The Chamber

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book That Really Made You Think
Review: When I read stories about the KKK it really makes me cringe to think that someone could be that ruthless to another human being just because they hate a certain race of people. I felt the same way about Sam during most of the book(I mean that man hated anybody but his own family), but I can see the affect that his family had on him when he was younger. It seems that he really didn't have chance because that was all he knew and even Adam said that if he was born 40 years earlier that he would probably be no different than Sam. So I felt sorry for Sam toward the end of the book because he was truly sorry for the lives that he ended and also the lives that he ruined forever. I think Adam was the real hero in this book for staying by his grandfather side even though he knew the things that he had done, and showing Sam that living a life of racism results only in Death.

Rating:
Summary: POLITICS ASIDE, THE CHAMBER IS A MODEL OF DRAMA
Review: Grisham, in his usual fasion. has woven together a story that, although predictable, is emotionally drenching and entertaining. It is true that all of Grisham's main characters are essentially the same person ( I've read all his works ) and that his plots are somewhat similar, although I really don't see this as a negative. His subtle humor and clever cynicism make Grisham enjoyable almost regardless of the plot. In this story, there is no need to feel sorry for Sam to like the book. I like the death penalty and despise people like Sam Cayhall and believe that death is too good for them, and I don't think that Grisham necessarily defends Sam in the book either. Regardless of your feelings on the death penalty, the book is an emotional thriller, and Grisham's portrayal of Nungent and his gang as morons merely increases his ability to work humor into the book, rather than turning the book into a political forum. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for people who have read Grisham and appreciate his humor.

Rating:
Summary: Did not finish it!
Review: I did not finish this yawner. About 200 pages into it became clear that Grisham was using his success to make his political statement about the death penalty. Based on a conversation with a friend, I had correctly figured out the rest of the book anyway. If I can figure it out -- you can too. See the movie instead. It will only waste two hours of your time.

Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking!
Review: I am a big fan of John Grisham's thriller style books - This is not one of them The ending is not a big climax to the story nor even particularly unexpected. Despite that however this is possibly the best book I have ever read emphasising as it does the very essence of the dilemma with regard to the death penalty. it shows how it is possible to despise criminals and criminal acts and yet to believe that the death penalty is inherantly evil. The book explores the issues thoroughly using the emotions of the characters concerned to great effect. A profoundly thought provoking piece of writing!

Rating:
Summary: The Chamber
Review: I read the book and then watched the movie. I liked the book better because it was more in-depth and just better. I usually like the book better when there is a book and a movie. I read three other books by Grisham and this one is my faviorite. This is a good book for suspense and drama. I would read any other book by John Grisham and I want to read the rest of the ones out now.

Rating:
Summary: Grisham gets no more of my money after this awful monologue
Review: Having enjoyed many of Grisham's earlier books, I looked forward to his latest novel. However, this book lacks plot, mystery, intrigue, character, and suspense. Basically, he takes too many pages to say "the death penalty is bad". I never felt compassion for the convicted murderer and couldn't believe that any grandson would actually go through these motions. Don't waste your money or time on this one.

Rating:
Summary: One of Grisham's best
Review: I thought that The Chamber was one of the best Grisham books I have read - certainly a lot better that the last two. Like one of the other comments I read, I felt very sorry for Sam too - being involved in the KKK didn't seem to be a choice. I really thought that Sam was going to get off.
Excellent book! I would reccommend it to everyone, that and A Time To Kill.

Rating:
Summary: A book that makes you think.
Review: After reading the firm and the pelican brief, this book was totally different. There's no organised crime money laundering or anything like that, its just a really well written book that keeps your opinion changing the whole way through about the death penalty. Its Grishams best written book to date.

Rating:
Summary: Good God it's Awful!!
Review: Why does Grisham keep selling? I got through the first 30 pages and finally finished this book in bits and pieces over the next year. It's boring and poorly written. Grisham apparently had one good book: the Firm. I hate to say it as a fellow Mississippian ,but with the possible exception of King, Grisham is the most over rated writer today. He should read a Koontz or a Clancy and get an idea of what a good thriller really should be.

Rating:
Summary: It's a real eye opener
Review: The Chamber is one of the best John Grisham books I have ever read. It was a cleverly plotted story. This book keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in law or the death penalty.