Rating: 
Summary: Original
Review: I've read all of Grisham's novels, and this one was interesting but not really gripping..Well written as always, but certainly not his best effort.
Rating: 
Summary: Very bad-dont read it!!!
Review: I am a big Grisham fan...I bought this book in hard cover b'cos the paper back edition was not available. It is nauseating-one of the woest of Grisham -it made me wonder where Grisham was going....Pl keep away from it and save ur time and money
Rating: 
Summary: everything by chance
Review: The Brethren is a good story on the role of chance. Also a good story on the power of words written on simple paper, and the devastating effect the proper combination of both can have on everybodys life. The only thing which appeases the reader at the end of the day is that chance is most effective in the moments of human weaknesses. From that, readers around the world can learn the all-american lesson: plan carefully, and be professional all day!
Rating: 
Summary: Boring
Review: The 700+ customer reviews cannot go completely wrong: This book, "The Brethren" by John Grisham, is disappointingly boring. And it could have been so interesting. The CIA gets a conspiration going to install congressman Aaron Lake as the upcoming President of the United States. You can see the influence of money and company interests, the manipulation of the people by media etc. However, the story is not really worked out, details are missing, and actually, this seems not to be the main story the book wants to tell. The "main story" is the description of an extortion scheme used by three former judges, who are imprisoned in a federal jail, and their lawyer. The story is dragging, the writing is neither fast-paced nor rich in detail. And even when the two main streams of action touch you are longing for the end of the chapter to finally go to sleep...
Rating:
Summary: Classic Grisham
Review: I was very pleased with Grishams latest effort. This book is a return to the days of the Firm and Pelican. The last few books have been more phuilosophical and less suspense. They were ok but I prefer Mr. Grisham as a suspense writer. I was never on the edge of my seat and yes there was no "hero" but it was fun to read. It is a politcal thriller and it did not disappoint. Politcal thrillers seem to belong to David Baldacci but Grisham trumps him with this novel any day of the week.
Rating:
Summary: Grisham's worst
Review: Don't go looking for classic Grisham. You won't find it here. This book had an implausible plot, poor character development, and a lame ending. A waste of time and money as far as I am concerned. Do yourself a favor, reread, "A Time To Kill" instead.
Rating:
Summary: Grisham's Worst Work
Review: I looked forward to this book with a lot of anticipation. I've read every one of Grisham's books. Never again. I wonder what the statistical odds are that so many sleazy people could end up in one spot. "Because it's a prison, stupid!" you might answer. Not so. I've worked in a prison. The prison employees I've known have been a honest, dedicated bunch. The attorneys I've known in the communities surrounding the prison have also been honest and capable. Maybe it got better at the end. I never made it that far. It took me three weeks to make it about three quarters of the way through. With all the other legal thriller authors out there, I won't spend any more time or money with Grisham.
Rating:
Summary: Solidly entertaining
Review: In "The Brethren," John Grisham returns to a more traditional Grisham-type story (his previous two books had a decidedly moralizing tone, and this one just aims to tell a story), complete with a well-thought out plot and plenty of entertaining detail. The difference between this book and some of Grisham's earlier bestsellers is that it is not a thriller, and there is no clear protagonist. Also, Grisham was very careful not to moralize in this book, and it shows. In "The Brethren," we follow two seemingly separate stories until they meet (rather predictably) somewhere in the middle. The moments of excitement are fewer than in previous novels, and the excitement is lower. The problems are resolved relatively easy, and there really isn't much conflict in the book. However, the book is interesting for the most part, and decidedly more entertaining than Grisham's last two novels. Fans of Grisham's early novels will appreciate that this one is closer in makeup to some of his earlier books, such as "The Firm," and "The Pelican Brief." While this book is reminiscent of vintage Grisham, there is evidence that he is growing as an author, and this story seems a little more mature than earlier books. All that to say that this book was entertaining and solid, and a must for any Grisham fans.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing, even when expecting just a page-turner
Review: Sometimes Grisham manages to move beyond the thriller apsect to higher ground, as in "The Street Lawyer" or "The Testament." He didn't move above ground with "The Brethren," though. Judges in a minumum security prison? Completely believable. Running a money making scam from their cell? Why not? A presidential candidate hand-picked and financed by the CIA? Well, maybe not, but I did grow up during Vietnam and Watergate, so it wasn't *completely* outside the realm of possibility in my mind. Putting all these plot elements together and expecting it to be realistic is pretty far-fetched, though. Realizing that Grisham's strength comes from taking the implausible and making it seem possible made "The Brethren" even more disappointing. The story of the three judges holding forth on an X-rated scam run from the federal prison kept me reading, as they were somewhat interesting and enjoyable characters to follow, even thought they may have lacked any depth. Trying to see how their story and the story of Aaron Lake would come together kept me going at first, though it was not that hard to see where it was headed after a few chapters. The rest of the book, I just coasted, not especially caring how it all would work out, because none of the main players created any feeling of sympathy or connection that resonated with me. Yes, I read it all the way to the end, but more to see if my prediction of the denouement matched Grisham's. He's done better. Here's to anticipating his new book, which is supposed to be a departure for him. I think he needs a break from the legal thrillers for a while!
Rating:
Summary: Mediocre effort by a good author
Review: I have read all of John Grisham's books, and this is the first one that I truly hated. The character development left a lot to be desired. The plot, while interesting in the beginning took some good twists and turns but leaves the reader flat in the end. In all honesty, if you are looking for a Grisham book, try The Testament, or The Firm. These are much better.
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