The Rainmaker Book

Average Rating:

The protagonist, Rudy Baylor, is a poor rookie lawyer who seems to always get shafted. Grisham presents many subplots to keep his reader guessing as to which direction the novel will go. The beginning reminds me of a soap opera, in that it bounces from scene to scene leaving loose ends full of suspense.

While participating in a class project, Rudy happens upon a woman whose child was diagnosed with leukemia. Their insurance company refuses to cover the cost of a bone marrow transplant that would save the boy's life. As a law student, Rudy is instructed to develop their case. Additionally, Grisham has Rudy involved in a case dealing with a widow, Ms. Birdie, who presumes that her estate is worth millions. Acting on that presumption, she has Rudy disinherit her children in her will due to their lack of interst and care for her. Once Grisham reveals that Ms. Birdie does not have the money that she claims, it becomes obvious that the case against Great Benefit Insurance Company will be the focus of the novel. Much like other Grisham novels, the story begins to get predictable. The pace and excitement slows to a near halt.

At this point, the novel changes direction from suspense to drama, though it continues to be equally enjoyable. After Rudy overcomes many obstacles throughout the novel, Grisham develops a character who triumphs over a corporate giant through a string of lucky breaks.

Grisham succeeds in having the reader become a part of this masterpiece. I felt as though I was experiencing, first-hand, what Rudy was going through. It is truly a work of art that I recommend for reading.

The Rainmaker is an awesome book, of course written by an excellent author. Although I have not read many of John Grisham's novels, I belive that he really knows how to capture a readers interest. He is very creative at writing books about lawyers and lawsuits. To me when I first picked up this book, I thought it would be very dull and boring because it delt with lawsuits. I came to find out that it was very powerful and entertaining. The book is based on a young man's life named Rudy Baylor. He had just gotten out of law school and was trying to make his way in being a lawyer. What makes this story so great is that Rudy isn't just a typical lawyer that want's money. He actually is interested in his cases and takes them to the fullest. One case could even change his life forever. Will it? Read this book I am sure you will figure it out, along with many triumphs and hard times Rudy goes through.

I would difinitely recommand this book to anyone that loves lawsuits from the ages of 15 and above. I would also recommand this book to anyone that doesn't like lawsuits because it will take you on an adventure you have never been before. It will definitely get your attention and you will always have a hard time putting it down.

Hollywood has created the typical story line for a story. The hero always ends up winning. Well Grisham diverts and steers to and from the typical. Readers are kept interested because they do not always know what is going to happen next. There is even a murder drama placed in the already exciting world. Baylor and his girlfriend, Kelly, go to her old apartment to get some of her clothes. "I place the car, and take a deep breath. 'Are you scared?' she asks. 'Yes.' I reach under the seat and get the gun" (Grisham 412). To make matters worse, they meet up with Kelly's abusive ex-husband. There is a struggle and in the end, only Baylor and Kelly stand. Towards the conclusion of the book, there are two great endings. In the courtroom, there is an overwhelming victory. "We the jury, find for the plaintiff and award actual damages in the amount of two hundred thousand dollars... And we the jury find for the plaintiff and award punitive damages in the amount of fifty million dollars" (Grisham 402). The second happy ending in the book comes at the end. Baylor and Kelly, leave together. "We smile and giggle as the land flattens and the traffic lightens. Memphis is twenty miles behind us. I vow never to return" (Grisham 434). With the thrilling scenes and interesting details, Grisham's book comes to life as everything unfolds perfectly in time.

Many people have praised The Rainmaker. One critic has written, "The case against the insurance company is a classic David vs. Goliath scenario. Mr. Grisham expertly weaves all these plot lines together and keeps the pages turning with bright, vivid and entertaining writing" (Thomas Magnum). This critic is correct. Readers learn throughout the book that perseverance always wins. Baylor, the inexperienced lawyer, gives inspiration to the little people in the world trying to make it in life. In classic Good vs. Evil cases, the outcome usually leans towards the good. Although this is known, Grisham exemplifies his great ability of writing and guides readers on a journey that leads to reality.