Rating: 
Summary: A Classic? Almost...Give It 4 1/2 Stars
Review: Grisham can tell a story. No doubt about it. In his last thriller, however, it seemed he'd forgotten how to have fun in the process. In this, his most daring book--in light of his previous methods of success--he shows he can have fun while subtly seasoning a story so that it lingers in your thoughts.As I read, I couldn't stop comparing the book to "Gap Creek" and "To Kill a Mockingbird," two of my favorite novels. Both deal with young characters, with hardships and bygone eras; both make strong moral and emotional statements. Paradoxically, this is where "A Painted House" falls somewhat short. In most of Grisham's novels, you can pinpoint a theme in one sentence. Though fast-paced and entertaining, his legal thrillers have consistently (somewhat) managed to deliver a message, a lesson, or theme. In this book, he slows the pace a bit and gives us a strong sense of place and character, but somewhere along the way, he forgets to funnel us to a specific theme or purpose. This isn't necessarily a flaw. It may even point to more nuanced messages worthy of book group discussions and friendly debate. It does, ultimately, however, keep the novel from becoming a classic. So, with that weighty expectation set aside, I'll admit that I loved the story and the characters. Though it starts slowly, it picks up speed, thrusting you into the layers of secrets that burden a seven-year old's mind. Young Luke Chandler is likeable, a bit lazy, a dreamer and honest--when circumstances permit. The story of one cotton-picking season introduces you to a host of people, good and bad. Through Luke's innocent perceptions, you come to see and smell the Arkansas land. And, most surprisingly, John Grisham makes you laugh. I found myself chuckling, even laughing out loud a number of times. This is fun reading. Yep, it is. And here I thought Grisham had gone and become a serious writer. If so, he's not taking himself too seriously--and that's a good thing. My faith has been restored.
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointment...
Review: The characterizations were good, but the plot was too slow for me. I found it to be quite boring. I kept waiting for all the loose ends to pull together, but they never did. Don't waste your time unless you're interested in reading about cotton farming in the 1950's.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a lawyer in sight, but a too insightful child
Review: The story tells the challenges of life for an Arkansas cotton farmer on the verge of poverty during the 1950's. Leaving the usual setting of courtrooms and lawyers, John Grisham takes us back to his childhood to spin a good yarn. The novel has a genuine quality about it that draws the reader into the story. The parade of events is seen and commented on by a young boy with insights of an adult, which distracts from the story. This is a good read and page turner.
Rating:
Summary: Grisham Paints a New Picture
Review: A Painted House was a new and interesting change for this particular Grisham fan. While this book didn't contain the high drama and deep plot I enjoyed in other Grisham books, it did still contain the Grisham touch. The tale of a small boy and his poor family's struggle to find success in the cotton fields of the South led me into the hearts and minds of the characters. The mixture of the rednecks from Arkansas and the migrant Latino workers made for comic interludes and dramatic flare. I must say that I was a little disappointed by the ending. Grisham didn't tie up the loose ends as I'm used to getting in the books I read. However, he certainly has left the door open for a sequel! I'm waiting, John.
Rating:
Summary: TIME TO GET OVER IT
Review: I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT PEOPLE NEED TO STEP AWAY FROM THE LAW AND TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. GRISHAM IS A GOOD AUTHOR ABOUT THE LAW BUT HE CAN DO SO MUCH MORE LIKE HE DID WITH THIS BOOK. I THINK MOST OF HIS READERS DON'T LIKE CHANGE BECAUSE THIS BOOK WOULD HAVE BEEN A BIT OF FRESH AIR FOR THEM. LOOK PAST THE LAW AND JUST ENJOY A BOOK. A REALLY GOOD READ THAT I RECOMMEND FOR EVERYONE.
Rating:
Summary: A GOOD READ
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I was amazed at how well John Grisham wrote about something other than the law. His other books are good, but this one was a nice change of scenery. I would recommend this book to everyone(and I have).
Rating:
Summary: A Painted House
Review: With much pleasure I have read all of John Grisham's work. This book, though, was quite a departure from his customary genre. Yet, I found the story a delightful, and profoundly moving experience. But, with the ending, it seemed I was left on the edge of a cliff. Perhaps,hopefully, it is John's attention to follow with a sequel which will track Luke forward in time to his early manhood, and, perhaps, reunited with his uncle Ricky.
Rating:
Summary: Bravo!
Review: Two thumbs up to you Mr. Grisham for successfully stepping out of your comfort zone (legal/thriller) and into a different genre. A Painted House is a story told from the viewpoint of a seven-year-old boy. Talk about going back in personal time to draw a character so young. When I think of coming-of-age stories I think of John Irvin's The Cider House Rules. Dickens, Irving, Grisham? I can see where the die-hard Grisham fan might be disappointed--this is not a legal thriller. It is a great story set in a time and place where things were slow and peaceful. The only problem I had with the story was in the name of the story's main character, Luke. I kept thinking of Little Luke from the old television program, The Real McCoy's. "Luke! Luke! The barn's on fire! Other than that, this story was great and you should buy the book
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Work
Review: In his first departure from the legal thrillers, Grisham strikes off in an interesting new direction. It is an interesting work reminescient of Faulkner and Steinbeck yet laced with his own definitive humor. Grisham comes across as a little unpolished for this classical style of writing but it is obviously a work of the heart which he gave considerably more effort than his past several works. Read it with an open mind and no pre-conceptions about the limits of his literary talent and you will be very pleanantly surprised.
Rating: 
Summary: A Painted House
Review: The only reason that this book may sell is the author's name. It is far removed from his previous novels and would only be worth reading if you are interested in growing cotton in Arkansas.
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