Rating: 
Summary: Wait for the video.
Review: The anticipation of reading another Grisham novel was there. However, after a 100 pages it was by sheer determination to never leave a book unread that sustained me. The characters, plot and scandal were all there to create a novel that would rival "The Firm". The story came to a close before you were ready to decide who won or last. In the end the author took the easy way out - everybody wins and lives happily ever after. Hollywood may be able to salvage the book, but I recommend waiting for it to come out on video.
Rating: 
Summary: Populism for ever!
Review: Mr.Grisham should give a decision.Earning money easily being over-populist or being a respected writer?
Rating: 
Summary: Fast paced fun and original
Review: This is not Grisham's greatest book (the two greatest being A Time To Kill and The Firm). With that said, the negative ratings seem unfair. Some interesting points: Fist, it is unique for a Grisham tale to not revolve around a main lawyer character (a couple convicted judges is as close as we get). Second, it is somewhat timely as one of the characters is running for the presidency. The story reminds me a bit of The Partner (which I really enjoyed). How two (or more) opposing sides deal quickly in a game of chicken which could bring down a presidential candidate is most fun to read. The biggest weakness is the lack of reality. The presidential candidate is chosen by the CIA in a most unrealistic fashion. Oh well, it's not Tom Clancy or War and Peace - if you're looking for something fun, then buy it.
Rating:
Summary: What's happened to Grisham?
Review: While "The Brethren" is not as didactic as "Street Layer", it seems that Grisham is trying to push his social agenda harder with his more recent novels. While I enjoyed "The Testament", most of his recent works have become tedious with the supposedly subtle core message of the book bludgeoning the reader while plot and character development disappear. I'm glad I borrowed this book to read, rather than purchasing.
Rating:
Summary: The Verdict is in...and it's not a winner!
Review: At one point, I would have described Grisham's writing as intense, devious and entertaining. This book is not impressive. I actually had to force myself to read it, while nodding off between sentences. The plot was ingenuous, however, the book missed it's point in the non-descript characters. In other Grisham novels, even if you hated the character or what they stood for, they were three dimemsional, well-written beings. The "Brethren" were three of the most tedious beings I've had the displeasure to encounter in a novel. The other characters in the storyline were equally as uninteresting as well. I have to admit, this was certainly a dissapointment. After such wonderful novels as A Time to Kill and The Client, both The Brethren and The Testement were a decline in work for Mr. Grisham, at least in my opinion.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved "The Brethren"
Review: I don't have a clue what book the reviewers read when they said "The Brethren" was boring and was not indicative of John Grisham's work.I thoroughly enjoyed this book as much as "The Testament". I feel in these last two books Grisham has given us a welcome reprieve from the nastiness of the court room. I would recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed any of Grisham's works. The plot is full of suspense and kept me wanting to stay up later or go to work late to keep reading. Great reading!
Rating: 
Summary: C'mon John, you can do better....
Review: Very interesting premise and of course this book is a page turner. Grisham is a good story-teller. The first half of the book is better than the second. I get the feeling Grisham didn't know how to end the story, was in a time crunch or didn't put a lot of thought into it. Also, I didn't really side with any of the undeveloped character(s). If a character died, disappeared, lucked out or succeeded, I didn't really care.
Rating:
Summary: Embarrassed!
Review: I once read that Grishom said he would never write anything that would embarrass his children or his mother. Well, I bet his whole family is red-faced now. The Brethren took us on such a twisted, depraved path that I stopped after 100 pages convinced I could find more edifying material to fill my mind! This was such a disappointment following The Testament which offered hope to the weary and worn-out. John, you must have had a terrible year. Don't leave us with this trash...you owe it to your self and to us.
Rating:
Summary: Grisham Does it again!
Review: If you have never read any John Grisham books, read The Firm and A Time to Kill, and then STOP! Both of these books were inspired, non-stop reading. The Brethren was neither. Once again, Grisham has managed to write a story where the reader does not relate to any characters and couldn't care less what happens to them. The characters were for the most part "cookie cutter" and stereotypical. Sub plots started and stopped more than my drive to work on the L.A. Freeway system. One interesting note, however. Grisham must have re-signed with the Cayman Islands advertising counsel. Readers who have read all of his works have no doubt noticed that in many of his books the Caymens get at least an honorable mention. Suggestion: If you must read The Brethren, wait until someone you know has purchased it first, then borrow it.
Rating:
Summary: A Grisham Goodie
Review: I've read all Grisham's novels and had begun feeling be was in a rut. He has come out of the rut with a very good story. I kept turning the pages and read this in 2 sittings. There were 2 things that could have been improved - there should have been a likeable character somewhere you could get behind and the ending was a letdown. But don't let that stop you from reading the book it's a great trip - only it's raining at the destination.
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