John Grisham
WHEN I finish a Grisham book, I anxiously wait for the next book to be released, and lament the day when Grisham takes his fingers off the keyboard for the last time. I was particularly interested in his latest book because I had heard it was non-fiction and based on a homicide in Oklahoma. Little did I realize until I started reading the book that the murder took place in a town close to where I live, and many of the sights and sounds described in the book were familiar to me. Even the names of the characters involved had a familiar ring. But, my point here is not to review The Innocent Man, but to comment on Grisham’s style of writing.
IN analyzing Grisham’s particular writing style, it made me realize that even though writers may have mastered the mechanics or nuts and bolts of writing, the style or the flow of words is a gift inherent to the author. As much as I would like to emulate Grisham’s style, I don’t think it would be possible. What I like about the author’s prose is his relaxed way of inserting in his narrative a relevant point, often guised in subtle sarcasm, which boarders on humor. The reader gives a knowing little chuckle and then continues on reading. Grisham also is an observer of human nature and uses his observations to build his characters. And, in The Innocent Man real life characters are described in much the same way as fictional characters, which makes this book read like fiction with a carefully crafted plot and gently unfolding story. Grisham’s stories usually center on crime and the law; something he knows about because he is a lawyer. But he is also a talented writer and can move out of his genre and still create a successful story. Skipping Christmas (2004) is a great example and a must read before the holidays.
GRISHAM makes writing look easy; but as a writer I know that writing is a talent and it is one that has to be practiced every day. The more we write the better we are and the easier it is to accomplish our writing goals.
Sue Schrems
1 comment:
You have a Great Blog. I love John Grisham. But, I heard so much about this book. May I suggest putting it on your reading list. Here is something I read about it:. .Who And Where Is Dennis Fritz, You may say after reading John Grisham's Wonderful Book "The Innocent man", Grisham's First non-fiction book. The Other Innocent Man hardly Dennis Fritz wrote his Book Published by Seven Locks Press, to bring awareness about False Convictions, and The Death Penalty. "Journey Toward Justice" is a testimony to the Triumph of the Human Spirit and is a Stunning and Shocking Memoir. Dennis Fritz was wrongfully convicted of murder after a swift trail. The only thing that saved him from the Death Penalty was a lone vote from a juror. "The Innocent Man" by John Grisham is all about Ronnie Williamson, Dennis Fritz's was his co-defendant. Ronnie Williamson was sentenced to the Death Penalty. Both were exonerated after spending 12 years in prison. Both Freed by a simple DNA test, The real killer was one of the Prosecution's Key Witness. John Grisham's "The Innocent Man" tells half the story. Dennis Fritz's Story needs to be heard. Read about how he wrote hundreds of letters and appellate briefs in his own defense and immersed himself in an intense study of law. He was a school teacher and a ordinary man from Ada Oklahoma, whose wife was brutally murdered in 1975. On May 8, 1987 while raising his young daughter alone, he was put under arrest and on his way to jail on charges of rape and murder. Since then, it has been a long hard road filled with twist and turns. Dennis Fritz is now on his "Journey Toward Justice". He never blamed the Lord and soley relied on his faith in God to make it through. He waited for God's time and never gave up.
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