganda
Review: This is not a novel, it is a silly justification for abortion. It is more of an editorial than a novel. I wish I hadn't wasted my money, but I will know better next time. This is the last Richard Patterson book I will ever buy.
Rating:
Summary: Extremist Politics 101
Review: In 2000, in an inexplicable interview, a well-known tv morning show host asked Tom Clancy if the political undercurrent of his latest novel, THE BEAR AND THE DRAGON, was too right-wing for the country.No one seems to ask that about the left-wing extremist propagandists, into which category R.N. Patterson falls with this preachy polemic on 1) how those who subscribe to left wing causes are superior to other forms of life, and 2) how to live in fear and hate of those with whom we disagree... ...Patterson is a fine writer with a good sense of suspense. But once he gets on his soapbox he cheapens his book. Of course, fiction writers, along the political spectrum from Clany to Patterson and even more extremist than Patterson, have an advantange in that they can make up situations and provide them solutions that fit their worldview. Mr. Patterson isn't burdened with the baggage of reality. Mr. Patterson's finely honed, ideologically leftist dream world is fine for those who believe in his far left brand of Utopia. But unless you're a subscriber, you're less than dirt to him. If, when he says Christian, one reads "Jew", one comes away from this novel with trepidation.
Rating: 
Summary: THE PERFECT READ!
Review: If you like terrific characters, a well drawn-plot, and thought provoking subject matter, then this is a must read. The emotional ups and downs I have experienced reading this book make it one of the best reads, for me, in a decade!
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal!
Review: This political thriller encompassed many issues on the front pages. It was a wonderfully executed novel examining abortion, adoption, religious views on pro-life activism and wove them together in a tale which was almost impossible to put down. I felt it was one of the best political novels in years and would recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful, complex story that examines human flaws, concerns and redemption.
Rating:
Summary: So Much Under Attack
Review: This is the best novel I have read in many years. It combines all of the essential ingredients: colorful and credible characters, a crisp and cohesive plot, important themes, memorable incidents which become defining moments, all manner of compelling conflicts, and a remarkable authenticity of setting. Patterson also demonstrates a special gift for wit, evident in countless conversations between antagonists. Briefly, Kerry Kilcannon, President of the United States, nominates Caroline Masters to replace the recently deceased Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He has sworn to "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" and believes that Masters is best qualified to help him do so. There is fierce opposition to her in the Senate, led by MacDonald Page. Another Senator, Chad Palmer, is caught in the political maneuverings between Kilcannon and Gage. That is one of two primary plots. The second focuses on Mary Anne Tierney, a pregnant and unwed teenager, who sues her parents to abort what is believed to be a terminally deformed fetus. This is in defiance of their Pro Life convictions as well as the recently passed Protection of Life bill which Gage and his cohorts are determined to "protect and defend." There are also various sub-plots. The more I think about the title, the better I understand why Patterson chose it. His primary and secondary characters all struggle to protect and defend themselves in terms of their values, their fiduciary and (in several instances) parental responsibilities, their social and/or political leverage, and their carefully-guarded secrets. Patterson is a great storyteller. Also, he reveals a deep concern for preserving a nation's constitutional integrity. This is a "great read" which, obviously, I recommend highly.
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put the damn thing down
Review: Richard North Patterson's story telling ability continues to amaze me. His books are always thought provoking and page turning at the same time. This one might be his best ever. If you want to better understand the workings of our legal system, the minds of pro-life and pro-choice advocates, and the workings of our mostly incomprehensible political system, read this book. Sounds boring? Not on your life. Be prepared to lose some sleep in favor of reading this timely work of what could easily be NON-Fiction! And you might as well buy it now. I got it from my library, read it, then immediately ordered my own copy!
Rating:
Summary: Poetic Irony
Review: Given the recent examples of abuse of power, in the Presidential Election, Patterson seems to be amazingly prescient. This story has more twists in it than a country road. Patterson covers the loss of privacy all candidates and those related by any means, be it family, friends, business, have come to expect. As a side effect, in our own society, many good, qualified people now choose not to run for any office, for fear of what may be dredged up about their pasts, however trivial. Patterson also makes it very clear how much politicians have become pawns of special interest groups. He goes on to clarify how very personal the decision - for an abortion - really is. Without specifically stating so, it also becomes clear that, if nothing else, abortion is a religion-based decision and, as is true in our "real" society, how the separation between Church and State has become vague; how extremist groups are truly co-opting our government, by attempting to make their way the only way. This is a must read for those who are - or want to be - enlightened; it is a necessity for those who aren't. Did I enjoy this book? Immensely! Would I recommend it to others? In an instant.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting - A Must Read
Review: This had to have been one of the most difficult novels Mr. Patterson has written to date and I must admit he did a wonderful job creating a story based on prolife/prochoice, government involvement as well as a smear campaign to keep a judge from being confirmed to the Supreme Court. This was an enthralling, fast paced novel filled with powerful emotions which pits child against parent, wife against husband, and friend against friend. The fallout is just simply astounding. I was so caught up in this story until I wasn't sure if what I was reading was fictional or factual. The story goes back and forth between a 15-year who wants an abortion based on the fact that her fetus has no chance of survival and the confirmation hearings of Caroline Masters. Although I wanted to know the outcome, I didn't want to finish this novel. Mr. Patterson is definitely one of the masters of courtroom drama. Just knowing what some people who have power/authority are willing to do in order to achieve what they deem their "success" regardless of what the cost is to others is simply astounding. Government officials who were elected to work for the people some times forget who they serve and a lot them end up serving the interests of special interest groups. Kerry Kilcannon is still my hero and having Caroline Masters, Clayton Slade and Laura Costello as well as a few others from his previous novels, certainly doesn't hurt the storyline one bit. This is one novel you don't want to miss out on.
Rating: 
Summary: Protect and Defend
Review: If you're a novice and you're interested in politics, this book takes you inside the Senate and explains the behind the scenes bargaining that goes on in simple terms for anyone to understand. It is so pertinent to what's happening right now in the nominations. I really really liked it.
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