Title: The Associate
Author: John Grisham
Published: January 27, 2009
Number of pages: 384
Rating: 4 out of 5
Normally, I'm not a follower of popular pulp fiction authors. Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts, Stephanie Meyers...I'll dabble in their work for about two seconds to see what all the fuss is about, and then I'll lay it down wondering about the appeal. I did thoroughly enjoy Grisham's initial work; A Time to Kill was a truly an exciting book, in my opinion.
But, his last few, namely The Innocent Man and The Appeal, were atrocious. I couldn't even finish The Innocent Man, The Appeal was anything but appealing, and I didn't bother with Bleachers, or the pizza one at all.
So, I just picked up this latest book of his while meandering through the library two nights ago, and I was pleasantly surprised that I could not put it down. Is it still somewhat formulaic? Of course. But, it resonates of Grisham's skill so brilliantly demonstrated in his initial works.
A young Yale graduate is debating about which path his law degree should take him: to the prestigious, fancy law firms of Manhattan with a starting salary of $200,000, or to the people who really need him where he'll be paid $25,000 a year? The choice is made for him when a thug with a false name blackmails him into accepting a job at Scully & Pershing so that he can spy on, and steal documents for, an enormous trial involving the Pentagon.
That is an interesting enough premise, but what also completely captured my attention was the life of a lawyer which Grisham portrays. How fascinating it is to look at the lives of these young men and women, who get up at five and are quitting early when they leave the office at 7:00 p.m. They live by documents and billing hours, impressions and status. I marvel at the superficiality of it all, and how unlike standing up for justice any of it really seems to be.
This was an interesting work. Not mesmerizing as in twenty books ago, but still far superior to the last five.
Hmmm... books about lawyers? Not, for the most part, for me. Cops and lawyers don't mix too well. My sister loves Grisham, however.
ReplyDeletecjh
I know what you mean about Grisham. I haven't read anything of his in years. Maybe I'll look into this one, though, since you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since I read anything by Grisham, but this one sounds like it might be fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat did you think of the ending? I enjoyed the book too, but was so disappointed in the ending. I kept waiting for some twist or something to happen........
ReplyDeleteSara, I'll email you back in private because I don't want to leave a spoiler here. But, I know what you mean because I was expecting more revelations about Bennie's identity.
ReplyDeleteLike many, I read alot of his earlier novels. And I also read An Innocent Man, and (gulp) I loved it! I've read alot of true crime in my day, and I thought it was wonderful. I have read several favorable reviews of this one, and even though I have tended to stray away from him, it might be a fun, quick read!
ReplyDeleteI've been avoiding John Grisham for a while... because once, I picked up The Appeal and attempted to read it but I couldn't. If you say this one's good, maybe I'll give him another try!
ReplyDeleteI am so with you on the pulp fiction comment and the John Grisham lament. I thought The Firm was great, A Time to Kill was excellent and then slowly, slowly downhill until there was this sudden plunge and I vowed never to read another Grisham, again. But, you're tempting me.
ReplyDeleteGood to know 'cause I tried a few and just couldn't get into it...although I had just finished 'Chamber' which to me his absolutely his best...(all about his grand-father on Death Row from previous crime as a KK) the death row process is so well covered that you totally get in the book, an amazing read...
ReplyDeleteIt occurs to me, as I'm reading your comments, that I also liked The Testament very much. It had a Christian theme in it which was surprising to find in a Grisham book, and I think he did it quite well.
ReplyDeleteBookfool, I liked The Firm, too. Even the movie was good on that one. But, for me, A Time to Kill seemed like a true literary work. My son's favorite of his is The Painted House. I guess each one is struck by something different.
Lorraine, I remember The Chamber and death row. Perhaps the aspests of the legality piece are better than the plot in some of his books.
I quit reading his books too but when Playing for Pizza came out I found the description very interesting so I checked it out from the library. It turned out good with several funny moments. I like pizza and Italy. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read much by Grisham (probably about 4 or 5 of his books), but everything I've read so far I've liked. I haven't read any of his newer stuff! It's kind of sad though, because other than A Time to Kill, I can't keep track of all of his titles! I can never remember what I've read. I thought I had read The Associate, but after reading your review I realize I haven't. I'll have to check it out sometime! Glad you liked it. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think the last Grisham I read was Painted House (which I loved, by the way). Time to Kill was an amazing book.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if grisham is only writing with screenplays in mind coz The associate was nowhere near what he has produced earlier
ReplyDeleteThe Associate was one of my summer reads. I was relieved when the protagonist solved his problem and answered a higher calling than chasing after money. I was disappointed, however, that the main evil character did not get the justice that was his due. Oh, well, life doesn't always get wrapped up in neat little packages, does it?
ReplyDeleteWasn't it annoying how Bennie escaped?! As so often is the case with those who work for the government...unless you're an Illinois Governor. They might as well make the Governor's Mansion in Cook County Jail. Anyway, I, too, loved the young lawyer 'answering a higher call' than salary. Equally as rare, you might say, as justice due.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book, but your comment on the superficiality of work in big firms rings true. That's why I eschewed the big firms and chose to work as a Public Defender. That's real lawyering.
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