The Reckoning – John Grisham


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October 1946, Clanton, Mississippi

Pete Banning was Clanton, Mississippi’s favorite son–a decorated World War II hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbor, and a faithful member of the Methodist church. Then one cool October morning he rose early, drove into town, walked into the church, and calmly shot and killed his pastor and friend, the Reverend Dexter Bell. As if the murder weren’t shocking enough, it was even more baffling that Pete’s only statement about it–to the sheriff, to his lawyers, to the judge, to the jury, and to his family–was: “I have nothing to say.” He was not afraid of death and was willing to take his motive to the grave.
In a major novel unlike anything he has written before, John Grisham takes us on an incredible journey, from the Jim Crow South to the jungles of the Philippines during World War II; from an insane asylum filled with secrets to the Clanton courtroom where Pete’s defense attorney tries desperately to save him.
Reminiscent of the finest tradition of Southern Gothic storytelling, The Reckoning would not be complete without Grisham’s signature layers of legal suspense, and he delivers on every page.


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  1. Thanks for checking out Realsurfers.net Perhaps you can review “Swamis”, the novel. I am getting ever closer to finishing it. Again, thanks, Erwin

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      1. I recently read one by Kim Bowman, “Undercover Bag Lady,” in which she wrote about her experiences when she disguised herself as a homeless person and visited churches of ten different denominations to see how she would be treated. I reviewed it on my June 28 post.
        Thanks for asking!
        One of my all-time favorites is Nabeel Qureshi’s book “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.” I would recommend it for anyone who wants to understand the Muslim mindset. Or anyone who is Muslim.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That sounds very interesting. What did you think of “Undercover Bag Lady’?

        Thank you for the recommendation. I think everyone should always keep an open mind and always seek more knowledge. I think it can be very insightful to read it.

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      3. “Undercover Bag Lady” was one I couldn’t put down. Of course, I was very anxious to see how my denomination treated the “homeless visitor,” and with each chapter I was rooting for the church people to step up and do what they were supposed to. Some did, some didn’t, and I found myself wondering which ones I would have been. The book is less than 100 pages and can be read in one sitting. I’d like to get copies of it to every church in America. Clearly, we have our work cut out for us.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. That’s incredible. I’m sure it can be a real eye-opener for people. I added it to our list and we’ll post it soon. I’m interested to see what our community will have to say about it.

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      5. Wow! I love John Grisham’s novels. I don’t know how this book escaped my radar. I’m on it for sure. First though, I have to complete the others I’m reading but definitely, this is on the top of my “WTR” list. Great review 👍.

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      1. I really enjoyed The Long Call by Ann Cleeves — it comes out in September. It’s a mystery I was really moved by — the characters are just outstanding — and Ann Cleeves is now on my favorite author list. TLC is the start of a new series, but she’s written two others, so I have a delicious back catalog into which I can swan dive!

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  2. There is not enough time in the day to read, write, and take care of all that needs taking care of, yet I will strive to find the time to read this book! Love John Grisham and your review! This will go on my list of need to read titles. Thanks!

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    1. You can definitely say that again! Bill Gates said if he could choose a superpower it would be to read extremely fast. There are SO many incredible books in the world. It’s so sad that we can’t read them all. That’s why we must definitely make time to read between our busy daily schedules.
      The book is absolutely captivating! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it 🙂
      I’m so glad that we could help out! That is what we try and do. To bring worthwhile books to your attention and then the community can share, talk and discuss the books.
      Do you have any book suggestions for us and the community that you think is a must or worthwhile read? 🙂

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      1. That sounds really intriguing! And thanks for taking the time to read my poem, “The Silent Girl in Class,” I really appreciate it!

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  3. I haven’t read Grisham in a long time. His writing became too formulaic for me. But this does sound like, as you say, a departure for him. I’ll definitely give it a read.

    Thanks for dropping by rballard-author. I hope you’ll read Tiny Alice and let me know what you think.

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    1. The Reckoning is getting quite a bit of attention in the world. There’s definitely a reason for that. Please let me know what you think! 🙂

      Will you be able to email me a copy of Tiny Alice?

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  4. Hello Global Books,

    Thank you so much for following me. I am purring away now in the knowledge that such a truely acclaimed blog would follow my jottings. Mind you I’m not surprised, both my books have been bestsellers and it’s only a matter of time before I slide off the windowsill and write another, it’s just getting round to it sigh!

    I blame global warming of course, the windowsill has never been as warm as it was this year and that makes a Cat lazy. Even a critically acclaimed feline author such as um.. me!

    Actually as we speak I am being pestered to finish a movie script for ‘Getting Out – Excerpts from A Cat’s Diary.’ It’s an animated movie and if you like I could let you have a sneak peek at the sketches for the main character and star of the movie, cough, me of course. Unfortunately I am arguing with the producers currently becasue those sketch make me look a bit evil! I know, I’m as shocked as you are and if you knew me better you would be even more alarmed than just shocked!

    Still if they want the movie script finished then they are jolly well going to have to make the character look a little less evil and much, much thinner!

    Anyway, I hope you enjoy my blog and that through you the word gets spread further so that as many people as possible get to have a laugh, oh of course that’s nothing to do with buying my books on Amazon of course.

    Purrs,

    The Cat 🐾

    Liked by 1 person

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