abrswf's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book worth reading for the writing alone. I must say that was all that carried me forward for awhile, because Jacob is a truly unlikable character. I felt any sympathy for him drain away as the book progressed, leaving me with a good deal less for the narrator as well, who is Jacob's true defender. But don't stop when you realize how lacking in redeeming value Jacob seems to be. The end of this book will surprise you profoundly. It is a resolution that reminded me how impossible it is to ever truly atone for or repair the damage done by a homicide.
I'd warn, though, that this is a dark read. I wouldn't pick it up if you're feeling depressed.
I'd warn, though, that this is a dark read. I wouldn't pick it up if you're feeling depressed.
nancybel's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! This made me wonder if we ever really know anyone. Hard to imagine that your child might be a murderer.
lisalovesbooks21's review against another edition
4.0
In this review I warn you before the spoilers come.
This was a good book, but there were a few things about it that got under my skin. First, was the way the author described overweight people. It felt very fat phobic and it bothered me. Second, he seemed to like to use rare words and it has rubbed new the wrong way. I've been accused of using rare words when talking and I didn't know what they were and had to look them up. Lol
SPOILER AHEAD!
It bothered me how Andy was so stubborn about Jacob's innocence. The way he didn't see anything wrong with getting rid of the knife, how the fact that Jacob's vacation girlfriend ended up dead, etc.
This was a good book, but there were a few things about it that got under my skin. First, was the way the author described overweight people. It felt very fat phobic and it bothered me. Second, he seemed to like to use rare words and it has rubbed new the wrong way. I've been accused of using rare words when talking and I didn't know what they were and had to look them up. Lol
SPOILER AHEAD!
It bothered me how Andy was so stubborn about Jacob's innocence. The way he didn't see anything wrong with getting rid of the knife, how the fact that Jacob's vacation girlfriend ended up dead, etc.
shanthebookish's review against another edition
4.0
Defending Jacob is a story about how a family handles the unfathomable strain of their teenage son being accused of murdering a classmate. Add in the complexity of the father, Andy, being the assistant district attorney who initially was assigned to prosecute the case. Of course this was prior to his son, Jacob, being named as the primary suspect. The effect this case places on the family as a whole and on Laurie, Jacob's mom, is just gut-wrenching. In addition there are some familial revelations that add another layer of sorrow and complexity to this tale. I found this to be an extremely well-written and engaging book from beginning to end. The reason I did not give 5 stars is that I was frustrated with Andy's lack of insight or seemingly real desire to understand the impact on Laurie and I longed for more character development for Laurie. I think I just needed to hear her voice and perspective more intimately. Definitely recommend this book!
kpombiere's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful, and with a great twist ending that just kept twisting.
craftyanty's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I didn't love the audiobook narrator, and there were some minor inconsistencies that irked me, but the storyline caught me by surprise more than once.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Listened for Bookclub (Audible/DFWTea)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)
First Thought When Finished: I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING AT ALL! Sure I saw part of it but holy whiplash at the end.
Speed Date Review
First Date: I admit at first I wasn't pulled into this story. It took awhile to grab me. The pacing was a little slow but then BAM!
Second Date: I was almost sure I knew who had committed the crime but I wasn't sure how it was going to play out. There was a few times that I questioned my thoughts on who did it. I love when thrillers do that to me!
Third Date: I was right about who did it but wow did not see the end coming at all. I mean there was a twist and there was a TWIST! It was fantastically chilling. I seriously had to listen to it twice just so that I could make sure I heard it right! I did and WOW!
Audio Date:
Grover Gardner was a really great choice for this audiobook. He had just enough gruff in his voice to pull off the tone and I think it enhanced the story. His pacing was great and his female voices weren't to bad. Overall, I am glad I chose to listen to this one on audio!
Relationship Status: We had a great run! I will be checking out William Landay in the future.
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)
First Thought When Finished: I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING AT ALL! Sure I saw part of it but holy whiplash at the end.
Speed Date Review
First Date: I admit at first I wasn't pulled into this story. It took awhile to grab me. The pacing was a little slow but then BAM!
Second Date: I was almost sure I knew who had committed the crime but I wasn't sure how it was going to play out. There was a few times that I questioned my thoughts on who did it. I love when thrillers do that to me!
Third Date: I was right about who did it but wow did not see the end coming at all. I mean there was a twist and there was a TWIST! It was fantastically chilling. I seriously had to listen to it twice just so that I could make sure I heard it right! I did and WOW!
Audio Date:
Narrated by Grover Gardner /Running Time 12 hrs and 25 mins
Grover Gardner was a really great choice for this audiobook. He had just enough gruff in his voice to pull off the tone and I think it enhanced the story. His pacing was great and his female voices weren't to bad. Overall, I am glad I chose to listen to this one on audio!
Relationship Status: We had a great run! I will be checking out William Landay in the future.
sullle71's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced