My rating: 1 of 5 stars
It’s been a long time since I wanted to give up and quit reading a book. Also, a long time since I’ve talked back to a book so much. I generally really enjoy John Grisham’s books, and was really looking forward to this one, so I was surprised at how much this novel disappointed.The major theme of the book is strip mining for coal. While I appreciate learning something new, while being entertained, I don’t know anyone who enjoys heavy-handed didactic sanctimonious rhetoric. If you found that last phrase painfully redundant, then you’re going to detest the strip mining information in this book, which is dry, repetitive and far too lengthy for the purpose of advancing the story.
Lots of facts about black lung disease and how the coal mining companies are cheating their workers out of benefits but very little story. A political statement disguised as a work of fiction.
Too many clichés. Really, Mr. Grisham? Was this your first book and you are just now publishing it?
And the book could have been half as long if the author had not told the same story, using the same lines, multiple times. Seriously, you already said that using the exact words!
Proof that the John Grisham who wrote this book is “not” the John Grisham I have read in the past.
Really, I think Janet Evanovich has a new pen name…
Sewfrench 
I have found that life is too short to spend reading something that I find is not enjoyable – even my book club selections. I have been known to stop reading a few books because I didn’t like them and I have not felt guilty in the least. I would rather do something I like with my time.
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I used to like John Grisham’s books but I really like his books in his first 8 years or so much more than the later ones – I did read this book that you review and I actually liked it – but not near as much as his early books.
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I haven’t read a Grisham book in ages – was half thinking about diving back in. Thanks for the warning. You have to admit though, One for the Money, and a couple others were pretty hysterical. Maybe you need to be from NJ.
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Somehow, when I begin a book and it is like that I just keep slogging along and when I reach the end… much later than I would on a really good book … I wonder why I bothered. The last book I read was like that and it took several months to get through until I almost forgot how much I enjoy reading.
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I don’t like anyone preaching to me unless I am signing up for it. Just because you are famous doesn’t mean you know any more or any less than anyone else. Save it for those who care.
I love your statement…..A political statement disguised as a work of fiction. When I read a good fiction book, I want to be entertained!
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I am NOT a fan of books or movies that are “political statements disguised as works of fiction” (I love that phrase!). If I want a political statement, I’ll watch a documentary or read nonfiction. But if I choose a move or a piece of fiction, it’s because I want to be entertained. I haven’t read many of Janet Evanovich’s books, but I do love the Stephanie Plum series. I don’t find it to be anything other that “potato chips for the mind” (another phrase I loved – from a former co-worker).
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LOL! I haven’t read Grisham in a long time. I definitely won’t be picking up this one. And yes, that is one of the best parts of library membership. No money wasted if you don’t like the book!
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I like Grisham but I think sometimes writers get such a huge reputation that their editors aren’t tough enough with them. Agatha Christie’s last novel The Postern of Fate was just embarrassing to read. Poirot’s Last Case had been written earlier and kept to be published after her death I believe.
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