Rating: 
Summary: RNP is an excellent storyteller!
Review: Of course, if you're a conservative, you may disagree with the story. But there are plenty of conservatives and moderate conservatives that disagree with the far right of the party. The villains in this story were power hungry people on the far-right (yes, far right). One of the story's principal heroes is an anti-choice (I don't care for the insinuation that people who are against choice make that pro-choicers are either pro-abortion or anti-life) moderate republican senator, and all the moderate conservatives are portrayed sympathetically. The villains aren't villains because they're conservative... they are so because they're corrupt. Since the storyline uses a 55-45 republican majority in the senate, the views of people on the far left are irrelevant because they would have no influence in the Masters nomination (in answer to those who feel that only the "looney right" was portrayed).Most of the characters were brilliantly crafted and three-dimensional. Even McDonald Gage wasn't a total villain, just perhaps a little too hungry for power and mortgaged to those who fund his efforts to gain power. To be certain, there were a couple of right-wing bozos that were so far out there that they provided great comic relief to those of us that lean to the left (like Senator Paul Harshman, and former senator Taylor). I really liked Chad Palmer (the moderate republican)'s character, and thought him complex and human... perhaps the best-developed character in the book. The Tierney girl's father, an anti-choice activist was actually a sympathetic character who was pursuing his agenda for all the right reasons, even if you disagree with his agenda. Like the other RNP book I've read, "Silent Witness", this book was excellent in creating ambivalent feelings about several key characters like, Mr. Tierney. I found that you couldn't hate the guy (assuming your views on abortion and choice are opposite his), but rather felt a certain sympathy for him and the way he was sometimes used as a puppet for people with political motives, of which he had none. Still, if you're a conservative, who's opposed to a women's right to chose, you might steer clear of this book, as you'll likely be angered or offended by it (as you can tell by reading most of the one-star ratings for the book). But if you're left of center, or even a pro-choice republican who likes legal drama and political intrigue, you might want to give it a try. Since this is a review of the book on tape version of the book, I wanted to give Patricia Kalember two thumbs up for capturing each character perfectly and telling a great story beautifully.
Rating:
Summary: What left wing bias?
Review: I may have received a different copy of this book than many of my fellow reviewers. In the version I read, Mary Ann's parents were pro-life, anti-capital punishment and had been vehemently against the Viet Nam War. In the America I live in, two of these three views would have them leaning to the left of the political center and certainly not the right wing zealots others on this page have implied ... nor as easy to categorize. Same with Caroline Masters, a judge and woman who in her heart believes that abortion is wrong but agonizes about whether her religious beliefs have any place in law. Women's bodies and the lives of the unborn are political pawns in this country. It's a fact. And this book goes to great pains to humanize this -- taking it out of the realm of the hypothetical and making it a reality in one girl's life. It also highlights how mean spirited the political game has become, and how impossible it is today for well meaning, intelligent people to disagree without name calling, stereotyping and mudslinging. This is an important book and a thrilling entertainment. A must read for everyone who is interested in hearing BOTH SIDES of the argument (not just theirs). My only complaint -- the opening is just too impossible to believe! A judge dying on national TV as he administers the oath of office to the new president? Hokey! But if you get past this, you'll enjoy the rest of the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing & Predictable
Review: That Patterson is a gifted writer is unquestionable. That the word pictures he creates describing the characters, however, leave no doubt who wears the white hat. Patterson paints with too broad a brush, falling back on over-used, tired stereotypes...radical right wing, far right, etc. How refreshing it would be to see a writer use equally descriptive phrases as far left or radical left wing describing the other side! Could it be then, that most writers belong to this group? Therefore, I take umbrage with those who claim Patterson portrayed a balanced view of the abortion issue in his book. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Patterson's political agenda shines through and much of the information he portrays as fact, is as fictional as his characters. Overall, the book is as predictable as it is disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: Predictable and Disappointing
Review: That Patterson is a gifted writer is unquestionable. That the word pictures he creates describing the characters, however, leaves no doubt who wears the white hat. Patterson paints with too broad a brush, and falls back on over-used, tired stereotypes--radical right wing, far right, etc. How refreshing it would be to see a writer use equally descriptive phrases as far left or radical left wing describing the other side! Could it be then, that most writers belong to this second group? Therefore, I take umbrage with those who claim Patterson portrayed a balanced view of the issues he attempted to describe in his book. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Patterson's political agenda shines through this work and much of the information he portrays as truth, is as fictional as his characters. The ending is as predictable as Patterson's political bend.
Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I laughed (finally) at the reviews below who rate this book as inferior. I reread them. They are obivously judging this book on its politics and not on its readability or worth. They are part of the minority who voted for Bush, and who are fundament- alists. This is one terrific book, showing how both sides of the pro life and pro choice (which is also pro life but pro quality of life)are thought about. There is tension, there are wonderful characters, there are villains and an insight into how Congress is run (and we think it's a democracy!). There are similarities to the witch hunting of Ken Starr (Mace Taylor) and what politicians will do to get their way, and it doesn't bother them that they destroy people who get in their way. Great insight into our govt and how it is, unfortunately, run. These are real people with gut wrenching problems. There is tragedy (I knew there had to be in a book of this calibre), and triumph but the triumph has paid a high price. Patterson is aware of human frailties as well as honor; he sure knows his law. It's his best book since "Degree of Guilt," and no doubt his best book, period. I reserve 5 stars for "literature" but this gets 5 stars in that I did nothing else but read it for 3 1/2 days.
Rating:
Summary: Great book to take on a long plane flight
Review: As a nervous flier, I always seek out books that can't be put down for long plane trips. Protect and Defend served that purpose perfectly. A page turner if ever there were one, I just had to read it until done. When it was over, I wished it wasn't. The writing style is somewhat pedestrian and the characters are not well developed. So what carries this book? The plotting and the clash of ideas. A roman a clef in which every character seems to have a real life corollary I found it utterly fascinating and authentic. I felt he portrayed the abortion issues, both legal, medical, and ethcial, with surprising depth. A good read!
Rating:
Summary: YOU WILL NOT PUT IT DOWN OR WANT IT TO END!
Review: Patterson`s Protect and Defend is the book our club will be discussing in May and I cannnot wait to hear what everyone thinks! We had to move our meeting back because the waiting lists at the local libraries were so long to get this book! Not only is it a beautifully crafted plot, it is a great look at the question of abortion and why people are are so polarized about the issue. It is an even better learning experience about how special interests and money call the shots in Washington. You see this history lesson between the lines on every page. The characters are very real and stay with you long after you have put down the book.I hope it comes out in paperback soon-I think it will do great this summer!
Rating:
Summary: His Worst Book By Far
Review: If you like two boring semi-related plots revolving around wordy, poorly constructed prose, then this book is for you. Patterson is off here. His previous books have had good themes and real characters. This book uses a theme and legal detail that he just can't manage to articulate into an interesting book. Save your money here.
Rating:
Summary: far left bias
Review: The author's leftist political bias is far too pronunced for an objective reader to enjoy this story. If you're gullible enough to embrace the political left's views on these issues (abortion, constitutional construction, campaign financing, etc.) you will likely find this book to your liking. On the other hand, if you are a conservative and a realist you will quickly become bored and perhaps angered.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointment.
Review: I've read all of Patterson's novels and I am disappointed in this one. I didn't care about the characters, didn't care about the legislation involved and this is highly unusual for his books. I think the most off-putting element, however, was that he kept referring to "Down's Syndrome". If he'd done any research, he'd know that it is Down Syndrome. Yes, I finished the book, but I had to force myself. I just couldn't recommend it to anyone, regardless of his/her view on abortion. (By the way, I am pro-choice.)
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