Near the top

Grover Gardner was a perfect narrator. His performance was natural, and perfect for the text. The various characters were easy to distinguish - but often through subtle nuances that were consistant throughout. The plot was interesting and the listener is carried along the stream of events and emotions. Until the very end, the listener is still guessing about the last word.

The Father. This is a very real life story. Everything has a true ring about it.

We listened to this on the last leg of a long car trip, and couldn't finish by the time we were home. Both my husband and I were invested enough in this book that we spent the next two nights listening at home until we were finished and could release our grip on the chair arms. This is a great read - Get it.

Yes as having the perspective of how the story resolves makes me want to experience it thorough that lens to see what I missed the first time.

To answer would be to divulge a spoiler,

See above!

Justice, genetics and the nature of criminality,

The narrator is Grover Gardner which is one of the best so I would have to opt for better on audio

One of Jodi Picoults book and for me to say that is saying alot

The father

oh yea

I never write comments since I read James Patterson books and Jodi Picoult and Patterson is great reading and there's no word to describe Jodi but defending Jacob was a great read

YES. great NARATION - good story with excellent hide and seek

Grandfather conversation

the changing voice and dialog simulation

This was a great book. It teaches of betrayal, denial, addictions and afflictions. Andy was in total denial about his entire family gene and condition that he did not allow himself to help his son when he had a chance to do so. One would think his wife was a little crazy but in actuality even in her fear, she was willing to face her fear in an effort to help her son Jacob. I believe even in Jacob's death, she felt she was helping him and saving him from entering a lifeof doom like his great great grandpa, great grandpa, grandpa. Very good reading.

Parent's worst nightmare

Mom- tried to remain a rock in the face of tragedy

Just thought provoking

No. Defending Jacob was recommended for those who liked Sycamore Row. Since I loved that book, I gave it a try. Pretty early on I could tell it wasn't for me. Overuse of the f-bomb for starters. Yes, realize there are a lot of high school characters in this book but it was the adults using it. Seemed out of place. Not being familiar with Landay, I thought maybe this was a first book. Was wrong. Not a good fit for me.

Not necessarily this genre but probably this author.

The narrator didn't fit the story. A lot of young characters (young parents, young students, etc.) and the narrator just didn't fit in my opinion. Plus a very sad attempt at a Bostonian accent. Really threw me off.

Definitely not. Story came to a conclusion. Really not enough substance to merit a follow up.

I'm trying not to be harsh yet at the same time be honest. The over use of expletives seems to fit a younger (20'ish?) reader.

Yes. Absolutely. The character development was thorough enough to carry me through the two novels without losing track of some many involved in Jacob's case. The narrative was well thought through without giving up the ending and there were several "twist" to create moments of reflection.

The irony of the vacation's purpose to resurrect the family as the Phoenix from the Ashes, ended up providing "freedom" to the most unthinkable person, Jacob, when he died. The irony was so strong towards the end of the book, it reminded how life really is...

When Jacob's dad enters Derek's home and questions him.

I wouldn't it. It's a perfect title.

I loved the book and this is the first book I've listened to by William Lunday.

Yes. It's a really good story, well narrated.

The way the story line challenges the main character gives the story depth and complexity. He's a prosecutor whose son is accused of murder. The book raises the obvious question of whether Jacob actually committed the crime, along with the competing loyalties of the father/prosecutor if in fact he did. There's also the element of what's going on in the parents' marriage, and the prosecutor's relationship with his own father, and some nature/nuture issues. Very interesting.

He gives a real "voice" to the dad/prosecutor, a little ironic at times.

For me this book was a little slow with too much non resolution. That being said I think it was very original and well written.