A Time to Kill

Rating:
Summary: Not only bad, but dangerous
Review: "A Time to Kill" is not only poorly written, like most of Grisham's stuff, but it is sick and entertains dangerous notions as well. The action hinges on the a father taking revenge after his preteen daughter is raped. This is a disgusting enough theme, but then the reader is made to believe that such vigilantism is not only justified but perfectly acceptable! At the end of the book, a court ruling is made based on the threat of mob violence. If that isn't enough to chill your blood, all of this is in service of a weak story with cliche characters and an overall lack of imagination that is startling. The reviewer below says reading this book is better than watching television. Much as I love books, I respectfully disagree. Most television shows don't insult the intelligence nearly as badly as this does.

Rating:
Summary: Way Better than Killing Time Watching TV
Review: Jake Brigance is a small-town lawyer with a small-town law practice, taking nickel & dime cases to make ends meet. A young attorney in Clanton, Mississippi, Jake's future as a big-time criminal defense lawyer is incredibly turned down a frightening path in which he encounters the desperate and grim face of racism at its worst. Because of his skill in defending Lester Hailey, Jake is hired to defend Carl Lee Hailey in hopes of obtaining Carl Lee's freedom, despite Carl Lee's admittedly pre-meditated murder of two white men, Billy Ray Cobb and Ernest "Pete" Willard.

The rape of ten year old Tanya, Carl Lee's daughter, by Billy Ray and Pete, has to be one of the most torturous events in fiction that Grisham has written; to even imagine that two men could perpetrate such an act on so young a child is absolutely horrific and incredible. Throughout, Grisham plays strongly on the premise that people who have children know exactly what they would do, were they in Carl Lee's shoes - to avenge the horror of such despicable actions in the only way such men would understand - violent death.

When I first read this novel, I was angered and irritated by the depth of hatred that exists within racism. I was angered that had Carl Lee been a white man bent on avenging his daughter's suffering, he would never have had to face trial. Grisham in fact, points this out several times throughout the novel, and this becomes a rallying point for Carl Lee's supporters. Whereas vigilante justice is not acceptable by any stretch of the imagination, Grisham appeals to the emotions of parents - black or white - and succeeds in winning us over. In fact, this is exactly how the jury decides Carl Lee's fate, rejecting the pressure of the Klan, as well as the black community who thronged the courthouse chanting, "Free Carl Lee!".

A Time to Kill is a disturbing novel, aside from the raping and killing that opens the tale. It is not possible to look at our justice system the same way, especially from the viewpoint of the black community in the South - even today. It seems that although we have come far since the 1960's and Dr. King, Grisham would have us believe that not much has changed for the better.

Peace Out.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic and suprisingly addictive...
Review: This book kept me hooked. I read it in 3 days, and always kept me pondering about what will happen next. The book shows many controversies and real-life havocs. The writing of the novel is detailed, precise, and lets you step inside of the scene and actually imagine what is going on. I think everyone should buy this book... Watching the movie is no match to the writing of the novel.

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding thriller.
Review: This is my first and will not be my last John Grisham book. I was captivated from the very beginning, and never wanted to lay the book down. I was captivated by all the pre-trial activites leading up to the big trail day. Once the trail started, I refused to lay the book down until I was finished. I was pulling for Carl and Jake the entire book, and glad to see that they stuck to their principles and faith in each other and did not let the other character's greed desire for personnel glory stand in their way. A truely great book.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book
Review: I am a big John Grisham fan and thought his early books like these are really wonderful and fun to read. They will keep you moving those pages.

Rating:
Summary: His first was certainly his best.......
Review: This book is John Grisham's first and by far it is his best book. The book begins with an author's note stating that this is not his best book, but he had decided to publish it anyway.Well Grisham is wrong this is by far the best book he has written. I started reading late one night and didn't put it down till I finished it late the next afternoon. I have read a lot of books but this is by far the one that I have read the fastest. It was just impossible to put down.

If you enjoy legal thrillers you will certainly enjoy this story about the trial of a black man who is accused of killing the two white men who raped his little girl. You will feel outrage, sorrow,triumph and joy all in 500 pages of pure emotion and nail bitting suspense.

I can say, having read both his great novels(The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Client and The Runaway Jury) and every page of garbage that John Grisham has written (The Chamber, The Testament, and The Street Lawyer) that his first novel was by far his best. He should have simply quit while he was ahead or start writting books which he considers not to be his best, like A Time to Kill which is by far his most enjoyable read even if he didn't think so.

Rating:
Summary: John Grisham's first and best
Review: This has to be John Grisham's best work. It combines a great story with a great message. He blended suspense, morals, and information to form a wonderful story. Everyone should read this book.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Legal Thriller
Review: The small Mississippi town of Clanton is brought to the center spotlight of the nation in John Grisham's "A Time to Kill". Carl Lee Hailey an African American born and raised in Mississippi is on trial for the murders of two rednecks who rapped and beat his ten year old daughter. Local lawyer Jake Brigance argues on Carl Lee's behalf throughout the entire novel despite attacks from the Ku Klux Klan, personal death threats, and other lawyers trying to swindle his case. The book comes down to one final question, can a man take justice into his own hands? Along the way to the exciting conclusion major issues such as race discrimination and family values appear. This book is one long sequence of edge of your seat scenes. If you liked any of John Grisham's other work you will love "A Time to Kill". It is packed full of action and does not have very many boring legal scenes. Despite, several disturbing images in the beginning this book is a fun read for anyone over age fourteen. "A Time to Kill" is better then both "The Pelican Brief" and "The Rainmaker". It also far outstrips "The Firm" and "The Client". John Grisham's three years of work on this book clearly shine through. "A Time to Kill" is a non stop ride that will leave you up way past your bed time and begging for more.

Rating:
Summary: He should have killed them!
Review: I do not agree with some of the earlier reviews of "should justice be left in the hands of one person? Should one be able to extract revenge for his own daughter?" YES! I believe it is the human right for anyone to have their revenge. Especially if their daughter was molested in the way that Carl's daughter was.

I think that John Grisham came with a superb story of justice. If Carl was punished for his crime, then there would have been no justice. Unfortunately, real life isn't so easy. Carl was justified. I also liked the lawyer Jake. He was not some uppity guy, who hated negros. I give this book, thumbs up!

Rating:
Summary: The book that started his career is great!
Review: John Grisham's first novel that he wrote 15 years ago is one that is strictly from the heart. I don't believe he wrote this with the intention of it becoming a bestseller and making himself a household name. The story is an intriguing and shocking one that raises several issues. Some people have mentioned that he tries to bring up too many issues, but they all fit in with the story line. Legally, Carl Lee Hailey should have been on his way to death row right after his trial. But this is not really a legal story...it is definitely more of a moral story. It asks us to question our morals and beliefs and if we have the courage to do what is right. Readers may not like Grisham's style of writing - maybe it's not filled with colorful descriptions and a fancy use of the English language, but it tells things straight to the point to get the story moving. That's what I like about Grisham's books. When you think about it, he really isn't THAT good of a writer. But what is so important is that he knows how to tell a story and how to sell his books. He comes up with some legally based plot with a human interest story behind it and he makes it fast-paced and interesting. This is the best book that I have read by Grisham, and the first book that I ever read more than once. If you're into Grisham's books, you'll love this one.