Rating: 
Summary: One one of a kind
Review: I don't play baseball... and never been further west of Sarasota - FL.When I finished reading this book, I felt I had to write a comment in Amazon - not because its so wonderfully written, but because it is NOT - as one would expect - a John Grisham book. The trademark is certainly there. Endless repetition (like the '37 miles per hour', attention to details - be it relevant or not to the plot and the political correctness angle are all apparent in the book. What the Painted House is not however - is a Mystery and Thriller book. Its refreshingly different - but more nostalgic rather than gripping. There is no plot, no story line - just the events that happens to what must be - the most memorable time in a life on a member of a cotton picking family. Readers who is expecting a murder mystery or clever legal twists will be sadly disappointed. But those who likes John Grisham for his writing ability -describing each moment so wonderfully that you live it it; you will get one of his best book to date. A true writer - one who can write - even if there is nothing to write about.
Rating: 
Summary: a whole new direction
Review: Grisham has taken his writing in a whole new direction with his latest novel. I have read every book he has written and was a little disappointed with his last one, The Brethren. I was reluctant to buy A Painted House. However, I am very glad I did. It is one of his best works to date. It is great to see that John Grisham can break away from his familiar court room genre and still hit a home run. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good book they can read simply for enjoyment and entertainment without feeling like they have to work for it. Once you get to know Luke, the book's main character and narrator, you cannot wait to see what he will do from one page to the next. The story is warm, funny, moving, and most of all enjoyable. Whether you grew up on a cotton farm or not you can relate to Luke's experiences. It is a chance to remember what it was like to be a kid.
Rating:
Summary: Grisham's is a master storyteller!
Review: I've read all of Grisham's books, and although I've enjoyed most of the legal thrillers, A Painted House is my favorite (with A Time to Kill a very close second). His character developement is excellent - I felt like I knew the characters and cared about them from the beginning. I was really disappointed when the book ended, but loved the end. Grisham did a remarkable job of focusing on the important details but not dragging out the meaningless ones. This is one of the 10 best books I've ever read. I hope he continues to write books like this.
Rating:
Summary: My hometown
Review: This was by far my favorite John Grisham book. Black Oak was my hometown and since I lived there in 1952, I could close my eyes and picture everything happening. It was as though I was in the story too. Would make a great movie!
Rating:
Summary: Secrets in the cotton fields
Review: Another book of his hard to put down. Grisham really gets to the heart of living in the south in the 1950's and living on a farm. As usual, he has his usual flair for the dry humor he uses throughout the book. What was really fascinating was that he used a 7-year old's point of view to carry this story. We learn about the family, farm, town, and life in general in Black Oak, Arkansas. I never thought I would read something from him that was absent of lawyers, judges, trials, courts, etc. It was really interesting the mentioning of other small Arkansas towns in the book that I have been in several times over the years. This book is one of 2001's best. There are so many secrets in this book that it will keep you turning the pages until you know the answers to these secrets. I hope he will write another one like this. Maybe he can set the next one in Memphis which is where I was born and raised. Great job as always Mr. Grisham!!
Rating: 
Summary: DISGRACE FOR GRISHAM
Review: Thýs was the worst by far book that ý read from John Grýsham.It was narrated by a 7 year old boy ,Luke. I read 275 pages, wýth great dýffýculty!!! but stýll almost nothýng happened. I REALLY HATED THIS BOOK. I thýnk Grýsham should stýck to what he knows best.Lawyers, judges , crooks.....
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ BOOK
Review: A PAINTED HOUSE WAS THE FIRST BOOK I HAVE READ BY MR JOHN GRISHAM AND I HAVE THE FEELING IT'LL REMAIN THE BEST AS I'M THINKING TO READ ALL HIS OTHER BOOKS. IN THIS BOOK I COULD SEE MR GRISHAM'S TALENT SHINING THROUGH FROM THE FIRST PAGE TILL THE LAST ONE SINCE THE CHARACTERS (ESPECIALLY LUKE)WERE SO VIVID AND TRUE. WHILE READING THIS BOOK I HAVE FELT AS I'M PART OF THE BANDELLS AND THAT IS SURELY WHAT WE BOOKLOVERS EXPECT FROM THE BOOKS. WELL DONE MR GRISHAM AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. P.S. I'VE GIVEN THIS BOOK FIVE STARS TO DESCRIBE IT HOW GOOD IT WAS BUT IF I COULD I WOULD GIVE A ZILIONS BECAUSE IT BELONGS IN THE CATEGORY OF BOOKS NAMED "ONE IN A MILLION" CHEERS
Rating:
Summary: Change is not good
Review: I have purchased and read every book this gentleman has produced, and the reason I have is because I like stories about law and lawyers. Mr. Grisham has broken from his traditional story, and with it has gone his ability to tell an interesting story. He should return to what he knows best. The Painted House was a horrible waste of talent and skill. I hope that Mr. Grisham returns to his more traditional book, and stays away from pretending to be a seven year old boy, because his seven year old boy had more of the characteristics of being a teenage adolecent.
Rating:
Summary: Grisham strikes out and hits a homerun
Review: I absolutely loved this book. I missed not having time to read it and I miss the charaters now that I have finished the book. I had moved away from Grisham, but read The Breathren and liked it so I decided to give John another chance. I sure made the right decision. The mix of country simplicity, baseball, poor folk, Baptist religion mixed with "killing and murder", made for a memorable book. I hope there is a sequel to this...what happens to Luke and the family as their life continues on. What about Ricky...
Rating:
Summary: a new grisham?
Review: I was delighted with this book. I admire Grisham for abandoning a tried-and-true formula and writing from the heart about simple people leading a simple life--until various untoward events occur. One empathizes with the characters and appreciates the pacing and scope of the novel. As a former farm boy myself, I experienced a bittersweet nostalgia trip as G. evoked a solid sense of time and place. I heartily recommend this book to all readers.
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