Rating: Summary: Did he forget to finish it? Review: I thought the idea was good and the story seemed to progress along until I came to the ending and went huh? There was a chapter where Grisham introduced one character that seemed to be part of the entire story but while I waited for him to be mentioned again to see where he fit it, he never shows up again. That seemed characteristic of the entire story. The ending was pathetic and on review it just made the entire story seem like sloppy writing. I've not read any of Grisham's "signature" books like the Firm or the Chamber or a Time to Kill but the ones I have read all seem to be sloppy written. I only decided to give this one a try because it was given to me. Its unfortunate that authors that seem to do well cannot maintain consistency. Its not that this book wasn't creative. The idea was great and there was some fun to reading it until about 2/3 through but there was no sense when I was done that the author wanted to do his best to tell a really good story. I think that's worse and more disappointing than if he had had a bad idea. It indicates a lack of caring with regard to the art of story-telling. I cant say Mr. Grisham has impressed me.
Rating: Summary: Disappointing Ending Review: The plot is excellent, up until the end. Grisham has some great ideas, and keeps the pace and interest up, but really disappoints at the end. He could have done much more to make the ending more plausible and interesting.
Rating: Summary: A fun story Review: I liked this one. After reading "the testament", I shyed away from Grisham - this one was on the shelf for 6 months and I thought, what the heck. It isn't extremely complex or as suspensful as "the firm", but I got lost in the story and wanted to know how all the players would come together. I found the main characters likeable and found myself cheering for them. All in all, I read it during a sick day, and it was entertaining and funny, the politics believable and the story not to heavy.
Rating: Summary: A Good Read Review: Grisham has succeeded in engrossing me in yet another novel of his. This one has a different twist because the main characters are living in a federal prison where they operate a huge scam. Their scam ensnares many powerful victims but none too powerful than their latest. While you hate what the con-men are doing, you start to respect and admire the skill at which they perform their acts. The ending leaves much to be desired as I thought it was rather clipped. Perhaps this was done to imitate how it would happen in real life, but it left the reader with a small void. However, in my typical Grisham style it could have been my speed at turning the pages that brought the ending on so quick. Grisham leaves the ending open for a sequel which would be much anticipated. Teddy (a main character) can easily influence the next president with his information and you long to find out how Aaron Lake (fictitious presidential candidate) finishes his political career. One character that I wish would have been more developed was the new inmate that 'The Brethren' help to escape from prison. He was a necessary pawn, but a likable one to have had more details on. I would recommend this book to Grisham fans everywhere as a good read.
Rating: Summary: Intriguing premise, lazy writing, unsatisfying finish Review: Grisham sets up an intriguing premise, then lazily, sloppily follows through to an ending in which nothing happens, nothing is concluded, loose strings abound, characters learn nothing, and the reader feels cheated. Does he still write his own books?
Rating: Summary: I love this book Review: When I recieved this book as a gift I looked at it skepticly, I did'nt know whether to just stick on the bookshelf or to plop down on the couch and give it a try. The jist of the book is there are 3 ex judges who were disbarred and sent to jail for various offences. They are now extorting money from people to keep their little secret. (If you want to know the secret, read the book!!) While all this is going on the government is buying the next president. The two stories go together seamlessly, and it all comes together in the end. Read it its a really good book, worth the time it takes to read it. Honestly it took me 2 days, but it was well worth it.
Rating: Summary: Great Story Review: The Brethren is not your normal story, but that is what makes it so good. Anyone who enjoys a good story should love this book. Some have complained they did not like any of the characters! Hey, this is not a romantic comedy. The plot is good, some twists exist, the ending is quite predictable, but so what. Great book, great read!
Rating: Summary: Sweet Mind Candy Review: What a fun book to read! Unlike his signature work, A Time to Kill, the moral ambiguity inherent in these characters presents very little challenge to the reader. There is nobody to really like in the story. All the characters are more concerned with their own little scams and secrets--even when some of the scams have global proportions. It's nice to read a book, to be amused by the antics of the characters, but not to be emotionally hooked in to anybody's wellbeing. I rarely find a book like that. It wasn't that I didn't care--I was very curious as to how things would resolve. But this book is really a story about people who have compromised themselves so badly that it's tough to really care whether they succeed at their plots (although I kinda wanted some of them to), or whether they get screwed. The perfect book to sandwich between reading deep, emotionally provocative material, or to insulate one heavy tome on a ponderous subject from the next. Fast. Lite. Fun.
Rating: Summary: Entertained As Usual! Review: What's up with all these people complaining regarding this novel?? I agree with my fiance when he says "Although Grisham may not be the most sophisticated writer, he is a truly fabulous story-teller". I found the characters truly human (like I do in all his novels)and the plot fascinating! I especially found Trevor despicable yet lovable (in addition to all 3 members of the Bretheran). Read this book if you are looking to escape and be entertained. It doesn't disappoint!!
Rating: Summary: His Best Yet Review: Mystery at it's best! I've read all of Grisham's books, and I have to say that this one surpasses them all. Even if you're not an avid "Grisham" reader but enjoy a good mystery, then this is definitely one you won't want to pass on.
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