The Testament

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Summary: This is a cannot-put-it-down-until-you're-done mystery.
Review: The Testament is a book that reflects much of what is wrong and a lot of what is right about human nature. The characters are quite different from other John Grisham novels and this fact is quite refreshing. There is enough legal drama; however, the human aspect is the central focus. Mr. Grisham follows his usual format and veers away from gratuitous sex and foul language. He also treats spiritual renewal with an empathy that is usually not apparent in other modern authors. This is a great departure for those of us wanting fresh, uplifting literature.

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Summary: Great start but slowed down
Review: The first opening paragraphs were definitely attention grabbers but then started to drag. It was 10 times better than the preachy and guilt trippy Street Lawyer but definitely not his best. All in all it is worth reading.

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Summary: Great Message
Review: When I was about 2/3 through the book, I recommended to my 15-year-old son that he read this latest John Grisham book. It seemed to be one he might enjoy, and not too complicated. When I told him the name of it was "The Testament", he asked if it was about the Bible (as in "Old" and "New" Testament). My first reaction was no, but then I realized maybe it was! It was not only about a last will and testament, but it was John Grisham's testament of the way God can work in lives today. I guess its sorta the "Gospel According to John Grisham"!! It was great to read a book with such a great message!!!!

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Summary: C'mon John!
Review: Not again. The Street Lawyer and The Testament have both been sub-par. Get back to the basics John! How about something a bit lighter and more fun next time.

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Summary: Yawn
Review: Am I the only one who wanted to read more about the greedy heirs than Nate's adventures in Brazil. I found myself dozing off when during the travels in the Pantanal. I think we've read enough about South America and barefoot boys playing soccer in the streets. It's time to get back to the basics, Mr. Grisham. More books like the Runaway Jury would be nice.

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Summary: Not Grisham's Best effort
Review: I usually like Grisham's books, but was disappointed with this one. He usually spins out a great tale of courtroom drama, with turns and twists in the cases along the way. That wasn't the case with this book. He spent too much time on safari and not enough time in the courtroom, where he is usually at his best.

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Summary: Tedious and monochromatic
Review: An attempted journey into the Heart of Darkness that sinks. No surprises, no romance, no gripping characters after the multibillionaire dives off the terrace. Grisham is no Hillerman in using a vast rivery swamp as a character. Yawn.

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Summary: I give his 10th book a perfect 10
Review: This book is such a wonderful departure from the other Grisham books. I really loved the characters in this story. I couldn't put this down. I wanted to find out what was going to happen. I really enjoyed getting away from the courthouse and the lawyers and focusing in on characters that have human qualities. I really cared about the characters and wanted the very best for them. John Grisham hits the jackpot with this one. The details of the excursion Nate takes is so well written. This is by far one of my top picks for the best John Grisham book.

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Summary: This is an improvement over Grisham's last two efforts.
Review: "The Testament" has some weaknessness and some strengths. Its weaknesses are its moralizing, its stereotypical characters and its slow pace. Its strengths are the simplicity and grace of the writing (this is in short supply in modern fiction) and the touching plot line dealing with Rachel Lane. Grisham missed his calling. He should have been a priest. For someone who makes an obscene amount of money, Grisham seems to be saying over and over that the love of money is the root of all evil. This message seems a little strange coming from such a successful author, but nevertheless, he may be right. I was moved by the ending of "The Testament". People who want a fast-paced novel with lots of action and snappy dialogue--stay away from this one! It is a thoughtful book with no murders and little in the way of courtroom theatrics. It is certainly a big improvement over "The Street Lawyer," which is just as moralizing, but extremely boring.

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Summary: It is the most AMAZING book of all time :)
Review: I have read all of John Girsham's novels and they get better and better ;) Most think it is odd that i love his books so much becasue i'm 15 but i love them...i'm going to be a lawyer some day :)