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sartzer's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jaxboiler's review against another edition
3.0
This was a pretty good book. The story moved along well and the characters were easy to keep track of. I guess I need to go figure out which other John Grisham Books I haven't read.
hannahgingerich's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this book, the mixture of culture in with the story was nice and unique, however I realized as I was reading the book, the author didn’t explain very well why the main character went to prison and at times the main character was unlikeable in a non charming way. I like Grishams novels and his writing style but this isn’t one of my favorites.
magis1105's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
breenakm's review against another edition
4.0
One of the funniest things about the whole book for me was the authors disclaimer at the end. It basically said if any events are close to accurate then it was pure fluke. "I know less about technology now than I did a year ago." That is what I feel like!
The story was good. I appreciate a knowledgable character thrown into unfamiliar territory and using his/her IQ to beat the expectations.
The story was good. I appreciate a knowledgable character thrown into unfamiliar territory and using his/her IQ to beat the expectations.
jesujuwonlo's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
vaderbird's review against another edition
3.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
tabbycat26's review against another edition
2.0
I have to say the plot line in this book actually had a lot of potential. The characters just sucked I don't know how I was to explain it. Which is sad because I usually love John Grisham books.
books_venture's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read a John Grisham book. And I’m not quite sure what drew me to this particular Grisham book given it was published in 2005. Yet I saw it on a best sellers list recently and decided to give it a go.
The novel follows Joel Bachman. A Washington power broker who built a high flying career pulling strings in business and politics. Bachman is in prison when the outgoing president Morgan suddenly pardons him.
Six years earlier Bachman was found guilty of trying to sell codes to a secret sophisticated satellite system to the highest bidder. Thing is, no one knows who built the system. Was out the Russians? Chinese? Israelis? And does Bachman still have the codes?!
Teddy Maynard, director of the CIA, puts pressure of president Morgan to pardon Joel Bachman. They set Bachman up with a new identity in Bologna. He’s given a minder and a tutor. He will study four hours everyday immersing himself in the Italian language and culture and whilst Bachman is oblivious, the CIA will leak his whereabouts and, sit back and watch as Bachman is assassinated. They they will finally know who built the satellites.
Yeah Joel Bachman is no fool and soon figures out that his life is in danger. Joel decides to immerse himself even more in Italian culture. If he really is going to be assassinated, perhaps his identity will have to change again.
I really liked Joel Bachman as a character in this book. He’s not necessarily innocent but he’s not really a bad guy. I was rooting for him throughout the novel and I absolutely loved Bologna. I felt like I was there, sipping the wine and tasting the cuisine. I’ve had a few days off work this week and though I’m at home, this novel made me feel like I was on holiday.
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