Rating: 
Summary: A Simple Story
Review: Although it starts a little slow, the reader is eventually captivated by the simple struggle that is life on a cotton farm in 1952. The character development is necessary in order to carry the reader along through the trenches of a life that seems so distant from those of today. I have not read any of Grisham's legal novels and don't yet know if I will, but I finished this book aching for a followup. He leaves an open door for part two and I hope he doesn't wait long.I read the book over the period of a week and each time I put it down I looked around me with a slight smirk at life as it continued to race past me, knowing that I too would be back on the treadmill soon enough, but that for the moment I could pause and reflect on what some of those before me had gone through. All the while wondering if this is what they had intended.
Rating: 
Summary: Grisham writes a different kind of a book
Review: I was delighted and surprised to read Grisham's new novel where the word "law" or lawyer" was not to be seen on any page. This is a homey, family, farm type of story, but with a few odd, violent twists to it. It is about a young 8 year old boy coming of age in the Midwest in difficult times - not much money, but plenty of love, respect and responsibilty, and plenty of hard work. Picking cotton from early morning till late in the afternoon will toughen a boy up and help him become a man. But Mom has other plans for her young son; he must get an education and distance himself from the farmer's way of life, where a decent living is barely made. I liked this story. It may sound boring, but it is not, especially when you consider Grisham's easy writing style, which is interesting and not at all dull. I enjoyed all his other "lawyer" novels, and I liked this, even though the subject was quite different. I wonder how much he drew from his own childhood years in the writing of this, his newest novel. The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because when I finished the book I did not say, "Wow, I've got to spread the word, this book is a "must read" - I simply laid it down and said to myself, "this was good, I liked the story; it was worth my time to read it."
Rating:
Summary: Welcome back John Grisham
Review: We have been bored by Grisham's books for the past few years (he had been one of our favorite authors)but everything started to sound the same. This book is extremely refreshing and we want more of these types from him. My husband and I both loved this book. We did not discuss this until after we both read the book. The descriptions took us both into the book and the story. Bravo. We loved this book. Thank you John Grisham!
Rating:
Summary: Nice change for Grisham
Review: I really enjoyed this book, so much in fact, that I read the whole book in one sitting. I could not put it down.
Rating:
Summary: I'd like to give it ten stars! Grisham has outdone himself.
Review: This is such a great story! And a total departure by Grisham from his usual stories featuring lawyers. Not a lawyer in a carload--not a lawyer character in the book. I think it is the best thing he has ever written. Inspired by Grisham's own childhood in rural Arkansas, "A Painted House" is told in the first person by a 7-year-old boy who lives with his parents and grandparents on their cotton farm in Arkansas. The story is reminiscent of Samuel Clemen's "Tom Sawyer," or "Huckleberry Finn," but without any black characters. Also, pardon me all of you Mark Twain fans, but I think it is better written. I know that is a sacrilegious statement! There is the struggle for survival against the weather that all small farmers face, the labor problems--hiring Mexicans to harvest the crop alongside "Hill People" and preventing the inevitable friction between them, an effort doomed to failure--the constant threats of rainstorm, flood, tornadoes, and working under the scorching sun; labor shared by even the 7-year-old boy--and then there is the constant worry about the loved one fighting in Korea, and the secret he left behind. There is violence, murder, secret forbidden love--all told through the eyes of a young boy. The characters are absolutely authentic and lifelike. You've known them all, at some time in your own life. If you miss this book, you will have missed one of the truly great ones! Joseph H. Pierre
Rating:
Summary: A Pleasant Departure
Review: I have read every book John Grisham wrote, and enjoyed all of them except The Brethren. Until now, The Client was my favorite, with Testament a close second place. Now, however, I think A Painted House has earned the spot of my favoire Grisham novel. Not only is there a very likable protagonist, but there is no young lawyer beating the odds in an unrealistic manner. I also feel that the quality of writing is wonderful. The first few books were entertaining but lacking in creative and sonorous use of the English language. This is not only a great book, but great literature. As a fellow Christian, I found the author's observances of his Baptist upbringing both humorous and convicting. Thank you, Mr. Grisham.
Rating:
Summary: Different
Review: Not what I expected and I can't explain why, but I really enjoyed this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A nice departure from the Legal set
Review: Although I'm no great fan of Grisham's, I read a review of this book which heightened my curiosity and enticed me to give it a try. The book has a slow build that eventually pulls you in and keeps you interested. Unlike his legal thrillers, this book does a pretty good job at characterization. You really get to know Luke, the narrator--his hopes and fears. At times it's hard to believe that the story is told from a 7 year-old's perspective. All in all, this is a solid read.
Rating:
Summary: I Just Loved this book!
Review: I have read all of Grisham's books and basically I was getting sick of them. Kinda like, if you have read one you have read them all. Finally something different and I loved it! I just could not put it down. I loved the simple life and the daily family togetherness, something we no longer understand in this world. I long for a portion of this type of life. I long for time to sit on my porch with my family instead of running to dance lessons, grocery stores, etc, etc. I believe Grisham has left room to continue with this story and I pray he does. I would love to see how Luke and family progress through the rest of their lives. Please Mr. Grisham...finish this story.
Rating:
Summary: A nice change!
Review: I really enjoyed this new book by John Grisham and thought it was a great change of pace from all his previous books. I really felt that I was in Arkansas as I read this book. If you read John Grisham for his books involving the courtroom this one isn't for you. You will probably be disappointed. I hope he writes more books on topics other than the courtroom. I really enjoyed this and hope they make this into a movie too.
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