Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing & Predictable
Review: That Patterson is a gifted writer is unquestionable. That the word pictures he creates describing the characters, however, leave no doubt who wears the white hat. Patterson paints with too broad a brush, falling back on over-used, tired stereotypes...radical right wing, far right, etc. How refreshing it would be to see a writer use equally descriptive phrases as far left or radical left wing describing the other side! Could it be then, that most writers belong to this group? Therefore, I take umbrage with those who claim Patterson portrayed a balanced view of the abortion issue in his book. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Patterson's political agenda shines through and much of the information he portrays as fact, is as fictional as his characters. Overall, the book is as predictable as it is disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: Predictable and Disappointing
Review: That Patterson is a gifted writer is unquestionable. That the word pictures he creates describing the characters, however, leaves no doubt who wears the white hat. Patterson paints with too broad a brush, and falls back on over-used, tired stereotypes--radical right wing, far right, etc. How refreshing it would be to see a writer use equally descriptive phrases as far left or radical left wing describing the other side! Could it be then, that most writers belong to this second group? Therefore, I take umbrage with those who claim Patterson portrayed a balanced view of the issues he attempted to describe in his book. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Patterson's political agenda shines through this work and much of the information he portrays as truth, is as fictional as his characters. The ending is as predictable as Patterson's political bend.
Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I laughed (finally) at the reviews below who rate this book as inferior. I reread them. They are obivously judging this book on its politics and not on its readability or worth. They are part of the minority who voted for Bush, and who are fundament- alists. This is one terrific book, showing how both sides of the pro life and pro choice (which is also pro life but pro quality of life)are thought about. There is tension, there are wonderful characters, there are villains and an insight into how Congress is run (and we think it's a democracy!). There are similarities to the witch hunting of Ken Starr (Mace Taylor) and what politicians will do to get their way, and it doesn't bother them that they destroy people who get in their way. Great insight into our govt and how it is, unfortunately, run. These are real people with gut wrenching problems. There is tragedy (I knew there had to be in a book of this calibre), and triumph but the triumph has paid a high price. Patterson is aware of human frailties as well as honor; he sure knows his law. It's his best book since "Degree of Guilt," and no doubt his best book, period. I reserve 5 stars for "literature" but this gets 5 stars in that I did nothing else but read it for 3 1/2 days.
Rating:
Summary: Great book to take on a long plane flight
Review: As a nervous flier, I always seek out books that can't be put down for long plane trips. Protect and Defend served that purpose perfectly. A page turner if ever there were one, I just had to read it until done. When it was over, I wished it wasn't. The writing style is somewhat pedestrian and the characters are not well developed. So what carries this book? The plotting and the clash of ideas. A roman a clef in which every character seems to have a real life corollary I found it utterly fascinating and authentic. I felt he portrayed the abortion issues, both legal, medical, and ethcial, with surprising depth. A good read!
Rating: 
Summary: YOU WILL NOT PUT IT DOWN OR WANT IT TO END!
Review: Patterson`s Protect and Defend is the book our club will be discussing in May and I cannnot wait to hear what everyone thinks! We had to move our meeting back because the waiting lists at the local libraries were so long to get this book! Not only is it a beautifully crafted plot, it is a great look at the question of abortion and why people are are so polarized about the issue. It is an even better learning experience about how special interests and money call the shots in Washington. You see this history lesson between the lines on every page. The characters are very real and stay with you long after you have put down the book.I hope it comes out in paperback soon-I think it will do great this summer!
Rating:
Summary: His Worst Book By Far
Review: If you like two boring semi-related plots revolving around wordy, poorly constructed prose, then this book is for you. Patterson is off here. His previous books have had good themes and real characters. This book uses a theme and legal detail that he just can't manage to articulate into an interesting book. Save your money here.
Rating:
Summary: far left bias
Review: The author's leftist political bias is far too pronunced for an objective reader to enjoy this story. If you're gullible enough to embrace the political left's views on these issues (abortion, constitutional construction, campaign financing, etc.) you will likely find this book to your liking. On the other hand, if you are a conservative and a realist you will quickly become bored and perhaps angered.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointment.
Review: I've read all of Patterson's novels and I am disappointed in this one. I didn't care about the characters, didn't care about the legislation involved and this is highly unusual for his books. I think the most off-putting element, however, was that he kept referring to "Down's Syndrome". If he'd done any research, he'd know that it is Down Syndrome. Yes, I finished the book, but I had to force myself. I just couldn't recommend it to anyone, regardless of his/her view on abortion. (By the way, I am pro-choice.)
Rating:
Summary: A WONDERFUL READ
Review: Let me begin by saying that I have never written a review for Amazon, but I felt I should in this case because Protect and Defend is a great read. Not only was I entertained with good strong characters and tight no nonsense chapters, but I increased my knowledge on our judicial system without being bored by too many insignificant details. The story was fascinating, and I really cared about the characters and the dilemas within their lives. I would recommed this novel to anyone ,and I will encourage my friends to pick up this book as a great summer read.
Rating: 
Summary: A big disappointment
Review: If you're looking for a well constructed story about the abortion debate, which encourages the reader to go beyond her established opinions and think a bit, you'd better go elsewhere. The writer's anti-"pro-life" bias was evident throughout, and each character's good gal or bad guy status (and yes, that's pretty much the breakdown here--except for the medical experts, there are no unflawed male characters, and any imperfections in the women result from supporting a man) was telegraphed the first time the character (or, might I suggest, "caricature") appeared. Even the Chief Justice, who dies on page 5 after administering the oath to the new President, comes off exclusively negatively. There is no doubt after the first few pages who the "bad guys" are, even if we don't know until the climax quite what they're capable of(although, if the writer is accepting of broadly legalizing abortion, why is the possible disclosure of this or that character's procedure the worst thing that could happen to her?). In sum, this book is an uncomfortable and unsuccessful attempt to address a serious political issue in fiction, and I would not recommend it.
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