The Testament

Rating:
Summary: Great message, terrific ending
Review: Though I liked Grisham's first few novels, I've found the latest two or three to be not up to par in comparison. But I thought I'd give him another chance with this one, and I'm glad I did. This is one of his best books ever! Compelling characters, a heartfelt and valuable message about money and power, and just a terrific ending. I didn't expect the ending, but in retrospect, it was perfect. The vivid descriptions of the Pantanal in Brazil and the adventure aspect also added a lot to the already interesting plot. My only criticism would be that a bit too much time was spent dwelling on the intricate histories of the Phelan children. But overall, I really really enjoyed this book.

Rating:
Summary: An under-rated book
Review: I read all of Grisham's books and look forward to his new release in February. Several friends told me The Testament was not as good as his other books. I disagree! I really enjoyed it and had trouble putting it down. It is different from his other books but still great fun to read.

Rating:
Summary: Another Grisham Masterpiece!
Review: I couldn't put this one down! I thirsted for the next word through the entire book. I was always on the edge dying to know what would happen next. Absolute brilliance!

Rating:
Summary: Grisham is growing
Review: The editorial review concluding classic Grisham is shortsighted. The venture into the Patanal is a new foray for Grisham, one that adds a welcome touch of Mitchner or Crichton. Frankly, after his first four books, I concluded Grisham had become too pedestrian for consideration. My good friend gave me this book for Christmas and I am more than pleasantly surprised at the increase in scope. His handling of the relationship between the missionary and the lawyer was stirring; and the personal growth thereafter of the lawyer, miraculous. I loved this bit of very positive mixed with the negative of the inheritance squabble. It allows the reader to reevaluate his/her own values.

Rating:
Summary: The Testament
Review: I have read every John Grisham book from "A Time to Kill" through "The Testament." I must say that each successive book has shown less creativity and imagination, culminating with The Testament. The alcoholic and/or drug addicted misfit, working amongst the vultures of the large corporate law firm, that suddenly discovers his values in time to save the day is becoming a tired theme.

Rating:
Summary: shockingly poor written book
Review: Contrasting to the books written before by John Grisham (I read them all), this book is of such a poor quality, i.e. lack of plot, lack of suspension, lack of thrill and lack of vivid characters. I definitely think the media has built up too much expectations for readers prior to the publication of the book. It does not derserve. Sadly, it seems to me that the book was written in a such rush, with no literacy values. it is a pure commercial book, meant to make a quick buck, rather than to entertain readers. I was very disappointed and will have a second thought on whether or not to buy/read his next book.

Rating:
Summary: SUCKS
Review: I am disappointed that John Grisham could keep me so captivated with others like "A Time to Kill" and leave me so uninterested with this one. Has he given up? No suspense...no character development...YUCK!

Rating:
Summary: A very interesting book
Review: I have read other books from John Grisham and have been a great experience, "The Testament" is another good one. When I bought it I thought that the story was going to be about the misfortune of Troy Phelan, but as you keep on reading you find that it goes far beyond it, is about giving a lesson to his "loved" family, and finding the person or heir who is not interested in her father's money. I liked it very much, but would have liked even more if it had been focused a little more on Phelan's story, and a little less on searching for Rachel Lane in the Pantanal.

Rating:
Summary: Spell-binder Grisham Does It Again!
Review: At the conclusion of the first chapter, I knew this old man and disliked him intensely. Grisham paints a portrait of a mean, disillusioned and vengeful father/grandfather who is determined to control his family's lives even after his death. As the story unfolds, I found myself identifying with the insecurities and self-doubt of the protagonist, a recovering alcohlic/drug user lawyer who is sent on an impossible mission to find the sole heir in the Brazilian jungles. You'll find yourself rooting for his success and sympathizing with his failures along the verdant, flooded, overgrown way. I wanted this lawyer and the heir to become a couple and live hapilly every after, but in usual Grisham style we are denied a simple easily foreseen conclusion. I was surprised and saddened by the end of the book, but here was real life the way it happens to all of us. Can't wait for the next Grisham publication.

Rating:
Summary: Spellbinding
Review: John Grisham picks you up and takes you with him on this spellbinding trip. A fantasy trip into vast wealth, greed, human transformation, spiritualism, fear and grief. I didn't want it to end. Another winner for John Grisham!