The Boys from Biloxi - Book Review

 


The Boys from Biloxi

John Grisham

3.8 stars  

 

 

In true Grisham fashion, you are introduced to a multitude of characters. Two families of similar beginning but taking divergent paths in their chosen ways of 'success'. The criminal and the good guy, the choices and the examples set are the guiding force throughout this book.

It is an old topic, it's been done a thousand times, and Grisham takes you on a wild ride through the generations. You might need to take notes, because there is a LOT of criminal activity, and keeping the underworld straight is an exercise in itself.

I found the court scenes well-explained, but it did take a while to get to them. If you are a Grisham fan like me, it's worth the wait, though the wait was sometimes tedious. I had had my fill of deceipt and lies by then as this kind of 'bad guy' can be quite exhausting. Some might consider it overdone.

I did like the factual part of Biloxi, it's history, it's hurricane which makes a book worthwhile for me. Grisham does encourage the curious, and I did learn some things.

Two men, their sons, egos, family, corruption and redemption. That's it in a nutshell.

Weyward, Emelia Hart is next on my list. What are you reading today?


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Secret Life of Sunflowers - Book Review

Image
  The Secret Life of Sunflowers Marta Molnar 2.5 stars (but keep reading my review for what I learned) Told through the voices of Johanna van Gogh (1887) and Emsley Wilson (current), this book held promise but failed to deliver. I was fascinated by the story of Johanna, who is largely unknown for her role in bringing her brother-in-law’s artistry to the public. She is the reason that I kept reading. The story line for Emsley, her character, and the challenge she faced was weak in holding my interest. I typically would not review a book here that I wouldn't recommend to a friend. So let me tell you why you are now reading this. van Gogh was certainly a tormented soul (as many true artist types were/are), but the way his fame and appreciation of his life became prominent was unknown to me. What this book offered me was the curiousity to look a little deeper into his fame and how easily the world would have been deprived of his talent. I found the author’s experience in adventure/rom...
Read more

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Book Review

Image
  Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Jamie Ford 4.5 stars Jamie Ford has captured me again. This is the second book of his that I’ve read. His more recent The Many Daughters of Afong Moy (2022) was my introduction to his words and both brought the most heartwarming story to his readers. In this debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (2009) you are led into the troubling time of the Japanese internment during the 2nd world war. This sad time when thousands of Japanese were sent to camps, were forced to build their own shelters, and lived in the most uncomfortable of conditions. What comes through prominently is the nature of the Japanese people who were affected, including those born in the USA. Their loyalty to the USA was not shaken as they endured the circumstances of their captivity. Ford tells us the facts with no judgement on the less than desirable reactions of the citizens. What the foundation of all his words is Hope. Do not miss the author’s notes where ...
Read more

The Picture Bride - Book Review

Image
  The Picture Bride Lee Geum-yi 3 stars I realize that this book was a translation, so be prepared for the stilted language that did not flow, sentences that are choppy and it took some resolve to work through. Although aspects of the Korean independence were an important part of the background, I was not able to assimilate that story and found it quite confusing. It was interesting to know that many Asian people chose to settle in Hawaii and how difficult it was to establish yourself to gain any kind of affluence. The history of descrimination held true and is always difficult to hear. The female characters were interesting enough but if I had borrowed this book from the public library, it would have gone back early. If you have some prior knowledge and/or interest in the Korean culture, you will likely be more inclined to persevere. This book was a slog for me. The deceptions told to secure a young bride, is saddening of course, but not entirely surprising. The emotion that was r...
Read more