Rating: Summary: Bad, bad, bad... Review: Grisham's latest work, The Testament, has to be one of the worst novels I've read. The characters in the book are almost all two dimensional caricatures: the evil billionaire, the saintly missionary, the drunken bum seeking redemption, the faithful sidekicks, the greedy lawyers. With the exception of Josh, Nate's boss, there is no one in this novel to be curious about, or ultimately to care about. Even when Grisham has a character like Josh, he doesn't develop him. We never learn why Josh is willing to spend thousands of dollars on Nate's rehabs, to loan him his cabin indefinitely, to be a friend to a man whose career he is determined to end. The resolution of Nate's problems, turn your problems over to God and everything will be okay, is a not very thinly disguised deus-in-machina to end the book, and overlooks how hard it is to actually live according to God's will. There are much better books dealing with that religious theme-this ending sounds more like a Broadman Press pamphlet than any serious treatment of faith, it's trials, and it's rewards. The writing lacked passion, and even the sense of style that Grisham has brought to his earlier works. Reading this book was like reading a college sophmore's creative writing class project. It was a frustrating, boring, even embarrassing task. Grisham's first book, A Time to Kill, was Grisham at his best, and most passionate. Since then his writing has become consistently more hackneyed, predictable, and finally, practically unreadable. Take the 5 star reviews of this book with a big grain of salt.
Rating: Summary: Undoubtedly one of Mr Grishams better efforts! Review: Reading the first chapter of John Grishams latest offering I knew I was in for a treat so was determined to extend that pleasure as long as possible. Its a gripping story to say the least with a good dose of antiheroism skullduggery and saintliness spread around its main characters. I enjoyed it immensely for its gripping plot, its original storyline but mostly for its central characters. Nate I could certainly identify with having just come out of a drug rehab myself. His propensity for falling into diches and picking himself up again was too close to home.You couldnt help but love the guy,warts and all. Rachel reminded me of someone to whom I am very close who drives me to distraction for seeing the goodness in everyone.The hinterlands of South America have never interested me much until now and if such people like Rachel do exist there maybe theres hope for the rest of us. Lastly it kept me from watching that square tube for three days,including the internet.Its up there in my top ten list for sure.Thankyou John.
Rating: Summary: Thank you Mr. Grisham! Review: As a minister's wife and an avid reader I usually have to seek Christian book stores for inspirational, yet excellent fiction. There are some great writers out there: (Brock & Bodie Thoene are my personal favorites)BUT it was so refreshing to read a truly excellent top selling work of "secular" fiction that didn't have Christian characters sounding like total hypocrites,crazed lunatics, or over pious phonies. Rachel Lane was an example of what every true beleiver strives to be. Yes, Nate's conversion happened rather quickly, but was believable. According to other reviews, some found Grisham's description of the Brazil landscape boring, but I appreciated this. It made visualizing the Panatal and the hardships of the people there very easy. PLease continue putting worthy, believable characters in your novels, Mr. Grisham. Characters like the Phelan heirs are a dime a dozen in today's fiction.
Rating: Summary: GREAT! Review: Different but interesting. Less legalese but I still liked it and have passed it on to friends.
Rating: Summary: Not the Usual Grisham Review: The Testament is not the average "Grisham" book. The story line seems to follow a softer side. Ned, one of the lead characters, is an alcoholic trying to get back on track with his life. The story has twists and turns that prevent you from putting it down for long. Excellent reading.
Rating: Summary: Contrast of two worlds Review: I found this book a refreshing change from Grisham's previous books. It is great vehicle for contrasting world views and an exciting story. I highly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: This book was incredibly boring Review: As an avid Grisham fan, I was very disappointed with this book. Truthfully, I couldn't even finish it, which is unheard of for me. But, Nate's journey to find Rachel just seemed to drag on forever and if that wasn't enough, I really had difficulty reading about the nasty "heirs" to the old man's fortunes. They couldn't ALL be so horrid, could they? Very boring-I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Rating: Summary: Great Book Review: John Grisham has done it again with this engrossing book. Once I started reading it, I could never put it down. The character and plot development is wonderful. Don't pass this one up!
Rating: Summary: Huge disapointment Review: Having read all of Grisham's previous works, I was eagerly anticipating The Testament -- especially after hearing an interview in which the book's author talked about his religious convictions. However, I lost interest in the book's characters and the plot quickly. This is the first John Grisham novel I have quit reading. It just didn't grab me.
Rating: Summary: Riveting and Surprising story, Unpredictable & unforgettable Review: It was the best book I have read in along time! Once I opened the cover I could not easily put the book down! It read like a Russian novel. Fast paced, many characters, etc. The story was exotic and appealing. I loved the location, the characters, the entire story line! The story pulled me into heart of the book immediately! The development of the story was truly, unexpected! I thought the characters were what made the book so interesting. The billionaire character was so real! I thoroghly enjoyed the book. Waiting for the inevitable movie. This book cannot wait to be made into a great movie!! When is the next book coming out, John???
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