The Street Lawyer

Rating:
Summary: Grisham needs to find new formula
Review: I have been a fan of John Grisham's for years, but this book disappointed me. It seems that since he has moved from Oxford out to Charlottesville that he has gotten burned out writing. He seems too tired to develop. This plot follows just about every plot he has ever done: Young white male lawyer from the South, usually Memphis, gets himself into an impossible situation and struggles to find a way out. That was essentially true in all his books except for the Client when the protagonist only changed to a small boy. Come on John, I know you have it in you!!!!!!!!!Turn the page and give us something fresh for a change.

Rating:
Summary: More than a slight dissapointment
Review: I was disapointed in this book by John Grisham. The story was slightly predicitable, contrite and had an easily determined plot. It didn't seem to have the suspense that normally is such an integral part of John Grisham's novels. Hopefully his next attempt at socail conscience will be more enjoyable for the reader.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: This was an amazinigly written book. Well worth the long read. It makes you stop and think about your own lives. Very introspective. A definite must read if you enjoy a thick plot with interspersing under tones of other plots.

Rating:
Summary: Can't put it down!
Review: It was a very interesting story. Easy to follow. One that you couldn't wait to pick it back up and continue!

Rating:
Summary: A bleeding heart story of all the saintly homeless people.
Review: I have enjoyed all of Grisham's books (and have read them all) except this one. The plot was predictable and uninteresting. This book tells me that all homeless people are saints and victims of greedy rich people. It was one big sob story. What a boring disappointment!!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Excellent, Excellent
Review: From the first page to the last page, this book was excellent

Rating:
Summary: This book really showed us the plight of the homeless.
Review: I enjoyed reading this book hoping this group of lawyers could help some of the homeless, if not only a handful. This one man thought he could make a difference and this book also shows how one's life can change in weeks.

Rating:
Summary: OK read, but a disappointing ending
Review: Beginning storyline was fantastic, middle portion of the book was a bit muddled, ending of the storyline occured in just the last couple (literally) of pages which was disappointing

Rating:
Summary: Compelling if there's any justice
Review: Every morning and night, through in and through out I had my nose dug deep within the pages of my new book, "The Street Lawyer" by John Grisham. The book proves an interesting point when protagonist, Michael Brock, gets held held hostage in an office of one of the biggest law firms in the U.S., Drake and Sweeny. After the hostage crisis, Michael finds a secret within a stolen file that is now in his hands. Now his one time, "co-workers" call him "the most dangerous man on the streets." This book was released in 1998 and is by far one of Grishams best. All ages young and old should get they're hands on this riviting masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: Finding Out What The First Things Are
Review: The great strength of The Street Lawyer is seeing Michael Brock evolve as a person at the same time a believable, catchy plot to expose corruption at his white-shoe Washington law firm unfolds. During a hostage-taking at the firm, Brock notes how the homeless man who is his captor has not always been homeless. When his captor's head is blown off inches away from Brock, the questions begin? Why him and not me? What did he want ? Can anyone slip through the cracks ? Brock's upbringing and single-mindedness no longer dish out the certain ties. The plot is clever. The hostage-taker was one of a host of people illegally evicted by Drake & Sweeney to make way for a construction project owned by client of Bock's firm. But the fire is lit when a homeless family Brock encounters while volunteering turns out to have been another group of the evictees and they die of exposure. Sprung loose from his moorings, seeing a wrong righted is the only purpose Brock can find for himself. Grisham's supporting cast is believable , too. Brock's wife Claire, who has to cut loose once her distant, self-absorbed husband is no longer able to pay her school bills. Mordecai Green, who walks the talk of being a voice for the homeless and is a human before he is a lawyer. Barry Nuzzo, a fellow associate at Drake and Sweeney, who is as good a friend as he can be and certainly willing to act for Michael when circumstances call for it. Brock is a believable protagonist. Like so many men, you have to listen closely and read between the lines to hear the intense loneliness the separation from Claire brings Michael; the habits of going for a long walk or drive to process the times when wrenching emotions and questions do not yield to simple solutions. And never being too single-minded so to miss the come-on of the pretty director of a homeless shelter. I never thought of combing the streets of DC for a homeless woman as a quick date; but then maybe it is just for want of trying.