The Street Lawyer

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Michael Beck

Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

Michael was in a hurry. He was scrambling up the ladder at Drake & Sweeney, a giant D.C. firm with 800 lawyers. The money was good and getting better; a partnership was 3 years away. He was a rising star with no time to waste, no time to stop, no time to toss a few coins into the cups of panhandlers. No time for a conscience. But a violent encounter with a homeless man stopped him cold. Michael survived; his assailant did not. Who was this man? Michael did some digging, and learned that he was a mentally ill veteran who'd been in and out of shelters for many years. Then Michael dug a little deeper, and found a dirty secret, and the secret involved Drake & Sweeney. The fast track derailed; the ladder collapsed. Michael bolted from the firm and took a top-secret file with him. He landed in the streets, an advocate for the homeless, a street-lawyer. And a thief.

©1998 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)1998 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House Inc.

Critic Reviews

• Winner of Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award: Best Audio of 1998, Fiction

Another Grisham Classic. Great read..

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the law and how there are honest lawyers around.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Street Lawyer?

The way that the main character was able to put the welfare of the people he wanted to help above becoming rich from a profession known to generate high income.

What about Michael Beck’s performance did you like?

Great narration with emphasis on the parts that needed it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes indeed.. It kept me interested throughout the entire novel.

Any additional comments?

If you like John Grisham, this is another of his must reads. Highly recommended. As a matter of fact, I've listened to it twice since purchasing it :-)

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Grisham as good as ever.

Love John Grisham and his ability make legal maneuvering an exciting adventure. Michael Beck's performance is the A list performer as much as an actor in a movie.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Brilliant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I urge anyone to try this book

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved all the characters, couldn't get enough.

What about Michael Beck’s performance did you like?

A great narration, it was a memorable performance!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It felt as if the characters really existed.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good for Abridged...

I really enjoyed this book, and the narrator did a good job. However, you lose so much in terms of getting to know the secondary characters with abridged books, so the subplots were rather un-satisfying. This book was also a bit predictable, but enjoyable none-the-less.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Enjoyed to the fullest

John Grisham did it again...this kept me wanting more...listening for what will come next...can he get out of this situation. The narrator is also one of my favorites, even if the story is not good I could listen to him and still enjoy the audio-book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My favorite John Grisham book!

The Street Lawyer is my favorite John Grisham book and the narrator, Michael Beck is one of the best. He captures John Grisham’s character like no other.
The story is about lawyer who leaves a well paid law firm to become a street lawyer and finds his passion helping ppl who don’t have a voice. This is an amazing story that you won’t regret choosing.

Nicely done Mr. Grisham

While this was a straight forward and somewhat predictable tale, it had guts and plenty of Grisham's cleverness. More proof that your protagonist doesn't have to be in extreme peril to make for a excellent story.

Terrible Grisham

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

No one.

What was most disappointing about John Grisham’s story?

Mawkish story written in the most simplistic way. The book seems like an early effort by the author to develop the writing style he became famous for. The music was a terrible addition to the prose.

What aspect of Michael Beck’s performance would you have changed?

Beck was fine. He is a masterful reader, but there was only do much he could do with the story.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

I didn't realize this version was condensed. Audible should have made that clear.

Don't buy it

It made little sense and was very predictable. Very disappointed. Not my cup of tea.

Street Lawyer

Where does The Street Lawyer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

At the top!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. I just knew Michael Brock would end up in a ditch somewhere after lifting the file.

Which character – as performed by Michael Beck – was your favorite?

Malachi Green. Awesome!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Street Lawyer

Any additional comments?

I read this book years ago, but purchased it through audible because I simply wanted to hear how Michael Beck would perform the characters. My thoughts? Brilliant! Can't wait to order Sycamore Row. Whoo! Hoo!