Rating: 
Summary: It almost had me, but..............
Review: the ending is weak. This novel, like many by Grisham, is very good and difficult to put down. (Or turn off in my case) However, when the story ends, you'll find yourself saying, "Is that it?" I don't want to give anything away, but I will say the book is definitely worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: Once again Grisham has a winner!
Review: I have been a fan of Grisham's for years. I was really looking forward to reading this book. As usual, it was a very good Grisham novel. However, it was the first time that I was disappointed in how one of his novels ended. I was so hoping for the ending that would have been more positive. His character development left me mourning as will as Nate did. I did however find Grisham's portrayal of the elder Phelan and his family to be hysterical. They got what they deserved!
Rating: 
Summary: Best of Grisham
Review: Finally, Grisham has redeemed himself, and written a book to the caliber of The Firm and Time to Kill. This is a must read, full of excitement, but gives great insight into life on the mission field, while keeping modern day interest with the other "heirs" of the estate.
Rating: 
Summary: Appreciate the effort, but needs more maturity
Review: I can appreciate Grisham's attempt to break out of his usual genre with "The Testament," and the story is not without its charms. As usual, Grisham's writing style kept me hooked from the beginning, but by the end I couldn't figure out why. The problem is this: Grisham seems to not have the sophistication to fully describe the lead character's fight with drug and alcohol dependance. That tension is the lynchpin of the novel, and I didn't feel it. Though the sections in the jungles of Brazil were well-writen, the descriptions only served to divert the real focus of the book - Nate's fight to stay alive and, in the process, find himself. I just kept thinking: A man's salvation has more depth than this. Doesn't it? And by the way, if you were looking for a legal thriller stop right now. This isn't one.
Rating:
Summary: SO SO HUMAN. GENEROSITY, GREED, LOVE, HATE,GRIEF, CONTEN .
Review: ALL THE ASPECTS OF BEING HUMAN ARE EXPLORED IN THIS GREAT WORK. THE CHARACTERS ARE COMPLICATED AND UNPREDICTABLE. THIS MAKES THEM SO REAL AND INTERESTING. THE STORY LINE MOVES ALONG AT A FAST PACE SO YOU CAN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN. THE SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF THE WRITING ARE JUST BRILLIANTLY ADDED.
Rating:
Summary: The best novel of the 1990s, seriously.
Review: This is the best novel of the 1990s, and definitely the best Grisham yet--which is saying a lot. The character development is engaging, without being verbose. This book illustrates how everyone will "sow what they reap", and where real joy comes from. The book's ending is unpredictable, and yields great insight into the purpose of life and how people can change their lives. While the story is complex and involving, the writing is simple and elegant--I wish everyone could learn how to write this well.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: The Testament was the first Grisham book I've ever read and I absolutely loved it! I couldn't put it down. It's like it takes you on an adventure from the lives of greedy heirs to the life of a humble missionary in the Brazillian jungle. The whole Phelan mess keeps you glued until the very end. An outstanding book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book, very entertaining
Review: This is one of the best books that I've read this year. After I bought it, it was hard to put down, even though I was at Disney World! Must have for anybody who enjoys these types of books.
Rating: 
Summary: Politically incorrect and worthwhile
Review: If you read some of the hundreds of comments about THE TESTAMENT (which I encourage) you'll find that there are three camps. 1) Those who loved it. They are clearly-to be polite-uncritical readers. 2) The readers who hated it. If you carefully read between the lines, you'll discover that they are mostly dreary, bigoted, anal-retentive liberals. Many closely identify with the Phelan children. They've been fanatical Grisham devotees because of the hackneyed and relentless political correctness of his earlier novels-and now they feel betrayed. The "objectionable" themes in THE TESTAMENT are the depiction of an extraordinarily kind, gentle, selfless missionary, and of the redemption of a hopeless alcoholic lawyer (Nate) by his faith in her faith. 3) The third camp is composed of readers who appreciate Grisham's brilliant writing, but were disappointed by various deficiencies which should have been caught and corrected by the (apparently comatose) editor. Moreover, while THE TESTAMENT isn't as entertaining as THE RAINMAKER or THE RUNAWAY JURY, a comparison is unfair-THE TESTAMENT is a different genre. Also, admittedly, the ending is unsatisfying, but that's almost become a Grisham trademark. So, if you are a narrow-minded zealot who expects a Grisham novel to be an insipid politically-correct sermon, you'll hate THE TESTAMENT. Most other readers will enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding 1st chapter, plummeted to low ground thereafter
Review: This was a book that promised to deliver. The reviews have been way out of proportion. The first chapter was certainly catching. Thereafter the book moved slowly with a mindless ending. After a good read I always feel as if I have been part of something. Ater this book I felt as if I had been cheated of time I could have spent in more worthy endeavors.
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