sandraagee's review against another edition
3.0
Some writers are great as writing for audiences of all ages. Some should just stick with what they're best at. Author John Grisham falls somewhere between the two - OK, but not stellar. A valiant effort, even if it doesn't quite hit the mark.
I can't think of another example in the kid lit world of a lawyer story, which makes this book fairly unique. The reason for this? Well, kids aren't lawyers so they don't have an obvious "in" to show us this end of the law. So how does one create a story for kids that gets down to the nitty-gritty of a trial? Apparently you create a kid with lawyer parents. A kid obsessed with his parents' work, who has over the years learned the ins and outs of the local legal system better than most grown-ups. A bit gimmicky, but I guess it works.
My real quibble with this book is that Theo is just a bit too perfect. He's too smart, too considerate, too charitable, too mature, too darn nice. His only real flaw is that the law seems to be his only real interest.
The language could also use some help. Grisham seemed to be most comfortable when talking about what he knows - the law - and you can see bits of his brilliance shine through. However, dialogue is stilted and unrealistic, especially when Theo and his friends talk. There are also long bits of expository narration where Theo explains the legal system. Full of useful information, but not creatively or even gracefully inserted.
Still, if you're willing to let these things go this book is fairly interesting. In true Grisham fashion the exciting world of criminal trials is explored, this time in a way that is actually very accessible to kids. I'm glad I gave it a shot even if it wasn't perfect.
I can't think of another example in the kid lit world of a lawyer story, which makes this book fairly unique. The reason for this? Well, kids aren't lawyers so they don't have an obvious "in" to show us this end of the law. So how does one create a story for kids that gets down to the nitty-gritty of a trial? Apparently you create a kid with lawyer parents. A kid obsessed with his parents' work, who has over the years learned the ins and outs of the local legal system better than most grown-ups. A bit gimmicky, but I guess it works.
My real quibble with this book is that Theo is just a bit too perfect. He's too smart, too considerate, too charitable, too mature, too darn nice. His only real flaw is that the law seems to be his only real interest.
The language could also use some help. Grisham seemed to be most comfortable when talking about what he knows - the law - and you can see bits of his brilliance shine through. However, dialogue is stilted and unrealistic, especially when Theo and his friends talk. There are also long bits of expository narration where Theo explains the legal system. Full of useful information, but not creatively or even gracefully inserted.
Still, if you're willing to let these things go this book is fairly interesting. In true Grisham fashion the exciting world of criminal trials is explored, this time in a way that is actually very accessible to kids. I'm glad I gave it a shot even if it wasn't perfect.
missmcfoxlin's review against another edition
3.0
Théo Boone, 13 ans, fils unique de parenst avocats, partage son temps libre entre des visites au juge Henry Gantry et le cabinet de ses sparents. Il recueille malgré lui le témoignage terrifié d'un clandestin : il détient des éléments accablants dans le plus important procès pénal que la ville ait connu, celui de Pete Duffy, accusé du meurtre de son épouse Myra. Mais s'il raconte, il sera arrêté.
J'ai bien aimé l'histoire parsemée de multiples renseignements sur la justice américaine. N'habitant pas aux États-Unis, j'ai plus ou moins retenu ces informations mais pour un adolescent y vivant, c'est une excellente façon d'en apprendre plus sur la justice de son pays.
Par contre, la fin... J'ai été très déçue de la façon dont l'histoire s'est conclue. Je m'étais investie dans l'aventure et elle se termine avec ce que je qualifierais de "demie-fin". On ne sait pas vraiment ce qui va se passer avec le procès et ça, c'est frustrant. Oui, on suit l'histoire de Théo mais s'il n'y avait pas eu de meurtre, il n'y aurait pas d'histoire. Il ne faut pas oublier que le meurtre est presque un personnage de l'histoire tant il est présent. Ça aurait été bien d'en savoir un peu plus.
Pour le reste, c'est un roman intéressant avec un bon rythme qui se lit tout de même rapidement. Je le recommanderais à de jeunes lecteurs sans hésiter.
J'ai bien aimé l'histoire parsemée de multiples renseignements sur la justice américaine. N'habitant pas aux États-Unis, j'ai plus ou moins retenu ces informations mais pour un adolescent y vivant, c'est une excellente façon d'en apprendre plus sur la justice de son pays.
Par contre, la fin... J'ai été très déçue de la façon dont l'histoire s'est conclue. Je m'étais investie dans l'aventure et elle se termine avec ce que je qualifierais de "demie-fin". On ne sait pas vraiment ce qui va se passer avec le procès et ça, c'est frustrant. Oui, on suit l'histoire de Théo mais s'il n'y avait pas eu de meurtre, il n'y aurait pas d'histoire. Il ne faut pas oublier que le meurtre est presque un personnage de l'histoire tant il est présent. Ça aurait été bien d'en savoir un peu plus.
Pour le reste, c'est un roman intéressant avec un bon rythme qui se lit tout de même rapidement. Je le recommanderais à de jeunes lecteurs sans hésiter.
sandst's review against another edition
1.0
What a dumbed down version of the law. John Grisham should not write any more books for kids and insult their intelligence.
cogsofencouragement's review against another edition
5.0
We read this together at bedtime. My son - who is the age it is geared toward - gives it five stars. My older daughter gives it four. I thought it did a nice job of being just tense enough without giving nightmares and gave a good explanation of the court system.
muadabid's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
kyleniccolo's review against another edition
5.0
I remember reading this book for the first time in 2015. I definitely wasn’t excited as most books I read were the magic treehouse as nothing really could hold my attention, especially with a teacher who judged every book you read. This book changed my outlook on fiction John Grisham is a huge staple author in my household but due to my young age at the time I wasn’t interested in adult books. Desperate for an engaging book my grandmother went to the library to ask about tween books that the librarian would recommend. Low and behold this book made its way into my bookshelf. Begrudgingly I started reading it and immediately got hooked. I fell in love with this series.
Theo is smart, sarcastic and quick witted. His “clients” who are his middle school classmates bring him a “case” to work on, which are very real cases, some deal with parental abuse, abduction, and arrests. This series puts lights on very real things kids have to deal with in a way many can understand and relate to.
Here in 2023 this book series inspired me to actually study criminal law and human rights thank you John Grisham!
Theo is smart, sarcastic and quick witted. His “clients” who are his middle school classmates bring him a “case” to work on, which are very real cases, some deal with parental abuse, abduction, and arrests. This series puts lights on very real things kids have to deal with in a way many can understand and relate to.
Here in 2023 this book series inspired me to actually study criminal law and human rights thank you John Grisham!
sunnydog_31's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
3.0
kavv07's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
negar_s's review against another edition
4.0
خوب اگه یه حرفه باشه تو دنیا که ازش متنفر باشم، حتما وکالته. اصلا خودم دقیق اطلاع ندارم کدوم موجود ماوراالطبیعه باعث شد این کتابو بردارم. شاید اسم جان گریشام بود که با اینکه نمی دونستم دقیقا کیه ولی اسمش توی پشت ذهنم قلقلک می داد.
داستان حقش سه امتیاز بود. ولی از اونجایی که باعث شد لذت ببرم بیخیالش شدم :دی
تئو یکی از این پسرای همه چیز دونِ همیشگیه. ولی این دانسته هاش به نظرم به طور مناسبی توجیح شده بود. بعد از مادر و پدر و عموش و علاقه های شخصی همه اینا ممکنه.
نثر کتاب خوب بود. کاملا مناسب یه داستان جنایی، البته اگه جنایی بود.
خوشم اومد که اطلاعات حقوقی رو توی حلق خواننده سرازیر نمی کرد. با دلیل و منطق وسط کتاب جاشون داده بود.
اشکال هم مسلما داشت. مخصوصا همون بابی و حضور غیر منتظره ش. واقعا امیدوار بودم راه دیگه ای پیدا کنه. نمی دونم چی؛ ولی یه چیز دیگه.
من فکر می کردم که این تک جلدیه، و با این فرض از پایان کتاب لذت بردم. دوست دارم که وقتی نویسنده فکر می کنه دیگه لزومی نیست داستان رو کش نده و همه چیز رو ننویسه. الان که فهمیدم مجموعه ست... خب امیدوارم کتاب بعد در مورد همین موضوع نباشه. چون ناامید میشم.
داستان حقش سه امتیاز بود. ولی از اونجایی که باعث شد لذت ببرم بیخیالش شدم :دی
تئو یکی از این پسرای همه چیز دونِ همیشگیه. ولی این دانسته هاش به نظرم به طور مناسبی توجیح شده بود. بعد از مادر و پدر و عموش و علاقه های شخصی همه اینا ممکنه.
نثر کتاب خوب بود. کاملا مناسب یه داستان جنایی، البته اگه جنایی بود.
خوشم اومد که اطلاعات حقوقی رو توی حلق خواننده سرازیر نمی کرد. با دلیل و منطق وسط کتاب جاشون داده بود.
اشکال هم مسلما داشت. مخصوصا همون بابی و حضور غیر منتظره ش. واقعا امیدوار بودم راه دیگه ای پیدا کنه. نمی دونم چی؛ ولی یه چیز دیگه.
من فکر می کردم که این تک جلدیه، و با این فرض از پایان کتاب لذت بردم. دوست دارم که وقتی نویسنده فکر می کنه دیگه لزومی نیست داستان رو کش نده و همه چیز رو ننویسه. الان که فهمیدم مجموعه ست... خب امیدوارم کتاب بعد در مورد همین موضوع نباشه. چون ناامید میشم.
raquel_reading_stuff's review against another edition
3.0
This story is a good one. Theo is a little annoying at some times, but otherwise alright. The reason the parents have not been disposed of is because the story has no actual adventure in it, thus requiring no elimination of parents. I was disappointed at the end because the book was written to be split up in sequels, so some things were not resolved.