The Testament

Rating:
Summary: Finally, a fiction writer that doesn't slam Christians
Review: I definately would suggest someone read this book. For me it was a page turner from the start. Grisham does an excellent job of creating Rachel Lane, the heir, as a strong, confident Christan. Many writers are unable or unwilling to do that, and I applaud Grisham for it.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book
Review: The Testament is an excellent book by John Grisham. Instead of focusing on adultery, jealousy, deceit, lying, etc, he uses the principles of Christianity to show how one's life can change, just by turning away from the world. This book would definately not have been better, if he hadn't incorporated Christian fundamentals. BUT, the purpose of this book is not to convert. Grisham definately surprised me this time, with a story that was not based on sex, drugs, alcohol, or malice. I'm 17 and I thoroughly enjoyed The Testament.

Rating:
Summary: keeps you
Review: The Testament grabs and does'nt let you go until your finished with the book. I could'nt put the it down. John Grisham has a way with writing that keeps on your toes. I enjoyed this book very much,and I recomend it to anyone who likes a good read.

Rating:
Summary: My First Grisham Novel and not my last
Review: This was the first Grisham novel I have read and its really good. I've heard stuff about him and its all true. He really knows how to put emotion into the characters and it was probably my first page-turner. If I could put it in one word, it'd be "wonderful".

Rating:
Summary: John Grisham Does it Again
Review: John Grisham's book The Testament follows a tried and tested formula that still works for him several years on. This is good "pot boiler" that is thoroughly enjoyable from page one onwards. There are several story lines to follow, mainly centring around the reading of the wealthy Troy Phelan's will. His greedy ex-wives and sycophantic children think they will be the beneficiaries to his multi-billion dollar fortune. However the old man has no intention of letting them inherit and he leaves the bulk of his fortune to an illegitimate daughter whom just happens to be a missionary in Brazil's Amazon forest. Enter the enraged family's lawyers, all scrabbling for a piece of the action, and you have once again a fine John Grisham book that is as suspenseful as it is well written. The characters are larger than life, some grotesque, some sympathetic but all wanting something from the dead man's will. Even the hero Nate, a burnt out litigator is looking for something, but unlike Troy Phelen's family he at least has some redeeming qualities. This is more of an adventure story than a thriller, but it has great Court Room scenes and a pretty good plot too. Well worth buying if you want a quality read with lots of court action, and dialogue that goes at a cracking pace. A big thumbs up for this novel.

Rating:
Summary: I've had enough of Brazil!
Review: I guess I'm looking for another THE FIRM or A TIME TO KILL. This book starts off interestingly enough, but I got bogged down in Brazil and couldn't breathe. I also anticipated what the protagonist would find. Not one of the better John Grisham books, but for an evening or two's entertainment, it's okay.

Rating:
Summary: Good Start, but.....
Review: This books has a fascinating start. But once the will gets read, it slips slowly down hill. Half the book -- a trip through the swamp -- is quite boring. The best character - Josh - never gets developed. Once again, Grisham makes a legal blunder: a witness admits in deposition that 4 attorneys paid him $500,000 to testify -- yet, no one files a bar complaint? John, wake up, you are a good writer but no one will buy into that scenario. This could have been a great book, with a different direction. I did like the Christian aspect, just didn't like how we got there.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: The Testament is the story that begins when a single man's will unfolds into an adventure across the world. Troy Phelan, a multi-billionaire had been married three times and had several children from each marriage. When the time was drawing near for his will to be revealed, all the relatives that hated him came around to see what was in it for them. The entire family is shocked when the Will reveals a secret that will cause a journey to find Rachel Lane, a lucky heir. Nate O'Riley, a man who was troubled by alchohol overuse, is sent on a mission to fulfill Troy's last Testament. ~~~~~~~~ This story is full of suspense, greed, trouble and complication. All of these qualities brought together give you a firm storyline. My only complaints about this book are a few confusions and unclear moments, and a bit of a drag near the middle of the book.

I think you'll like this book if you enjoy politics mixed with a jungle adventure. If you don't like the way Grisham's style, you will probably not enjoy this.

Otherwise, give this wonderful novel a try!

Rating:
Summary: Grisham does it again!
Review: He just keeps them coming. Just when we thought he might exhaust his supply of stories about crooked law firms hunting down those who dare to cross them, Grisham turns out this novel which somehow makes estate law thrilling. This book is about more than law--it deals with faith, redemption, and addictions, too. While telling an engrossing tale, Grisham gives us fun characters. After all, who can resist cheering against the greedy, unscrupulous Phelan heirs? This is one of Grisham's best.

Rating:
Summary: Great for awhile, but lost steam
Review: Through about three-quarters of this book, I was spellbound. I thought to myself, "Well, Grisham has me hooked again!" But the plot lost steam dramatically to me and kind of fizzled out to the end. To me the novel peaked in the middle and floundered. I enjoyed the turnaround in Nate O'Riley's character. If the end of the book had been better, I would have given this 5 stars.