One Sentence Summary
A thrilling legal drama that follows a corrupt company’s attempt to manipulate the judicial system and the race against time to save a small town’s clean water supply.
Book Genre
Legal thriller
Main Topic of the Book
The power of money and corruption in the legal system.
Key Ideas
- Corruption in the judicial system and its consequences
- The impact of big corporations on small communities
- The importance of transparency and accountability in the legal system
- The value of perseverance and fighting against injustice
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
- Part One: In a small town in Mississippi, a chemical company called Krane has been dumping toxic waste for years, leading to serious health problems for the residents. The company is taken to court, and a jury awards a huge settlement to the victims. However, Krane’s ruthless owner, Carl Trudeau, appeals the verdict.
- Part Two: A new judge, Sheila McCarthy, is appointed to the case and overturns the jury’s decision. The plaintiffs, led by lawyer Wes Payton, are devastated and appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
- Part Three: The Supreme Court judge, who was elected with the help of Krane’s money, refuses to recuse himself from the case and votes in favor of the company. The plaintiffs lose their appeal, and the town’s clean water is permanently ruined.
- Part Four: Facing financial ruin and with no legal avenues left, Wes Payton and his team come up with a daring last attempt to expose Krane’s corruption and turn the public against them. They leak incriminating documents and recordings, leading to an FBI investigation.
- Part Five: In the nick of time, a new judge is appointed to the case, who realizes the injustice that has been done. He overturns the previous decisions and sides with the victims, bringing justice to the small town.
Key Takeaways
- Money and power can corrupt the legal system and lead to injustice.
- The importance of speaking up and fighting against injustice, even when it seems like all odds are against you.
- Corporations must be held accountable for their actions, especially when they harm innocent people and communities.
- Transparency and integrity are crucial in the legal system to ensure justice is served.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
John Grisham is an American novelist, best known for his legal thrillers. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a lawyer and politician. This background gives him unique insights into the legal world, which is evident in his books. Grisham has sold over 300 million books worldwide and is a bestselling author.
Target Audience
The Appeal is targeted towards readers who enjoy legal thrillers, as well as those interested in exploring the effects of corporate greed and corruption. It appeals to those who enjoy realistic and complex characters, as well as a fast-paced and suspenseful plot.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The Appeal was published by Doubleday on January 29, 2008.