Rating: 
Summary: 388 Pages Without Getting To a Point
Review: John Grisham has been slaughtered by critics (both professional and by readers on Amazon.com) over the past couple of years because of the mediocrity of his last 2 or 3 novels, which I felt were well deserved. So I think he decided to write "A Painted House" to attempt to show that he has a literary side which would, in turn, win over the critics (and he did seem to get more positive reviews this time). I don't think this book is a bad book as the dialog is terrific, but basically, not a whole lot happens in this novel. Yes, there are a couple of killings and numerous family trials and tribulations, but it is all portrayed as just all in a day's worth of picking cotton. I also had a hard time with the fact that the narrator, Luke Chandler, was only seven years old. He seemed way too wise beyond his years for me (if Luke was 12 or 13, it might have worked for me). He had this problem with handling kids in the "The Client" as well.I picked this book up when it came out, read about 150 pages of it and put it aside until a week ago, when I decided that I was going to finish it. Once you set your mind to it, it reads very fast, but it just isn't interesting. I give the book two stars because I at least give Grisham credit for taking a risk in going away from the formula that has worked so well for him for a decade. But it would have been better if there was a real story to tell.
Rating: 
Summary: MORE!
Review: I have read all of John Grisham's books and this one is my favorite. It is unlike any that he has written an is a good departure for him.
I am from the era that the little boy is from and could relate to the family and their closeness and loyalty. PLEASE Mr. Grisham continue with a sequel telling what happened to them! I did not want to finish it. MORE MORE MORE!
Rating:
Summary: A Book About our Arbitrary Classifications
Review: This was an outstanding book. Grisham's character development was natural and real. I was able to escape to rural northern Arkansas in the 1950's. The story made me think about the arbitrary way in which we classify each other: hill people, sodbusters, Mexican, city folk, etc. We place each other in boxes, and then have difficulty accepting and understanding when there is not a good fit. It also made me think about how we all find our own way and place in this world of arbitrary titles: the last scenes of the book were particularly evocative for me.
Rating:
Summary: What A Good Story!!!!!!!!
Review: I usually don't read Griham novels was waiting for a perscription and picked up the book without noticing who the author was read some from the middle was hooked bought the book and wasn't sorry.............
Rating:
Summary: Grabs Your ATTENTION...
Review: Unlike a few of the comments that I have read, I thought that this book really grabbed you attention (I read it straight through, non-stop). This book slightly reminds me of Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. You get an inside look at what is going on in the mind of a seven year old. Luke is always telling you how he feels and what his thinking is at the time. It is easy to sympathize with the characters in the book. All the while, various plots are opened up. A lot of these plots are just partially closed at the end of the book, leaving your mind to wander. Grisham uses both humor and despair well. There were times when I was rolling around on the floor and there were times when I could really feel for the characters. Overall, this is by far the best new book that I have read in the last year. Hope that you will enjoy it to.
Rating:
Summary: A LITERARY MASTERPIECE
Review: For some reason, John Grisham decided a while back to try his penmanship on something other than legal thrillers. This is the result, and what an achievement it is. A Painted House is destined to become an American classic. Set in the middle of the last century in Arkansas, it is the story of Luke Chandler who lives in a cotton farm with his family. During harvest season, a truckload of Mexicans come a give a hand to the farming family. What follows is a tale of betrayal, first love, racism and lost innocence. Grisham takes us to a world far away in time and place and brings forth, in vivid details and impacable prose, a rollercoaster of a literary feast. I cannot praise this novel enough. Buy it and read it. I'm glad that Grisham has found the courage to deviate a little from his usual fiction and a write a story obviously very close to his heart.
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Summary: A whole new Grisham
Review: I am a big Grisham fan. In A Painted House Grisham branches out into new territory and writes a beautiful story which I hope is with us for a long time. This is his best book yet.
Rating:
Summary: John's best book so far...
Review: Having read so many of John Grisham's legal books, I was thrilled to read something by him that was totally different. I fell in love with this book and could not put it down. Once I finished it I could not stop talking about. It is truly an excellent book. One of the best books that I have read in ten years. I can't wait for more by John Grisham that are not of the legal world. This man is talented beyond expectation!
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful read...
Review: J. Grisham was able to take me to a world that I am totally unfamiliar with since I am a west coast city person. I thoroughly became caught up with Luke's family and their lives on a cotton farm. I felt so much for Luke and all his "secrets", one after another and how much of a burden it was for him. The relationships between the members of the family were very touching. I did have some problems accepting all the work that Luke did at his young age, especially painting the house. I have never met at 7 year old like him! All in all, I loved the book and would be interested in reading further about this family. Good for you, John Grisham, for taking a chance on writing a different kind of book!
Rating:
Summary: My first Grisham read....
Review: and I absolutely loved this book! I had figured it was his standard thriller type and it was time to explore this author. I found the writing form to be excellent. The story of Luke then lulled you page by page. As a born and raised urban female, I was amazed that Grisham had me relating to a 7-year old country boy! Thriller or not, this guy can write.
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