kaydeeyaleni's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
crimsonpermanentassurance's review against another edition
3.0
Despite being written with all the subtlety and nuance of a sledgehammer, was actually a good listen.
yvo_about_books's review
2.0
Finished reading: May 6th 2014
“The Senator did not know who owned the jet, nor had he ever met Mr. Trudeau, which in most cultures would seem odd since Rudd had taken so much money from the man. But in Washington, money arrives through a myriad of strange and nebulous conduits. Often those taking it have only a vague idea of where it's coming from; often they have no clue. In most democracies, the transference of so much cash would be considered outright corruption, but in Washington the corruption has been legalized. Senator Rudd didn't know and didn't care that he was owned by other people.”
Spoiler
I usually enjoy books written by John Grisham. Why do I say usually? Because this one disappointed me. Big time. The end just made me want to throw my mobile (e-book) against the wall, which would have been painful (and expensive). I'm not sure what he was thinking, but it looked more like a political statement than the typical legal thriller. And I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this way. It's really a shame since I'm used to Grisham writing solid stories, but now I'm not so certain anymore... I'll pick up the next book with great caution for sure.
The story is about a big company situated in Mississippi dumping toxic waste close to a small town's water supply, and therefore after a few years turning it into a town suffering from cancer, death and undrinkable water. The company tries to hide the evidence and moves its business elsewhere, but they cannot escape justice... Or can they? There is a big line of people wanting to sue the company, the first in line being the poor Jeanette who lost her husband and little boy to cancer. A small law firm owned by the Paytons is taking the case, almost bankrupting them in the process. Surprisingly they win the case, but the enormous 41 million verdict is worth nothing as the company directly appeals.
The owner of the company feels the Mississippi Supreme Court isn't friendly enough, and he decides to buy a seat in order to save his company. We then see a election race between the supposedly liberal acting Justice and a new conservative and unsuspecting candidate named Ron Fisk. Fisk is being modelled into the perfect candidate, supported by and supplied for by big business. You can say they almost brainwash him into thinking whatever they want, and Fisk doesn't even suspect anything... After a lot of mud throwing he wins the race, and even a terrible accident insolving his son cannot change the way he feels he has to act... And he does the unthinkable.
Like I said before, the ending completely ruined The Appeal for me. The story itself wasn't that bad, although Grisham was too political for my taste in some of the opinions expressed in this novel. All in all this definitely belongs to his best work and I would recommend picking up a different title if you want to read his work; he has plenty of books to choose from.
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
ryanjamesburt's review against another edition
3.0
More like a typical Grisham novel. Good with a twist at the end. Seemed a bit slow for me. But knowing it was Grisham was waiting for the twist. Twist left me with a bit of a disturbed feeling.
artsymusings's review against another edition
4.0
The Appeal was my first law-related book by John Grisham. I bought it like more than a year ago but never felt like I was ready to read it. Anyhow, I wasn't disappointed with the book when I finished reading it. 'Course I had figured it out what exactly is going to happen; it was the way it was going to happen had me reading the book.
The theory was simple yet effective and the book had all but one interesting point. It wasn't as thrilling as I supposed it to be and at times, it felt like the book was talking too much about the difficulties associated with the Bowmore case.
Moreover, I am not that aware of the US judicial system and although, this book was a great insight in to it; I was still enraged at the allowance of hunting and gun owning as something to take so casually.
John Grisham wrote a good book and even though, at times I found it dragging; it was true in the sense that it was reflecting the worst that could happen in such matters.
The theory was simple yet effective and the book had all but one interesting point. It wasn't as thrilling as I supposed it to be and at times, it felt like the book was talking too much about the difficulties associated with the Bowmore case.
Moreover, I am not that aware of the US judicial system and although, this book was a great insight in to it; I was still enraged at the allowance of hunting and gun owning as something to take so casually.
John Grisham wrote a good book and even though, at times I found it dragging; it was true in the sense that it was reflecting the worst that could happen in such matters.
mororke's review against another edition
4.0
I've always enjoyed John Grisham's books, and The Appeal was no different. The story telling is intricate and complex. In the story, which reminded me a lot of Erin Brockovich, a chemical company has poisoned an entire community with toxic waste. The very small law firm, which can barely pay it's bills, much less it's employees, has won the case, and a very large settlement. Of course, the nice guys can't always have a big one, and the lawyers for the corporation quickly files for an appeal.
In the book, there is so much corruption from jury tampering and racial tensions, that it could be a page out of American History. I was appalled by the lengths that the corporate lawyers went through to ensure the appeal was in their favor.
The characters are a bit simple, but it doesn't detract from the story because it is so complex. The story is fast moving and will keep you turning pages to find out how the verdict will fall.
Like my review? Check all of them out at the-pink-moose.com.
In the book, there is so much corruption from jury tampering and racial tensions, that it could be a page out of American History. I was appalled by the lengths that the corporate lawyers went through to ensure the appeal was in their favor.
The characters are a bit simple, but it doesn't detract from the story because it is so complex. The story is fast moving and will keep you turning pages to find out how the verdict will fall.
Like my review? Check all of them out at the-pink-moose.com.
alannabarras's review against another edition
2.0
I give this book 2 stars only because I'm forced to acknowledge that it was very well written. The characters are vivid and distinct, the plot was well paced if a bit slow, and by the end I had a hard time putting it down.
The issue is that I couldn't put it down because I was too busy hate-reading it. I've never read a Grisham novel, but I knew he spends a lot of time at the top of bestseller lists so I was expecting a good escapist novel centered on lawyers, which I thought would be a fun change from my usual fantasy/sci-fi. Wow was I wrong. I don't know if this is his usual feel or he decided to go dark for this book, but he spends ~90% of the book setting up the characters so that you're deeply attached to and rooting for the underdogs while actively looking forward to see the downfall of the rick prick. The mid section is especially hard to read in a post Flint, post Trump world, where all of the evils laid out in the book suddenly feel pulled straight from reality. The central portion of the book effectively lays out how crazy rich individuals can buy politicians and judges, and the massive impact that then has on the lives of the 'little people'. As depressing as the middle of the book is, I would have accepted it for a really good story of comeuppance in the end.
Instead, the Dues Ex Machina shoved in to force the bought Judge to seem likeable/human isn't quite enough, and he still rules against the protaganists. Sure, he shows some growth, but I don't want a realistic ending here. I want blood.
TL;DR - Bad guy sails off into the sunset laughing at the bankrupcy of the good guys while the Judge he bought the seat for wonders if its possible he was manipulated all along. Absolutely infuriating, read something else.
The issue is that I couldn't put it down because I was too busy hate-reading it. I've never read a Grisham novel, but I knew he spends a lot of time at the top of bestseller lists so I was expecting a good escapist novel centered on lawyers, which I thought would be a fun change from my usual fantasy/sci-fi. Wow was I wrong. I don't know if this is his usual feel or he decided to go dark for this book, but he spends ~90% of the book setting up the characters so that you're deeply attached to and rooting for the underdogs while actively looking forward to see the downfall of the rick prick. The mid section is especially hard to read in a post Flint, post Trump world, where all of the evils laid out in the book suddenly feel pulled straight from reality. The central portion of the book effectively lays out how crazy rich individuals can buy politicians and judges, and the massive impact that then has on the lives of the 'little people'. As depressing as the middle of the book is, I would have accepted it for a really good story of comeuppance in the end.
Instead, the Dues Ex Machina shoved in to force the bought Judge to seem likeable/human isn't quite enough, and he still rules against the protaganists. Sure, he shows some growth, but I don't want a realistic ending here. I want blood.
TL;DR - Bad guy sails off into the sunset laughing at the bankrupcy of the good guys while the Judge he bought the seat for wonders if its possible he was manipulated all along. Absolutely infuriating, read something else.
ashingashing's review against another edition
2.0
Classic Grisham - flew through the last 50 pages. Had been sitting at a comfortable three stars but I felt the ending was a bit watery which is why I gave it two stars in the end.
xjuwita's review against another edition
4.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Grisham, ten years to be exact, which is a shame because I quite enjoy his works. Reading this, I wonder why I’ve left his works for so long.
The Appeal starts with a big win for a husband and wife team representing a widow against a mammoth chemical company that has been illegally dumping its toxic waste and contaminating the drinking water of a small town. Even after the verdict, the company refuses to fork out a cent on the settlement and decides to appeal its case to the Supreme Court. And this is where the story really takes off.
The company orchestrates a campaign to buy a seat on the Supreme Court, ie by nominating and doing all it takes to ensure the win of their own handpicked candidate. What they’ll get is a willing Judge who will vote in their best interests. Their aim is for the Supreme Court to reverse the verdict of their case.
Although this is fiction, Grisham highlights how big corporations with bottomless pockets can easily have their way with politicians, ministers, and lawmakers alike. Kinda makes you think about your own country.
Typical Grisham, the writing is crisp and the story moves at a fast pace. The story is gripping till the very end.
**MILD SPOILERS**
The ending is not favourable to many readers. However, I understand why Grisham chooses to end the story that way.
True to life, things do not always work out the way we want. The good guys will still get trampled on while the bad guys get richer and more powerful.
The story may leave a bitter taste in your mouth, but that will definitely affect you more.
The Appeal starts with a big win for a husband and wife team representing a widow against a mammoth chemical company that has been illegally dumping its toxic waste and contaminating the drinking water of a small town. Even after the verdict, the company refuses to fork out a cent on the settlement and decides to appeal its case to the Supreme Court. And this is where the story really takes off.
The company orchestrates a campaign to buy a seat on the Supreme Court, ie by nominating and doing all it takes to ensure the win of their own handpicked candidate. What they’ll get is a willing Judge who will vote in their best interests. Their aim is for the Supreme Court to reverse the verdict of their case.
Although this is fiction, Grisham highlights how big corporations with bottomless pockets can easily have their way with politicians, ministers, and lawmakers alike. Kinda makes you think about your own country.
Typical Grisham, the writing is crisp and the story moves at a fast pace. The story is gripping till the very end.
**MILD SPOILERS**
The ending is not favourable to many readers. However, I understand why Grisham chooses to end the story that way.
True to life, things do not always work out the way we want. The good guys will still get trampled on while the bad guys get richer and more powerful.
The story may leave a bitter taste in your mouth, but that will definitely affect you more.