Rating: 
Summary: How does he sleep at night?
Review: I tried to read this book with an open mind, but I felt sick after the first two pages, so I did what I always do when reading a book by an author I don't like - I put it down and vowed to read no more of it. I don't care what Johnnie's past is or how he has helped minorities receive justice for the undoubted cruelties and prejudices they have had to endure, because his defense of OJ Simpson in the so-called trial of the century was immoral and unethical. Race was not and should never have been an issue in the Simpson case, because it was not a racially motivated crime. The only way in which race factored in this case was that Simpson, a black man, murdered two unfortunate white people. It's totally laughable, isn't it, that with all the money Simpson was paying these lawyers (or should I say liars) the defense couldn't refute the highly incriminating scientific evidence, instead they had to resort to ridiculous theories of frame ups and conspiracies. I wonder if Cochran actually believes the drivel that he spouted with all the fire and brimstone of a Southern Baptist preacher? I also read an article recently in which he displayed sympathy for Bill Cosby upon the murder of his son. How compassionate of him, since he couldn't have cared less about Lou Brown or Fred Goldman and their families. It's a pity that I borrowed this book from the library, for it's winter here now and it would make such great fodder for a fire. The Goldman family's opinion of Johnnie Cochran is the most salient, and in my mind, the most accurate.
Rating:
Summary: You're Going to Believe a DEFENSE ATTORNEY!??!
Review: I was absorbed with the Simpson case from the moment O.J returned to Los Angeles to answer charges of his guilt. I am not among the confused group of muddle-headed O.J. supporters who claim, "The truth may never be known." Of course the truth may be known, but only to those who can seriously digest evidence, separate forensic facts from smoke and mirrors, and draw logical conclusions based solely on the hard issues. I found it interesting how LITTLE Cochran wrote about the case itself. He splatters a lot of "guilty paint" on a lot of unnamed, alleged "co-conspirators" but he never addressed the actual evidence. Nowhere does he attempt to make the ridiculous claim that he knows who did it. He already knows who did--he worked for him. And who can blame him. Cochran would rather go outside at noon and stare at the sun than look at the actual evidence in this case. If he started discuss possible explanations for blood DNA, OJ's confusing alibis, OJ's attempted freeway getaway, and OJ's failure to explain his cuts, then he would look like a fool. So instead he gets off the subject of evidence and talks of vast anti-black agendas on the part of the LAPD. If you don't like the message (OJ's murder evidence) then attack the messenger (LAPD.) Sadly however this does not wash with educated readers. Only those convinced they are 'victims' of The System buy his nonsense. Cochran is not a hero, nor is he a role model. He is just a guy who tells angry minorities what they want to hear: Don't try to live within the law because the system's stacked against you; Don't trust the police because they are all racist; Don't believe anything the police tell you because they're all out to get you, (however he conviently never explains WHY they are out to get African-Americans or what they stand to gain by the vast conspiracy.) As long as there are Johnnie Cochrans out there, minorities will be able to continue blaming the police for all their problems. And the cycle of victimization rolls on.
Rating:
Summary: What A Waste of Paper!
Review: I was irritated by the reviews of this book. Whether you have negative or positive feelings about O.J. Simpson, treat this author fairly and read his book, as you would any other, with an open mind. Obviously the earlier reviewers didn't. Why read a book if you've formed an opinion already? You're apparently seeking vindication for your prejudices, not information or knowledge. I suspect there are more nefarious, more personal, not-so-healthy reasons.Whatever you feel about the O.J. trial, you must acknowledge Johnnie Cochran's excellence, his perserverance, and his professionalism. Now, if you want to know about the sorce of these qualities and the forces that molded him into the man he is (fighter, scholar, uncompromising attorney) then read "Journey To Justice" and be motivated. An interesting, spiritually uplifting work.
Rating: 
Summary: Had to write this review after reading the others.
Review: I was irritated by the reviews of this book. Whether you have negative or positive feelings about O.J. Simpson, treat this author fairly and read his book, as you would any other, with an open mind. Obviously the earlier reviewers didn't. Why read a book if you've formed an opinion already? You're apparently seeking vindication for your prejudices, not information or knowledge. I suspect there are more nefarious, more personal, not-so-healthy reasons. Whatever you feel about the O.J. trial, you must acknowledge Johnnie Cochran's excellence, his perserverance, and his professionalism. Now, if you want to know about the sorce of these qualities and the forces that molded him into the man he is (fighter, scholar, uncompromising attorney) then read "Journey To Justice" and be motivated. An interesting, spiritually uplifting work.
Rating:
Summary: Johnnie LOVES Johnnie...
Review: If you want to read a book by one of the most self-absorbed, shamelessly self-promoting, egotistical one-note "johnnie"s ever, this book is for you. Less about the Simpson case than about how wonderful and godlike Johnnie Cochran is in the eyes of Johnnie Cochran, I could not force myself to read past the first hundred pages. Such delusions of grandeur! And such an unjustifiably huge ego!
Rating:
Summary: Johnnie LOVES Johnnie...
Review: If you want to read a book by one of the most self-absorbed, shamelessly self-promoting, egotistical one-note "johnnie"s ever, this book is for you. Less about the Simpson case than about how wonderful and godlike Johnnie Cochran is in the eyes of Johnnie Cochran, I could not force myself to read past the first hundred pages. Such delusions of grandeur! And such an unjustifiably huge ego!
Rating: 
Summary: Journey To Justice
Review: In the words of a popular rap song - "Who Dat, Who Dat, Who?" You know who O.J. Simpson is! You know who Johnny Cochran is! Regardless of your feelings for O.J., the verdict, his professional and personal life, he used the same skills on the football field that he used when he retained an attorney. I did not read to find out about O.J. I had enough! I was fascinated by the ATTORNEY that was always hooked from head to toe. The articulate brother leveled the playing field in the courtroom. Yes, I know he represented Michael Jackson, Todd Bridges and Reginald Denny to name a few. Those cases put him on the U.S. map, but the Simpson case solidified his place in the world. The foundation intrigued me. I wanted to know more about the bricks that put the building together. I was not disappointed with his life story and neither will you.
Rating:
Summary: Journey To Justice
Review: In the words of a popular rap song - "Who Dat, Who Dat, Who?" You know who O.J. Simpson is! You know who Johnny Cochran is! Regardless of your feelings for O.J., the verdict, his professional and personal life, he used the same skills on the football field that he used when he retained an attorney. I did not read to find out about O.J. I had enough! I was fascinated by the ATTORNEY that was always hooked from head to toe. The articulate brother leveled the playing field in the courtroom. Yes, I know he represented Michael Jackson, Todd Bridges and Reginald Denny to name a few. Those cases put him on the U.S. map, but the Simpson case solidified his place in the world. The foundation intrigued me. I wanted to know more about the bricks that put the building together. I was not disappointed with his life story and neither will you.
Rating:
Summary: Try and stomach it.
Review: Johnnie Cochran is, simply, an appalling human being. He represents the worst type of person society in this day and age has to offer. He knew his "race card" would singlehandedly help change perceptions of black and white relations with each other and with the police for the WORSE, and he smilingly played it. Quite possibly, he helped take race relations in this country a step back. I find it impossible to have an ounce of respect for him.
Rating:
Summary: A blockbuster book on his life and events leading to trial.
Review: Mr. Cochran's view of events that occured in the LAPD and in the City of LA will certainly open a lot of eyes and maybe change a few opinions of the City of Los Angeles, the LAPD, the OJ trial/its outcome and many of the main players. Some parts of this book tread through very sensitive areas of relationships between the public and those hired to "protect and serve. Much of that revealed will prove hard for some, but in the end will both educate and mature the reader.
A highly recommended book for anyone curious about Johnnie Cochran, his credentials, life and thoughts.
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