Tuesday, July 29, 2008

I'm done too

Well, I finished. I'm anxious to discuss. I feel bad about not discussing "Precious Bane" more.

I thought it was worth reading, but it is definitely one of those rare situations where Hollywood totally improved on the story. Throughout my reading, something was really bothering me about this book, and I couldn't put my finger on it until I was about 75% done with it, and I realized that what it was: I didn't find any of the characters to be at all likable. Even the "hero" and "heroine" were dishonest, deceitful, and unkind (good oldRachel Weiss and John Cusak made them a lot more sympathetic). I also liked what the movie did with Wendall Rohr (played by Dustin Hoffman) making him into the lawyer who ultimately refused to be bribed. Just about every character in the book seemed to corrupt, and morally bankrupt. Maybe this is true to life, or at least is in the cynical view of John Grisham.

Interesting information about the corrupt world of the tabacco industry. I have to say though, not having read John Grisham since I was a teenage, I was actually pretty unimpressed by his writing style. I guess that's what higher education can do to you. It's a two star book for me.

6 comments:

Emilee said...

I'm sorry to say that I didn't finish the book. It was different from the movie and I couldn't quite get into it. Am I next to choose a book? If so, I have a great one that I think we will all love. Let me know. Thanks.

Heather said...

I agree, Mare, that the movie was better. Weird! I'm usually one who HATES it when books are made into movies, and they CHANGE them. But I really love what they did with Marlee and Nicolas...I have a soft spot for John Cusack. I don't mind Grisham's writing style, though. I still like to read his books. Landon is reading a lot of them right now, and loving them since he knows EXACTLY what they are talking about...it's nice to have him around to answer my questions about the intricacies of the legal system....

Mandy said...

I didn't like the movie or the book...maybe because I have read a lot of Grisham? All his books are so similar that I get bored easily because I already know that they will make the big bad corporation look horrible and lose and some rogue attorney will save the day. But they are entertaining to read on the train to work.

Mary said...

Ha ha. That's so very true Mand. Come to think of it, all of his books are just variations on that very framework oh well. I liked Heather's comment too. . . I wish I had a law student living with me while I was reading the book.

Did all the stock trading at the end make sense to anyone? If it did, you are definitely smarter than me. From my understanding she "borrowed" the 10 million to make a huge profit on the stocks, and then was able to "generously" return all the money to Fitch, right?

Catherine said...

I have read a lot of his books and Mandy you are right they are all very simular except for Skipping Christmas and Benches. Those he gets more sentimental on. Emilee I want to know what book you recommend I am always looking for recommendations. I am going to have to rent the movie again and compare it to the book. So I am ready for the next book. I dont have any suggestions currently. I am in the middle of reading the twilight series and just waiting for the next one -New Moon - to get in at the library...I am open for any new suggestion to tie me over on the wait.

Mandy said...

I can't remember much about the movie except I thought it was heavily slanted. I think Painted Barn is by Grisham too and it is a good one. If you like this style of writing his books are a good fast read, but I liked the Firm better. Maybe because I pictured Tom Cruise while reading it? Anywho, Emilee gets to pick next and from her good reads profile I'm sure she has something wonderful in store for us! I just started a book by Leif Enger called Peace Like a River and am loving it so far. Deep, beautifully written, character driven, and so far uniquely spiritual. I of course have to finish it before Twilight Book 4 comes out.