Rating: 
Summary: Thoughtful novel of politics, law and ethics.
Review: "Protect and Defend," by Richard North Patterson, is a timely look at some very controversial issues that are of great concern to Americans. These include the reproductive rights of women vs. the rights of the unborn, the purchase of political influence by the wealthy and the powerful, and the destruction of privacy by the scandalmongers in the media. Kerry Kilcannon, a Kennedyesque figure, has just won the Presidency of the United States by a narrow margin. However, his hold on power is tenuous, since there are powerful forces arrayed against him. The first crisis of his administration occurs at Kilcannon's swearing in, when the conservative Chief Justice of the Supreme Court suddenly dies. Kilcannon's most pressing task as President is to nominate a new Chief Justice who will be able to win Senate confirmation. Kilcannon's choice has wide-ranging ramifications that come back to haunt his administration, and that lead to ferocious political confrontations. Adding to Kilcannon's problems is the case of Mary Ann Tierney, a fifteen-year-old pregnant girl who wants to abort her hydrocephalic fetus, even though her pregnancy has passed the first trimester. An abortion in this case is illegal, and a young and ambitious lawyer named Sarah Dash takes Mary Ann's case. The Tierney case becomes a litmus test of the suitability of Kilcannon's nominee for the Supreme Court. Because of this emotionally-charged case, Dash, Tierney and Kilcannon find themselves in the midst of a personal and political maelstrom. These and other plot lines play out over a very long 546 pages. The book's length is one of its weaknesses. The story loses steam before its long-awaited end. Another weakness is the plot device of giving several of the major characters deep, dark secrets that, if revealed, would cause them deep embarrassment. These secrets introduce a little too much melodrama and predictability into a book that otherwise has a great deal going for it. On the plus side, the level of legal discourse in the book is sophisticated and enlightening. Patterson makes us feel as if we are in the courtroom with Tierney and her parents, who legally oppose her abortion. The author has done his homework thoroughly, and he brings the Tierney case to life with great skill. Patterson also makes the ugly political machinations that go on in Washington seem very real and threatening. Most of the characters, especially Kilcannon, Caroline Masters (the Supreme Court nominee), Sarah Dash and Mary Ann Tierney are nicely drawn and the dialogue is crisp and realistic. On the whole, "Protect and Defend" is an intelligent and fascinating look at the moral and social forces that are at the heart of political life in America today.
Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 stars
Review: See story summary above.I also thought this was an exceptional story that took me right into the fray of the abortion issue. The characters all had their own personal feelings and their own agendas in regards to this issue. It's interesting to see just how this one issue can raise ones emotions to the point of excess. Mr. Patterson has written an engaging novel that involves some touchy subjects. With arguments presented on both sides, he has done an outstanding job. Protect and Defend is a good book with some strong characters. I recommend this book to readers who like to get the insight on how Washington DC works and to readers who like a good argument. Recommended
Rating: 
Summary: Propaganda with a tired ensemble cast
Review: It's disheartening to see such a sensitive subject propped up on a tired set of characters. Hollow men and women who seem to be every liberal's ensemble cast for political "works of art." From The Contender, to West Wing, to Mr. President, to Protect and Defend, their faces are getting old - worse, predictable. Welcome to the town of left leaning fiction, where all the enlightened are Democrats, where all the evil are Republicans, where the strong are single liberal women, and the misguided are Christian or fathers (or both). This is fireside reading for the NOW gang - for the rest of us it's just kindling. This seems to be something akin to political "talking point" fiction rather than a unique, refreshing point-of-view. I offer two stars for medical and legal technicalities, which one hopes are accurate. Otherwise, this reads like a party platform.
Rating: 
Summary: Silly Propoganda
Review: This is not a novel, it is a silly justification for abortion. It is more of an editorial than a novel. I wish I hadn't wasted my money, but I will know better next time. This is the last Richard Patterson book I will ever buy.
Rating:
Summary: Extremist Politics 101
Review: In 2000, in an inexplicable interview, a well-known tv morning show host asked Tom Clancy if the political undercurrent of his latest novel, THE BEAR AND THE DRAGON, was too right-wing for the country. No one seems to ask that about the left-wing extremist propagandists, into which category R.N. Patterson falls with this preachy polemic on 1) how those who subscribe to left wing causes are superior to other forms of life, and 2) how to live in fear and hate of those with whom we disagree... ...Patterson is a fine writer with a good sense of suspense. But once he gets on his soapbox he cheapens his book. Of course, fiction writers, along the political spectrum from Clany to Patterson and even more extremist than Patterson, have an advantange in that they can make up situations and provide them solutions that fit their worldview. Mr. Patterson isn't burdened with the baggage of reality. Mr. Patterson's finely honed, ideologically leftist dream world is fine for those who believe in his far left brand of Utopia. But unless you're a subscriber, you're less than dirt to him. If, when he says Christian, one reads "Jew", one comes away from this novel with trepidation.
Rating: 
Summary: THE PERFECT READ!
Review: If you like terrific characters, a well drawn-plot, and thought provoking subject matter, then this is a must read. The emotional ups and downs I have experienced reading this book make it one of the best reads, for me, in a decade!
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal!
Review: This political thriller encompassed many issues on the front pages. It was a wonderfully executed novel examining abortion, adoption, religious views on pro-life activism and wove them together in a tale which was almost impossible to put down. I felt it was one of the best political novels in years and would recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful, complex story that examines human flaws, concerns and redemption.
Rating:
Summary: So Much Under Attack
Review: This is the best novel I have read in many years. It combines all of the essential ingredients: colorful and credible characters, a crisp and cohesive plot, important themes, memorable incidents which become defining moments, all manner of compelling conflicts, and a remarkable authenticity of setting. Patterson also demonstrates a special gift for wit, evident in countless conversations between antagonists. Briefly, Kerry Kilcannon, President of the United States, nominates Caroline Masters to replace the recently deceased Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He has sworn to "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" and believes that Masters is best qualified to help him do so. There is fierce opposition to her in the Senate, led by MacDonald Page. Another Senator, Chad Palmer, is caught in the political maneuverings between Kilcannon and Gage. That is one of two primary plots. The second focuses on Mary Anne Tierney, a pregnant and unwed teenager, who sues her parents to abort what is believed to be a terminally deformed fetus. This is in defiance of their Pro Life convictions as well as the recently passed Protection of Life bill which Gage and his cohorts are determined to "protect and defend." There are also various sub-plots. The more I think about the title, the better I understand why Patterson chose it. His primary and secondary characters all struggle to protect and defend themselves in terms of their values, their fiduciary and (in several instances) parental responsibilities, their social and/or political leverage, and their carefully-guarded secrets. Patterson is a great storyteller. Also, he reveals a deep concern for preserving a nation's constitutional integrity. This is a "great read" which, obviously, I recommend highly.
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put the damn thing down
Review: Richard North Patterson's story telling ability continues to amaze me. His books are always thought provoking and page turning at the same time. This one might be his best ever. If you want to better understand the workings of our legal system, the minds of pro-life and pro-choice advocates, and the workings of our mostly incomprehensible political system, read this book. Sounds boring? Not on your life. Be prepared to lose some sleep in favor of reading this timely work of what could easily be NON-Fiction! And you might as well buy it now. I got it from my library, read it, then immediately ordered my own copy!
Rating:
Summary: Poetic Irony
Review: Given the recent examples of abuse of power, in the Presidential Election, Patterson seems to be amazingly prescient. This story has more twists in it than a country road. Patterson covers the loss of privacy all candidates and those related by any means, be it family, friends, business, have come to expect. As a side effect, in our own society, many good, qualified people now choose not to run for any office, for fear of what may be dredged up about their pasts, however trivial. Patterson also makes it very clear how much politicians have become pawns of special interest groups. He goes on to clarify how very personal the decision - for an abortion - really is. Without specifically stating so, it also becomes clear that, if nothing else, abortion is a religion-based decision and, as is true in our "real" society, how the separation between Church and State has become vague; how extremist groups are truly co-opting our government, by attempting to make their way the only way. This is a must read for those who are - or want to be - enlightened; it is a necessity for those who aren't. Did I enjoy this book? Immensely! Would I recommend it to others? In an instant.
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