A Painted House

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Summary: An evocative and poignant coming-of-age novel.
Review: John Grisham, master of the legal thriller, has written a touching novel set in rural Arkansas in 1952. Three generations of the Chandler family live on their farm, and their cash crop is cotton. Although they have plenty to eat, thanks to a lavish vegetable garden, the Chandlers are dependent for income on their cotton crop. Unfortunately, the cotton crop is not always reliable. Weather conditions and cotton prices fluctuate and the Chandler family never seems to get ahead financially. "A Painted House" is told through the eyes of a precocious seven-year-old named Luke Chandler. Luke learns a great deal during this novel. He witnesses acts of unspeakable violence and he must wrestle with his conscience as to whether he should reveal what he has seen. As a result of his friendship with a teenage girl, Luke begins to learn about sexuality. During a flood which threatens the Chandlers' cotton crop and the lives of their neighbors, Luke learns how to survive a crisis and to still keep faith that things will get better. Grisham evokes beautifully the simple Baptist faith of the residents of this town and the generosity that neighbors bestow on other neighbors who are in need. The author also nicely depicts the close and loving relationships in the Chandler family. The characters are realistic and flawed and the dialogue rings true. "A Painted House" is a far cry from the legal thrillers that we are used to from Grisham, and it may disappoint some readers who are used to action thrillers. Still, patient readers will be rewarded, since "A Painted House" has a wonderful texture all its own. As a novel about a boy's journey from naivete to maturity, it is remarkably effective and moving.

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Summary: Should have been submitted to Readers Digest
Review: I have read everyone of John Grisham's books and have viewed a short story of his, "The Gingerbread Man", that was made into a movie. This is more of the type of story that I'd expect to read in the condensed area of a Readers Digest monthly publication, or in an old issue of Saturday Morning Post. The story line did bring back memories of my childhood, but as to the story line it should have probably been published as a children's book. I finished listening to the unabridged tapes with a diffenent sense of being ripped off and wanting my money back. Two stars for the memories.

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Summary: He can write something other than law.
Review: This was a good book. I was a little skeptical about reading something by John Grisham that was not about the law and a lawyer. This book goes to show readers just what a good auther he really is. As usual it will be a long year before his next one comes out. I very much look forward to his next novel.

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Summary: It needs a sequel
Review: This lovely novel of Grisham's needs part two. It got me involved and then left me hanging. The ending left me hungry for more. I couldn't believe that was all. So many questions left unanswered. Not having ever been to the South or never having seen cotton grow I feel like the story for me is incomplete. I need to learn more about Luke's life and home. Another book of Luke in his teens or coming home would be nice. Keep writing it Mr.Grisham. I buy everything you write.I enjoyed The Testament best of all.

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Summary: Wonderful Coming Of Age Story
Review: I have always hoped that John Grisham would spread his wings and write different types of novels; stories that explored the South of his childhood. His early novels were written in a prose style that exceeded those of his later novels. In "The Painted House" he goes down a road that Faulkner, Willie Morris, Eudora Welty, and many other fine writers have traveled. His descripions of the long days spent picking cotton held my attention, not an easy feat. I found his depiction of the various families in the novel interesting and for me the payoff of the novel was rewarding. I highly recommend this novel.

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Summary: Farm Kid's memoirs
Review: I had the wonderful experience of being raised on a small farm during the depression years of the 30's, and I loved "A Painted House". It was totally accurate in every detail of what a pre-teen child's role is in such a setting. Yes, we were expected to work right along with the adults, and it helped us realize and appreciate our place in the family and society. Grisham's skill as a writer is incredible, and I'm sorry for anyone who was expecting his fast paced thriller style of book, but this one sets him apart as a truly versatile and endlessly talented writer. Every pre-teen should be reading it, and it will be a classic of that genre.

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Summary: Perfection!!
Review: I love John Grisham more than ever!! I have read all of his books and I am a huge fan of legal thrillers, but this book was one of his best. I also enjoyed The Testament. I like it when he writes something other than legal thrillers and am tired of him being criticized for it. He is so very talented and this book will touch your heart. If it does not then there is a problem. Who would think that little Luke Chandler could have such an interesting life? Why this story kept me so enthralled I truly can't explain but I could not put this book down. I was hooked from the first page, and I have to admit that Grisham's books usually take a few pages to capture me. The only bad thing about this book was it ended too soon. I want to know how little Luke grew up and what happened to Pappy and the farm. This is one of those rare stories that stay with you for days and the characters refuse to let go. This story made me laugh and cry. Grisham is skilled at making the story so vividly alive that each emotion is fully experienced and each part of the story fully experienced. I hope he continues writing like this!

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Summary: A Painted House
Review: A Painted House was a pleasant surprise. Hearing that it was unlike any of the other Grisham books gave me pause, but this turned out to be one of the best. An intriguing story with great but subtle humor. I laughed out loud so often my family thought something had come over me. But with all the humor, it is a truly touching story.

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Summary: Renewed faith in Grisham
Review: I had given up on John Grisham, refusing to buy his last two legal thrillers. I was so disappointed that he had fallen into formula writing. When I read that A Painted House didn't have any lawyers, living or dead, I decided to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did! It was great. As a former English teacher I kept thinking I could use this to teach my students about narrators, setting, word choice, characterization, and use a book that they would love. What a great find. I can only hope that John Grisham will stay away from lawyers for a while. He has too much talent to keep telling the same story over and over again.

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Summary: A Painted House
Review: I have always loved Johns Grisham's books. So I ran out and purchased this one. I WANT my MONEY back. What a disappointment. He tries to COPY the MacCorte book from Irland. However, this kid has two parents(very good prople). He has two grandparents(very good people). And NOTHING is funny. Maybe it is because I know a seven year does think or act like this seven year old. What a DUMB story.