The Testament

Rating:
Summary: Not a classic Grisham
Review: Testament is a good book but it doesn't have the fast paced action of a Grisham gold. I felt it stayed in the swamps for far too long refusing to progress whilst in the mean time constantly reinforcing the readers knowledge of the somewhat risky choices of the heirs. Also curious was how the washed up alcoholic could destroy the heirs case without apparently looking at the briefs? Talented indeed. I await the next novel (assuming there is to be another) with great anticipation and hope that it is an improvement on this.

Rating:
Summary: The best Grisham book yet.
Review: I have read most of Grisham's books. The early ones were quite good. The later ones seem to reflect little more than animosity toward the legal profession (an occupation at which Grisham was obviously ineffective). The Rainmaker, for instance, is totally unrealistic, as the attorney there (esp. in the movie) has less knowledge of the law than a first year law student. In fact, none of Grisham's books have accurately portrayed the law. Like the rest, this one has mistakes, but it is more accurate than false. Will contests really do involve the legal standards he cites. And depositions occur almost precisely as the protagonist in this book takes them. I'm Agnostic and therefore was skeptical that I would enjoy a book with such religious overtures. I was wrong. The missionary is respectable and admirable, as is the main character. This is a wonderful book. My only criticism concens Grisham's obvious intent to demonstrate that his (lawyer) hero is a rarity, when, in reality, there are many lawyers just like him.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: This is the first book by John Grisham that I've ever read, and I really enjoyed it. I picked it up because I had heard that it dealt with spiritual matters. As a believer myself, I always find it exciting to encounter someone else who is a person of faith. Grisham's portraits of Nate and Rachel are inspiring. I recommend this book to anyone who believes that God can touch the lives of mortals.

Rating:
Summary: A different-type of Grisham but easily read and enjoyable
Review: There were no shots in the night; cars exploding; heart stopping chases, but still I found myself totally intrigued by this story. To me, Grisham revealed a different side of himself and permitted a character total redemption from his past. Some of the characters were not as finely drawn as his characters in the past but I had the feeling he wanted it this way...he wanted us to add some of our own layers of personal experience to his. I enjoyed the touches of humor when Nate experienced the jungle...not unlike what I would do, may I add. Anyway, thanks for another intriquing tale!

Rating:
Summary: Very entertaining if not deep, good characters, fun read.
Review: Okay, so Grisham has let his writing slide a bit in recent years. After great legal thrillers like The Firm and The Client, he's gone to writing almost for the sheer obligation of writing the required book a year. But the surprising thing is that even these stories manage to be entertaining, worthwile reads. The Testament is no exception. While it lacks the twisting plot of Grisham's best work, it still delivers an exciting read. Grisham does his best work with settings yet, describing the Pantanal area of Brazil. And his charactes, especially that of Nate O'Riley, a lawyer fresh out of rehab, are realistic and sympathetic. The adventure follows the paint-by-the-numbers structure for the most part, but Grisham packs one mean punch when it comes to O'Riley's encounter with religion. He makes the lawyer's struggle with God realistic and touching. Also, the legal struggle with the will back in the States provides Grisham with the opportunity to make his best satirical comments on lawyers to date. If you're looking for a deep, thought-provoking book, The Testament won't satisfy you. But if you want a fun, adventurous read, the book is truly worth your time.

Rating:
Summary: The worst by Grisham
Review: I am a Grisham fan and this is a most disgusting book. I was just falling asleep and skipping pages while reading.....totally nauseating!. In the book, about 200 pages are devoted to boat rides through the rivers of Brazil, 50 pages about a man's drinking habit, 50 pages about a man helping a pastor.....

Rating:
Summary: Not one of his better efforts
Review: I am a huge fan but this book was definitely not one of his better efforts. I thought that there were too many characters and that he should have just picked a few of them and really focused in on them. I wanted to understand Rachel better and read more from her viewpoint and not just speculation of her feelings. The first few chapters were excellent but things went downhill from there. I only continued reading it because I wanted to give it the benefit of doubt and hope that it would get better. It didn't. The ending was very disappointing. I hope that the next book is more like his older ones.

Rating:
Summary: great book until the last 20 pages
Review: kept my attention but the ending was hoki

Rating:
Summary: Grisham goes back to Brazil
Review: Like he did with his book "The Partner", John Grisham again visits the country of Brazil in his latest tale of intrigue, money and reconciliation. When the last will and testament of Troy Phelan is read everyone knows that there will be a lot of money to be had, after all, Troy is worth over 11 billion dollars. However, no one is prepared when it is revealed that the money will all go to one heir -- Rachel Lane -- a woman no one has seen or knows anything about. Enter Nate O'Reilly, a lawyer who is asked to venture into the Pantanal region of Brazil to track down this elusive missionary and tell her that she has inherited over 11 billion dollars. However, what starts out as a simple task turns into a time of reflection and facing the demons that have haunted O'Reilly for most of his life. I loved this book! Again, Grisham picks out a situation that we probably have all thought about at one time or another (inheriting a large sum of money) and builds a caper-like story around it. What really struck me about it though was the fact that as Nate began to deal with his past, God was shown to play a large part in facing his issues. Typically, a lot of stories deal with trying to turn your life around in your own strength, but this one dealt with allowing God to have some kind of say in that. As a christian, it was very encouraging to see that the author brought the concept of spritual renewal into the picture. I found the ending to be satisfying and realistic. My only complaint was that the narrative of when Nate was in Brazil seemed to drag a little. That part of the book could have been condensed down or could have moved in another direction. Overall, though, a good story and a thought provoking lesson on the area of remembering your spirit!

Rating:
Summary: Not Grisham's usual suspense filled book.
Review: The first three chapters were funny. It trails off and becomes boring. If you are going to read this book borrow a friend's. This is from a true Grisham fan.