Search - A Painted House

A Painted House
Larger
A Painted House
Author: John Grisham

Book Information
Publisher: Dell
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780440237228 - ISBN-10: 044023722X
Publication Date: 12/2001
Pages: 480


Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio CD

Book Description:
Until that September of 1952, Luke Chandler had never kept a secret or told a single lie. But in the long, hot summer of his seventh year, two groups of migrant workers -- and two very dangerous men -- came through the Arkansas Delta to work the Chandler cotton farm. And suddenly mysteries are flooding Luke's world.

A brutal murder leaves the town seething in gossip and suspicion. A beautiful young woman ignites forbidden passions. A fatherless baby is born ... and someone has begun furtively painting the bare clapboards of the Chandler farmhouse, slowly, painstakingly, bathing the run-down structure in gleaming white. And as young Luke watches the world around him, he unravels secrets that could shatter lives -- and change his family and his town forever....

Members who requested this book also requested:

Similar books to this author and title:
Skipping ChristmasThe Street LawyerThe TestamentThe BrethrenBleachers


Genres:

Top Member Book Reviews

Christina K. (dcnikadlec) wrote on 8/9/2007...

9 member(s) found this review helpful.

I usually am not a big fan of John Grisham, only because I don't really like legal thrillers. This, however, is completely different from anything else that I have seen written by him. It kind of reminded me of both Huck Finn and Grapes of Wrath. It is definately one of the best books I have ever read. I have recommended this book to all of my friends and family because it really did surprise me by being such a great book!

Amy J. wrote on 3/16/2009...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

I enjoyed this book simply for the fact that the descriptions were so vivid, and it was a easy read. The story of the seasonal farmers is very interesting, and the perspective of the child was an interesting view.

Lyn wrote on 3/7/2009...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

John Grisham is a master of writing legal dramas so I wondered wondered how good he would be out of that format. He did not disappointment. The setting for A Painted House is a poor cotton farm in Arkansas in the 1950's. The story is told from the perspective of a 7 year old boy, Luke. The characters are very clearly developed. Luke encounters much at such a young age; his story is mesmerizing. In writing this books, Grisham clearly shows he is a versatile writer. It is a book you won't be able to put down.

Jennifer G. wrote on 3/5/2009...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

A great book! Not at all what I expected from a John Grisham novel, but I really enjoyed the change of pace. Note: If you've seen the 'made-for-tv' movie based on this book, don't worry - the book is much better!

Jayne M. (denreads) wrote on 7/24/2007...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a great book set in Ark. around 1950.Deals with growing up on a farm,trying to make a living.loved it

Leslie W. (LeslieGW) wrote on 6/30/2007...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

I've been caught a million times boo-hooing like a baby while watching a movie. Very rarely do I actually cry when reading a book. I'm so glad I finished this book while by myself because I sobbed like I'd lost my best friend. It was a wonderful book and I loved each and every moment of it.

Karen K. (Reblazed) wrote on 10/20/2007...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Wonderful ... nice to know Grisham CAN write about life outside the courtroom.

Patricia L. (Patty104) wrote on 10/12/2007...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

nice story - hadn't read this author in a while and was surprised it was a different kind of story from the usual legal lawyer type books - story about southern family

Jim N. (jazzbo) wrote on 10/2/2007...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Different from his other works. Where are the attorneys & evil money grubbers?? Still a good book and it reads fairly quickly.

Helen D. (helenhd) wrote on 9/16/2007...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a fantastic book. It is the only book I have ever read by Grisham, but I have been told it is very different from his other works. What I like most about this book is that it is an adult novel told through the eyes of a young boy.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Lona B. (Lona) wrote on 11/14/2009...


An easy read with human insight that only Grisham can impart.

Beverly H. (GainesvilleGirl) - FL wrote on 8/11/2009...


Wonderful! way out of character for Grisham. Even if you absolutely hate Grisham's legal thrillers, you should give this one a try. It's Grisham at his best as far as I'm concerned!

Theresa H. (mom2threekiddos) wrote on 5/3/2009...


I usually love John Grisham, but this wasn't one of my favorites. I read it and finished it through, but I wouldn't have been sad if this was a book of his that I hadn't read. Not his normal stuff.

Karen H. (hickman) wrote on 2/3/2009...


Great book!! Not his usual legal stories.. Although, I love those too.

Cindy T. wrote on 1/22/2009...


Not a typical John Grisham book. More thoughtful. A good story.

Jennifer J. (mommyjennifer) wrote on 1/9/2009...


Great book, i couldnt put it down after reading a few chapters. 1st book i have read of John Grisham. More to come.

Kathryn L. wrote on 5/19/2008...


Another in the long line of Grisham legal thrillers. Takes place in 1952, in the Arkansas Delta, around the cotton farm of Luke Chandler. Good dialogue, good sense of Americana.

Calmia Y. (underwriter) wrote on 6/8/2007...


NOT GRISHAMS USUAL STUFF

Virginia K. (GinaK) wrote on 4/19/2007...


A thriller authored by the writer who has yet to have an uninteresting book, and this is no exception.

JoAnne M. wrote on 4/17/2007...


Great author.


Book Wiki
Common Title
Series
Original Publication Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
People/Characters
Real Places
Fictional Places
Important Events
Awards and Honors