The Appeal

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Michael Beck

Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

In a crowded courtroom in Mississippi, a jury returns a shocking verdict against a chemical company accused of dumping toxic waste into a small town's water supply, causing the worst "cancer cluster" in history. The company appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court, whose nine justices will one day either approve the verdict or reverse it.

Who are the nine? How will they vote? Can one be replaced before the case is ultimately decided?

The chemical company is owned by a Wall Street predator named Carl Trudeau, and Mr. Trudeau is convinced the Court is not friendly enough. With judicial elections looming, he decides to try to purchase himself a seat on the Court. The cost is a few million dollars, a drop in the bucket for a billionaire like Mr. Trudeau. Through an intricate web of conspiracy and deceit, his political operatives recruit a young, unsuspecting candidate. They finance him, manipulate him, market him, and mold him into a potential Supreme Court justice. Their Supreme Court justice.

The Appeal is a powerful, timely, and shocking story of political and legal intrigue, a story that will leave listeners unable to think about our electoral process or judicial system in quite the same way ever again.

©2008 Belfry Holdings, Inc. (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

Great

I loved this book!!! You always want the "little guys" to win! Great work Grisham!

Ok but not a favorite

Narrated perfectly! As for the story, it is definitely not my favorite John Grisham novel. There were way too many characters. I can’t be the only one who is disappointed by the outcome although I know that’s how life truly is. Still a John Grisham fan.

Not a fan of the ending at all!

Love Grisham and after listening to The Guardians (which I loved!) was very disappointed in this one. The story was hard to keep track of with all of the back and forth and trying to remember who was who and after all of that teasing and the different branches to the story, too many questions left...what happened to Josh? Why did Fisk concurr with the shady judges? Sorry John but this is the first book I have not liked. I always enjoy Michael Beck as the narrator, but overall and story disappointing.

Excellent

Michael Beck brings John Grisham books alive. Excellent performance. Very entertaining. Ending of the book was not expected.

And the ending?

I was absolutely spellbound by this title, for throughout the book there is remarkable character development; you love the heroes and hate the bad guys, you feel for the underdogs - possibly even experiencing the pain of the semi-bad guys who must come face to face with themselves, their circumstances and their future. You sit at the very edge of your seat, until ... the book just ... ends!
I hated it! An outstanding novel with a conclusion that left me feeling empty, wanting and believing there should be something more - I was gasping, believing there HAD to be something more - to the point of checking the Audible website to ensure I hadn't missed a section when I downloaded the entire book! I wanted to hear Grisham, in his author's notes, tell us we could expect a sequel. It didn't, there isn't, Grisham didn't, and I DID have the entire book. I believe I have read all, at least the vast majority, of Grisham's works and never before have I felt so ... unfulfilled (let down?)
The narrator (I hesitate to say "performer")does an acceptable job. Diction was clear and crisp, albeit a bit slow at times. He kept the listener involved and the characters straight, though I sensed what might charitably be called a lack of involvement, a lack of passion. There were so many sections and characters that cried out for the narrator's passion that sadly was just not there.
Would I listen to this work, knowing what I now know? Absolutely. Would I recommend the work? Absolutely. But could Grisham not, with all his skills and imagination, come up with an ending that actually ended the book?

Excellent

I also have read all the books by the author. This may not be the best he has written but in the top 3. The entire book was interesting even though he does fill with a few unnecessary items the book was interesting from start to finish. It makes you think about the legal system of this country. Well worth the time.

Power easily purchased

Book opens ones eyes as to how easy “big money” can purchase state courts and politicans in general. No wonder so many jury trials are overturned by higher courts. I would highly recommend this book.

Perfect book.

This is actually my favorite John Grisham book it has amazing stakes Incredible characters interesting premise interesting law and it makes you think about the world. I cannot recommend it to friends and family enough

Lawyers vs Corporate Tycoon

Big business meddles in a small town, and everyone involved gets skewed. Interesting characters, plot moves at a great place, twist and turns until the end.

Not the best

This book seemed tedious - maybe more to do with reader than with writer. He was slow and pedantic as if every word was an effort to explain something complicated to an idiot. The worst part was his attempt at southerners in general and southern children in particular. They sounded like cartoon hillbillies.
I don't recommend this book with this voice.