The Brethren

Rating:
Summary: Left me wanting for more.....
Review: Grisham's plots are usually more riveting. I still couldn't put the book down but the outcome was predictable. Some of the plot turns were not believable and the ending was too soft. I didn't get the usual "eye opening and jaw dropping" surprise at the end.

Rating:
Summary: Did I miss something?
Review: I read this book in two days - it is intrested and knowing author's earlier work I expected clear cut ending but it did not happen. The end of the book is neither bad nor good - simply there is no ending at all. Also, I like the message from this book - guys, blackmail others and make good life from it! I think it's a litle bit naive but if you have nothing else to do - read it. Grisham used to write better books then this one.

Rating:
Summary: Boy, do I feel stupid
Review: As you may have read in other reviews the first few chapters of this book alternate between two totally different subjects. Grisham did a masterful job joining the two. I didn't see it coming. I should have. The book is an easy and quick read. No problem following it at all. I especially enjoyed the CIA agents with their gadgets. The only negative thing I can say is that I'll have to go at least a year before reading another one of Grisham's offerings.

Rating:
Summary: Good weekend read
Review: John Grisham puts out another enjoyable book. The plot is slightly different than his past stories but good nonetheless. It is not a great literary piece but an entertaining, quick read from a book a year author.

Rating:
Summary: Grisham should stick to what he knows
Review: I'v enjoyed Grisham's past books because he writes about what he knows - the law. He does not know anything about the Intelligence community in general nor the CIA in specific. I'm a little tired of all the misinformation being spread by Hollywood and novelists when fact could be just as entertaining. Not a bad read if you can just get past the "evil, knows all, controls all CIA monster" aspect of the story. How about sticking with what you know and leave making up stuff about the CIA to Clancey?

Rating:
Summary: There is a plot...but that's about it...
Review: Grisham peaked with "The Client" and "The Brethren" is just another book continuing the downward trend. The basic plot is there, but it lacks development and passion. The story dragged on without suspense or excitement. And as for the ending, what ending? It is as much of a wash as the rest of the book. If you are looking for mindless dribble, then by all means, buy the book...but I'd wait until it's on sale...in paperback.

Rating:
Summary: Good... but not as good
Review: I like that Grisham is trying to break from his normal story mode, but this book fell short of his normal intrigue. I felt the story was very predictable (Wasn't suprised at all by the 2 plot ties), and the ending was lacking. Worth reading, but I would wait for the paperback.

Rating:
Summary: Smart, sassy, clever satire. Great departure for Grisham.
Review: Who would have thought that John Grisham, the moralizing author of "The Street Lawyer" and "The Testament" would have the talent and the courage to write this hilarious dead-on satire? Here is a novel with no heroes, no romance, almost no violence and no courtroom theatrics! Yet Grisham keeps the reader's attention riveted with--of all things--a tale about three washed up judges in a minimum-security federal prison. "The Brethren," as these judges are called, cook up a scam to make money while they are incarcerated. The scam works beautifully, with the help of a drunken lawyer named Trevor who works as their courier to the outside world. Much to the Brethren's glee, they catch a very big fish in their net. What happens then is a roller-coaster ride that kept me thoroughly entertained. Among his many targets, Grisham satirizes campaign finance abuses, the importance of style over substance in the political arena, and "country-club" prisons for white collar criminals. This is not a "feel-good" novel. It is a story for our times, in which greed and the lust for power take center stage. For Grisham to write a book with no one to identify with or root for--a book about anti-heroes who are all obnoxious, selfish, clever and devious, is a huge departure for him. I applaud him for his talent and for his inventiveness in coming up with this original novel that departs from the formulaic fiction that is so common today.

Rating:
Summary: Where is the hero?
Review: I just finished this book and am wondering "Where is the hero?" in the book. The book was a good read and enjoyable but it lacked the hero to root for. The Rainmaker, the Firm and others had us rooting for the young lawyer. The Pelican Brief had us worrying about the law student. This book lacks a protagonist that the reader can empathize with. When I had about 20 pages left in the book, I found myself wondering if the judges would be killed and not caring.

Rating:
Summary: Good but not great
Review: Pleasant read but a bit short. I wish Grisham would return to stories w/ a bit more urgency (i.e. Firm, Pelican Breif, A Time to Kill). Ending leaves something to be desired.