Rating: 
Summary: A good read and a call for compassion
Review: While not the page-turner that you might expect from some of Grisham's other novels ("The Partner" et al), it seems the author is trying to explore the realm of the profession: what it can do, what its limits are, and what its responsibilities should be. I was somewhat disappointed in the character and had a hard time buying his quick transformation, but Grisham does portray the bewilderment and hopelessness a white middle- or upper-class person can feel when confronted with the inner city. He shows both the tragedies of the inner city and the surprising joy and "realness" that can be found there. He also hints at the ways people can serve the needs of the inner city. "You can chop onions, can't you?" asks a homeless advocate of Grisham's bewildered rich white guy. As in "The Chamber" I found myself stirred and thinking long after putting it down. You can't say that for every book,can you?
Rating: 
Summary: This author has hit rock bottom.
Review: Yet another lawyer experiences an epiphany (the first was in The Testament). This one leaves job and wife to validate himself by working with the homeless in Washington, D.C.I have lived in D.C. for forty years and I volunteered (briefly) with an organization that attempted to remedy the housing situation for this city's least fortunate. We met in a church in Northeast D.C. somewhat like the church Grisham describes, though much more modest. I live one half block from a soup kitchen for the homeless. I recognize none of this in The Street Lawyer. In real life, this generation's greatest champion of Washington's homeless hanged himself out of despair. This novel, instead of offering insights, uses the homeless as a vehicle for pedestrian social commentary and moralism. I do not like the way Grisham uses my city and my people; I don't like his calling the residents of the Dupont Circle neighborhood "queers." What a long way he has come from the wonderful Pelican Brief, The Firm, and The Client.
Rating: 
Summary: OUTSTANDING! Deeply moving!
Review: This is my first Grisham novel. I've put off reading him because he's so popular, which was a mistake. I'm very impressed. He manages to convey powerful human emotions, and to do so realistically and (here's the clever bit) without obvious ploys for our emotions. His characters are real, and they act real, and that makes us care for them. To be honest, I hadn't thought much about the homeless before reading this book, and frankly, now I'm ashamed. If I were a better man, I'd give up everything and work with the homeless like the protagonist did, but I'll have to settle for making sure I give regularly to the appropriate charities. I highly recommend this book. It's gratifying on so many levels, not the least of which is the emotional level.
Rating: 
Summary: HOMELESS ACTIVISM
Review: John Grisham is in his element writing books about lawyers. He starts STREET LAWYER with a puzzling, violent scene that is deeply imprinted on the mind of the reader. This is the story of how one incident changed the perceptive core of one man who just happens to be an attorney. Michael is on the fast track, about to make partner in a prestigious firm when he witnesses a homeless man getting shot to death for want of a place to live. Michael investigates and is amazed by the sheer number of the homeless and by the means with which they survive. His conscience and a quest for justice lead him on a fantistic journey as he dedicates himself to helping the homeless and battling his firm at the same time. It's a good read, great beginning, but the ending ...
Rating:
Summary: A FAIR READ
Review: This was an okay book, but not like any other Grisham's I have read. I felt like he was trying to give me a lesson on morality and was testing my ethics on the less fortunate. I didn't hate it, but it was one of my least favorites of all the Grisham's.
Rating:
Summary: Street Lawyer, Was that by Grisham?
Review: Amirhhs2 The Street Lawyer by John Grisham is a story about a Big Firm Lawyer, Michael Brock, who changes his focus in life to become a personal interest lawyer, after a near death experience involving a homeless hostage-taker who had been evicted from his home by Brock's firm. For those who read John Grisham's work and enjoy it for its thrilling novels, I suggest you read the first fifty pages of this novel and then immediately put the book down and go rent a Time to Kill. If you are a diehard Grisham fan then stick with the book and read about a selfless lawyer who gives up a million dollar job to pursue a career helping people who can't afford it. The story isn't only about this idealistic character, if you follow closely there is a plot and some interesting subplots. The main plot involves Brock's crusade to justify the deaths of five homeless people. As Brock was leaving his firm he was given an anonymous letter which contained info of an illegal eviction of 17 homeless persons carried out by the real estate branch, a action that correlated directly with the deaths of the five homeless people....I praise Grisham for his fluid writing style but the book is more an idealistic moral crusade with some legal jargon tossed in.
Rating:
Summary: Street law with a grain of salt
Review: The Street Lawyer is Grisham's best. There is no other way around it. He is not a great author, that is why i'm only giving it 4 stars. At his absolute best, he is only a 4. Michael Brock is a power DC attorney who decides to live life, like marky mark, on the wild side. He goes into near pro-bono street law, a step down from his emminent partnership in a world-class law firm. The read is quick, fast paced--perfect for a 2hr flight. There is not much potency in a Grisham novels, but in this at least, there is story. This is a worthwile read albeit it does not really solve the moral problems of today, it solves another: entertainment. This book is entertaining, and mindless. Take a break from reality. Welcome to Grisham.
Rating:
Summary: A book that inspires social activism
Review: Although not as action packed or suspenseful as some of his previous novels, The Street Lawyer is one of my favorites for this reason: it inspired me to change. This may not have been Grisham's intent, but I believe this book has the power to change lives and he should consider it his most important novel to date. It led me to reconsider my own career and wonder if working with the less-fortunate wouldn't be more rewarding and satisfying than working in the unfulfilling for-profit world. I have since begun to volunteer with local organizations and hope to begin a full-time career in the social service industry as soon as possible. I only hope that this book will do for others what it has done for me.
Rating:
Summary: ¿Street Lawyer¿ journeys through life
Review: John Grisham explores the results of choosing right from wrong and moral values over money in his new fictional work, The Street Lawyer. Michael Brock is a promising young associate at one of Washington D.C. most prestigious law firms. Soon to become a partner, Michael's world is shot down one day. While attending a meeting with other lawyers from the firm, an unknown homeless man storms the firm. The man is shot dead just inches away from Michael. But why was this man here? Where did he come from? What did he want? Michael begins to face question upon question in his own head. Soon, he begins to question his role not only in the firm, but in life. What is right? What is wrong? Money or happiness? What will Michael do? This book is a thrilling, fast-paced tale about morals and happiness and the struggles to find both in the world. I would recommended for adventurous people, especially those who knows what questioning everything feels about.
Rating:
Summary: ¿Street Lawyer¿ journeys through life
Review: John Grisham explores the results of choosing right from wrong and moral values over money in his new fictional work, The Street Lawyer. Michael Brock is a promising young associate at one of Washington D.C. most prestigious law firms. Soon to become a partner, Michael's world is shot down one day. While attending a meeting with other lawyers from the firm, an unknown homeless man storms the firm. The man is shot dead just inches away from Michael. But why was this man here? Where did he come from? What did he want? Michael begins to face question upon question in his own head. Soon, he begins to question his role not only in the firm, but in life. What is right? What is wrong? Money or happiness? What will Michael do? A thrilling, fast-paced tale about morals and happiness and the struggles to find both in the world. Recommended for adventurous people, especially those who knows what questioning everything feels about.
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