The Street Lawyer

I have read most of John Grisham's books a while ago. However, a recent random TV program featured him, and on a whim, I decided to read some of his books again. It is convenient to see all his books in one place; the library's policy of unlimited borrowings makes it even more tempting to just take them all ! But I desisted, and came back with just The street lawyer. It is a fantastic story,...more

I have read most of John Grisham's books a while ago. However, a recent random TV program featured him, and on a whim, I decided to read some of his books again. It is convenient to see all his books in one place; the library's policy of unlimited borrowings makes it even more tempting to just take them all ! But I desisted, and came back with just The street lawyer. It is a fantastic story, quite fitting my current situation in life. Instead of documenting the story itself, let me write about what went through my mind so far.... It is just past midnight now, and I am halfway through the book with no signs of sleep. It brings back the familiar yet strange excitement of reading a good novel through the night. Long ago, on sundays, the brother and I would read late into the night. The father would arrive home close to midnight from his weekly games of cards, scold us for being up so late, shut off the lights and go to sleep. A few minutes later, we would be back at it! It has been several years now since such interest has been by a book! This one is the story of a rich and successful lawyer. Rich in the pocket, poor in the soul. Circumstances bring him face to face with the reality of homelessness, and he delves into volunteering, then to practicing public interest law for a fraction of the salary he previously earned. In the process, he feels alive, inspired and fulfilled. A few years ago, it would have just been another novel. But now, the references to Pennsylvania avenue, homelessness near the Capitol and the Potomac river all conjure up real images in my mind, from my recent trip to DC. And in another thread, the futility and unfairness of money beyond need in the pockets of the few. Grisham's character articulates these thoughts extremely well. Half the book still remains, and it is already 1: 51 AM. I am looking forward to the rest of the morning, and to finishing this one on a high. Something tells me I will be thinking about this long after. I am reminded of Dorothy Boyd's statement to Jerry, when she quits the high paying agency blindly reposing faith in him - Most of all, I just want to be inspired, Jerry. And, I want to be inspired. Something tells me I will be tonight!    hide

Pas de chance. Pour une fois que je tombe sur des touristes français qui ont un livre à échanger, c'est un livre en anglais. The street lawyer de John Grisham. Ca se lit bien, me dit-on, alors je l'échange volontiers. Et me voila plongé dans l'univers de Grisham. L'histoire est toujours la même...Sujet : "un jeune et brillant avocat est promis à un bel avenir...more

Pas de chance. Pour une fois que je tombe sur des touristes français qui ont un livre à échanger, c'est un livre en anglais. The street lawyer de John Grisham. Ca se lit bien, me dit-on, alors je l'échange volontiers. Et me voila plongé dans l'univers de Grisham. L'histoire est toujours la même...Sujet : "un jeune et brillant avocat est promis à un bel avenir lorsqu'un jour..." inventez la suite.Dans, the street lawyer, il va se retrouver confronté au monde des sans-logis. Dans le testament, il va rechercher une riche héritière perdue dans un des endroits les plus inaccessibles d'Amérique du Sud. Dans la firme, il se rendra compte que ses nouveaux employeurs ne sont pas des anges. C'est moral, ça se lit effectivement très bien, même en anglais, et en plus ça finit bien même lorsque l'affaire paraît mal engagée. (mars 2003)   hide

John Grisham masterful storytelling reaches new heigths when he pens a story so lush with drama and heartbreak that you can't stop turning the pages. One of the few books that actually made me cry and provided me with an earth-shattering wake-up call to what's happening in the real world. Reading a Grisham novel is the closest one can come to experiencing real life without actually experiencing...more

John Grisham masterful storytelling reaches new heigths when he pens a story so lush with drama and heartbreak that you can't stop turning the pages. One of the few books that actually made me cry and provided me with an earth-shattering wake-up call to what's happening in the real world. Reading a Grisham novel is the closest one can come to experiencing real life without actually experiencing it!    hide

Finally! This book is different from all of Grisham's blatantly similar books, with a harsh message driven home by a smattering of cruel reality. Really well written, really good message, really, really heart breaking story. Loved it.