Play Book Tag discussion

JoAnne and I discussed doing a buddy read and now that the book is out, I am opening a thread if any want to join us. Feel free to start and discuss whenever, just use spoilers please. It may be awhile before I read it though.*

Since this is a sequel to The Firm, feel free to read or reread and discuss that as well. I am thinking about rereading it myself as I wait through my hold.

*I have an 11 week hold before I get it. Remember my local libraries serve millions, though additional ebook licenses will no doubt be obtained and that wait will shorten. I am not buying it, tempting as it is. It is too much money for a book that could disappoint, as sequels like this often do.

The wait gives me time to reread The Firm. At this point the excellent Tom Cruise movie adaptation has overtaken my memory of the book - it has such a great cast. The script adaptation was really excellent, and the producers allowed it to be long enough to cover properly the complex plot.

This still ranks as my favorite Grisham, and a modern classic legal thriller. It also marked the beginning of my love/hate affair with Grisham. His legal thrillers that is!

I have no clue when I will get to this-my wait right now is 18 weeks! That implies that everyone ahead of me will keep it for 3 weeks, some won't, so it could be shorter

I actually already have a hold update: still 11 week estimated wait. Copies now at 36, and I am 191st in line....5 per copy. Also a 3 week loan period.

I also put a reserve on The Firm - 9 week wait but many fewer copies.

This sounds fun! I might join you.

I have both of these on my TBR, so if I can get them, I might join in.

ETA: It looks like I should be able to get a copy of The Firm quite easily, but The Exchange: After The Firm was only published here last week. My library is ordering a copy, but there are already 94 holds on it! So I might not be joining in. If I like The Firm, I might see how much it is to buy The Exchange: After The Firm.

I put a copy of The Exchange on hold. Not sure when I'll get it, since it's a fairly long waiting list. I really enjoyed The Firm when I read it many years ago.

The Firm was one of my favorites by him, which Is why I told Theresa I wanted to read this one. It has been nearly a decade since I read any of his books, I think I just burned out on him. I am anxious to see where this one goes though

I've got a copy of The Exchange on hold as well - I'd love to read along once I get my copy.

@Theresa - Great idea to re-read The Firm in the interim!

I am thrilled at the interest!

It's going to be a wait for all of us on hold -- and frankly I don't have time to read it before December, and late December at that.

I started this thread now because I know this will be a popular read - one of the few that even I will read right after publication - and figured this was best way to get out that there is a buddy read possibility.

@Hannah - just came out here last week too. Grisham started his book signing tour -- was in NYC a few days ago which I think was the publication day start.

I was not expecting that the wait on The Firm would be as long here - but should have as they have few copies and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought about re-reading it, LOL.

I'm going to take a quick look around here to see if I kept my paperback of The Firm - I doubt it. But I am sure of finding a cheap used copy at one of my favorite used book online sources will be simple. If I get it for less than the ebook - which is $9.99 - I'll go for it.

I might jump on the bandwagon if the time to read it is late December.

I usually wrap up in December and the last few weeks like to just veer off course.

It has been a long while since I've read a Grisham and my first of his was The Firm.

How is everyone doing on their holds wait?

I am down to about a 4 week wait for The Exchange: After The Firm. I have about 2 weeks to wait for The Firm.

Looks like I will be rereading The Firm for Thanksgiving, then The Exchange for Christmas. I likely will suspend it until January if it comes up before year end. Depends on what books I have left to read for year long challenges vs. time to read.

I would also suspend it if most are some time out from getting it.

I am # 4 on the list right now-which could be anywhere from 4 weeks to 12 weeks (there is a 3 week limit on new books now, but some will not use the whole time). I can suspend it to January or beyond too.

I am #1 for The Exchange (suspended for now) but still a couple weeks out from getting The Firm.

I'll probably read The Firm as soon as I can get it, then wait to see when everyone wants to read The Exchange.

Let's target The Exchange then for New Years and see how we all do getting it. We can always move it up or back.

That also lets those of us waiting on The Firm to get and read it.

Sounds good!

Libby just delivered The Firm to me! Perfect timing as it suits my mood right now.

My library just got 2 more copies of The Exchange-however. one was due on the 9th and is still not back-Irks me that since the library did away with fines that some people are very rude about not returning their books on time.

I actually started The Firm re-read last night - or rather early this AM. I was having trouble settling to sleep, but also did not want to turn up the lamps to be bright enough to read any of the print books I am supposed to be reading, not even the collection of shorts. I decided that since I know the plot, I was more likely to settle quickly with The Firm. I was right.

I made it through his interview. I'd forgotten the book starts there! Definitely the movie adaptation is far more familiar now than the actual book. Even the interview has some differences -- but most of the dialogue is the same.

It's definitely fun.

I'll join!

Sallys wrote: "I'll join!"

Yay!

Just finished my The Firm reread. Review later as I am traveling but did so enjoy. The whole last third at least I had completely forgotten!

In truth the movie version ending is far more realistic than what Grisham wrote here.

My review is up. Still believe it deserves a high rating - I gave it 4 stars. Theresa's Review The Firm

I'm really eager to read the The Exchange: After The Firm. However, my hold is still a few weeks. Meanwhile, I'm indulging in watching the film again for the umpteenth time. It's a favorite.

I just finished re-reading The Firm.

I forgot just how good Grisham's early books were! Now I hope the sequel lives up to the original.

I'm at the top of my Hold list at the library. I may read in mid-December if I get through some other books first.

Sue, let me know when you get it as I am down to # 1 on the list and will probably get my copy at the same time

Joanne wrote: "Sue, let me know when you get it as I am down to # 1 on the list and will probably get my copy at the same time"

Definitely let you know! I'm thinking of mid-month so I can get through a couple of Holiday and other challenge books first.

My hold for the sequel just popped up! I suspended until Dec. 23. I have challenges to finish and a crazy work month. Plus to read with rest.

I see it as my long Christmas weekend indulgence.

Joanne wrote: "Sue, let me know when you get it as I am down to # 1 on the list and will probably get my copy at the same time"

I'm just about to pick up the audio and will start listening this week.

I have had my copy for a week-not sure if I will get to it now, I may return it and go back on the list. There are 5 people waiting and library has 3 copies. I will decide in the next few days

My copy just popped up today and I downloaded it. I have it for 2 weeks, so I'll read it relatively soon. I didn't go back to read The Firm, since the waiting list was so long (much longer than The Exchange).

You all go ahead. I suspended my hold until Dec 23 - it had come up 2 weeks ago - and frankly I don't have time to read it until then. I think mine will be a 2 week hold too.

Still deciding. Finishing While Justice Sleeps today, not sure I am ready for another thriller right now

Joy D wrote: "My copy just popped up today and I downloaded it. I have it for 2 weeks, so I'll read it relatively soon. I didn't go back to read The Firm, since the waiting list was so long (much longer than The..."

Same at my library Joy-

So, I started this one after I finished my Subdue book, and I am pretty sure I will not be finishing it. I enjoyed the first chapters, which relate what Mitch has been up to since we last heard from him. It provides background for people who have not read The Firm, but then the plot switches to Libya, where a terrorist group kidnaps one of Mitch's colleagues and holds her for ransom. This is much too violent for my taste, especially the (view spoiler)[ beheadings (hide spoiler)]. I loved The Firm, but this one is not for me.

ETA - I read about half of it, and it does not contain any of the legal proceedings that I have enjoyed in Grisham's prior works. As you all know, thrillers are not my thing, and the content really bothers me when it gets too violent.

Good for you, for throwing it back, Joy! Never finish a book you are not enjoying

Sincerely,

The Queen of DNF

You read enough I am sure and we who do read it can fill you in - without the detail - how it all ends.

Thanks for understanding.

I finished this one earlier this week.

I don't want to give any spoilers here, but in my opinion this wasn't nearly as good as The Firm.

My ebook just downloaded on my tablet from the library. I will start it by end of week as I planned.

I am out for now- too much else on my plate to read something I am not in the mood for right now

Finally had a chance to start The Exchange and am about half way. It is a bit puzzling - why Mitch & Abby? Although I may just have hit a section that might provide clues to that. What is disappointing is the lack of the law in it. Basically so far it is just an ok thriller. The initial chapters that in a convoluted way quickly caught us up on the time between The Firm and this felt perfunctory, even unnecessary.

So far, not even close to Grisham's usual quality ... though of course highly readable.

With all the "so-so" comments I am going to just take this off my TBR-no way it will be 4 stars for me and I haven't the time for anything mediocre.

I gave it one star - and I'm very glad I borrowed it from the library and didn't shell out money.

I won't repeat my review, and I could spend hours shredding this -- it doesn't even merit as a particularly good first draft of a possible thriller - what was Grisham thinking to let this go to print????

JoAnne and any others who have not yet read it but intended to do so, don't. Even the brief section detailing how Mitch and Abby end up in NYC 15 years after The Firm with Mitch a senior partner in a global law firm based in NYC is perfunctory at best and totally uninspired -- and unrealistic.

This is so good to know!

Thanks, Theresa. Your review validates my decision to ditch it.

That is disappointing!

Also validates that I threw it back after Sue's mediocre review