The Testament

Rating:
Summary: Not typical Grisham!
Review: This was an enjoyable book, and had it been written by someone else, would probably be considered top notch. But when compared to other Grisham books like "The Firm", "The Chamber", or "The Pelican Brief", this book was a slight disappointment. The characters lacked the depth normally defined in a Grisham book, and there just wasn't as much suspense and intrigue as we've come to expect from John Grisham.

Rating:
Summary: He's done better...
Review: It's a good book, but he's done a lot better. I like the main characters transformation. The first chapter is very funny, but it definately goes down hill from there. But, at least the money-grubbing, gold-digging family get what they deserve.

Rating:
Summary: Subtle yet lucid
Review: I read this book in an incredible 2.5 hours. A really good read. John grisham, I observe, is becoming much more subtle in his storylines, more towards the Literature side than to Thriller and Mystery. He has a strong command of the language and this story never fails you if you want to improve your English. This story is not only easy-to-read, but it is inspirational and religious at the same time. 5 stars is the least you can give!

Rating:
Summary: Once I started it I couldn't Put it Down
Review: I won't bore you with the previously mentioned details, but if you are looking for a great paperback book that is an exciting read... look no further. This is the first Grisham book I have read in about 4 years. I enjoyed the Firm and the Pelican Brief. I also enjoyed some of the film adaptations of his works. The Testament surpasses those previous works. The story touches on a themes we have read about before, greed, redemption, family, the law. But I never thought Grisham could pull off a novel of this quality. The usual twists and turns are here but unlike some of his previous works everything that happens here is fairly believable (no 'mob controlled' law firms or chases through parking garages). Just a simple story about some really messed up rich family who has lost everything ever given to them, a lawyer who has lost everything and a woman who has nothing material but everything spiritually and emotionally. The legal details here are excellent (as one might imagine)... but it is the description of the jungles, rivers and people of Brazil that blew me away. Finally, the way Grisham deals with the ideas of faith and religion are to be applauded. Though some might say he is, Grisham is not preaching in this novel...he is exploring the ideas of right and wrong and targeting the truly positive aspects of religion. As someone who doesn't necessary view himself as spiritual or religious, it touched me to faith portrayed in such an enjoyable manner. Bravo Grisham, I look forward to the Brethren.

Rating:
Summary: A hard to put down book
Review: The Testament is a great book, one you can't put down to long. You always have to find out what is going on next.

Rating:
Summary: Just as you should not judge a book by its cover...
Review: ...you should not judge a book by its first chapter. I have seen and enjoyed the Grisham movies, so I finally decided to buy some of his books. I have two and have yet to get beyond half way through either of them without falling asleep. He always starts off with a bang and a good idea and somehow loses it from there. So far, from what I can see, apparently the Hollywood screenwriters buy his stories and fix them up from there.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: I was especially moved by grisham's poignant portrayal of the missionary. Her selfless devotion combined with selfish bitterness was so remarkably human. What a beautiful ending. What a wonderful lesson in a life comitted to the perfect will of her God. Every character was perfectly expressed. God bless Nate O'Reilly! Truth is certainly stranger than fiction. In this case, fiction has a terrific sense of truth.

Rating:
Summary: Not Grisham's best
Review: This was an okay story - I was just expecting GREAT things after reading numerous reviews. Took this on vacation to read at the beach and it ended up more wet and sandy than read! I have read every Grisham book and have really liked most of the others, but this one was just not as good. I always feel that these books move along really well, have great characters and great stories and then just seem to fizzle to an ending. Is this just me? Worth reading, but truly not the best work by this author.

Rating:
Summary: Another home run!
Review: As a Grisham fan, I somehow prepare myself to be let down when I start one of his books, but once again-and thankfully-I'm was wrong. What a wonderful story! Yes the characters are similar to other Grisham characters, but you can't stop reading. I think Nate's struggles, in regards to his life situation in general, are similar to ours. We all at some point in our lives wrestle with these thoughts and Grisham does a good job of putting into words these dilemmas. If you haven't yet, rush out and read it.

Rating:
Summary: An OK - Grisham book
Review: Whenever I travel I try to find a new John Grisham book at the airport to take with me on the flight. The first 100 pages of The Testament was very exciting. And I also enjoyed the locations Grisham described both in and around DC - and in the jungle. I think the author tried to make connotations to Conrad's "Heart of Darkness". Only with little luck. Apart from the ending the book is good. The author seems to have a problem with a good and well deserved ending.