The Brethren

Rating:
Summary: Another solid Grisham book
Review: Firstly, this book is written by John Grisham, which means that you get the usual well-written book, so that once you start it, you don't put it down till you finish. (At least, that's what happened to me. I read it in a weekend.) What makes this one different is that there aren't really any good guys. It's the story of how some crooked judges are able to run a scam from inside a jail, paralleled with how a completely evil general tries to buy an election and start a war. The scam itself is really the hero of the story. I often caught myself thinking "Isn't that clever?". Also, Grisham shows his usual cynicism of lawyers with a funny character called Trevor. (Here's betting Steve Buscemi will play him in the movie!) Other reviewers have commented that the plot could have done with some more twists. But I didn't mind the way the plot developed. I found it more believable than The Firm, (whose main character seemed a bit too superhuman), but not quite as intriguing as The Runaway Jury (which is my favourite). All in all, it's a good solid Grisham book that will be well worth the price when it comes out in paperback.

Rating:
Summary: NOT ONE OF HIS BEST
Review: When reading this book, I kept thinking of a "Three Stooges" episode. Although the book was somewhat humerous, it lacked the type of depth and meaning found in some of his other novels such as "A Time To Kill" and "The Testament". I thought the ending fell very, very flat and it appeared that the author was in a hurry to complete the novel.

Rating:
Summary: Left me wanting for more.....
Review: Grisham's plots are usually more riveting. I still couldn't put the book down but the outcome was predictable. Some of the plot turns were not believable and the ending was too soft. I didn't get the usual "eye opening and jaw dropping" surprise at the end.

Rating:
Summary: Did I miss something?
Review: I read this book in two days - it is intrested and knowing author's earlier work I expected clear cut ending but it did not happen. The end of the book is neither bad nor good - simply there is no ending at all. Also, I like the message from this book - guys, blackmail others and make good life from it! I think it's a litle bit naive but if you have nothing else to do - read it. Grisham used to write better books then this one.

Rating:
Summary: Boy, do I feel stupid
Review: As you may have read in other reviews the first few chapters of this book alternate between two totally different subjects. Grisham did a masterful job joining the two. I didn't see it coming. I should have. The book is an easy and quick read. No problem following it at all. I especially enjoyed the CIA agents with their gadgets. The only negative thing I can say is that I'll have to go at least a year before reading another one of Grisham's offerings.

Rating:
Summary: Good weekend read
Review: John Grisham puts out another enjoyable book. The plot is slightly different than his past stories but good nonetheless. It is not a great literary piece but an entertaining, quick read from a book a year author.

Rating:
Summary: Grisham should stick to what he knows
Review: I'v enjoyed Grisham's past books because he writes about what he knows - the law. He does not know anything about the Intelligence community in general nor the CIA in specific. I'm a little tired of all the misinformation being spread by Hollywood and novelists when fact could be just as entertaining. Not a bad read if you can just get past the "evil, knows all, controls all CIA monster" aspect of the story. How about sticking with what you know and leave making up stuff about the CIA to Clancey?

Rating:
Summary: There is a plot...but that's about it...
Review: Grisham peaked with "The Client" and "The Brethren" is just another book continuing the downward trend. The basic plot is there, but it lacks development and passion. The story dragged on without suspense or excitement. And as for the ending, what ending? It is as much of a wash as the rest of the book. If you are looking for mindless dribble, then by all means, buy the book...but I'd wait until it's on sale...in paperback.

Rating:
Summary: Good... but not as good
Review: I like that Grisham is trying to break from his normal story mode, but this book fell short of his normal intrigue. I felt the story was very predictable (Wasn't suprised at all by the 2 plot ties), and the ending was lacking. Worth reading, but I would wait for the paperback.

Rating:
Summary: Smart, sassy, clever satire. Great departure for Grisham.
Review: Who would have thought that John Grisham, the moralizing author of "The Street Lawyer" and "The Testament" would have the talent and the courage to write this hilarious dead-on satire? Here is a novel with no heroes, no romance, almost no violence and no courtroom theatrics! Yet Grisham keeps the reader's attention riveted with--of all things--a tale about three washed up judges in a minimum-security federal prison. "The Brethren," as these judges are called, cook up a scam to make money while they are incarcerated. The scam works beautifully, with the help of a drunken lawyer named Trevor who works as their courier to the outside world. Much to the Brethren's glee, they catch a very big fish in their net. What happens then is a roller-coaster ride that kept me thoroughly entertained. Among his many targets, Grisham satirizes campaign finance abuses, the importance of style over substance in the political arena, and "country-club" prisons for white collar criminals. This is not a "feel-good" novel. It is a story for our times, in which greed and the lust for power take center stage. For Grisham to write a book with no one to identify with or root for--a book about anti-heroes who are all obnoxious, selfish, clever and devious, is a huge departure for him. I applaud him for his talent and for his inventiveness in coming up with this original novel that departs from the formulaic fiction that is so common today.