Friday, May 7, 2010

Alex Cross's Trial

James Patterson and
Richard DiLallo

THE CROSS FAMILY HAD MORE THAN ONE HERO

Alex Cross tells the incredible story--passed down through generations--of an ancestor's courageous fight for freedom.

SEPARATED BY TIME

From his grandmother, Alex Cross heard the story of his great-uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan.  Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a book he's written--a novel called Trial.

CONNECTED BY BLOOD

A lawyer in early-1900s Washington, D.C., Ben Corbett fights against oppression and racism--and risks his family and his life in the process.  When President Theodore Roosevelt asks him to return  to his hometown to investigate rumors of the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there, he cannot refuse.

UNITED BY BRAVERY

In Eudora, Mississippi, Ben meets the wise Abraham Cross and his beautiful granddaughter, Moody.  With their help, Ben discovers that lynchings have become commonplace.  He vows to break the reign of terror--but the truth of who is really behind the killings may break his heart.  Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL is a gripping story of murder, love, and unparalleled bravery.

My Take:

When I had finished Alex Cross's Trial (which I did in record time) I was left breathless and exhilarated.  I quickly jumped on to Amazon to check reviews, because I wanted to read all about how much everyone else had loved the book.  I was shocked when I came across a TON of bad reviews.  After reading them, I think they were unfair and misleading as they spoke nothing about the content, but rather grudges against the author.  I'd like to give a true review by first addressing the two largest concerns I read about in other reviews.  The first concern I noticed was people asking "Is James Patterson even writing his books anymore?"  A reviewer would give the book 1 star and proceed to go on and on about how he's a sellout, not writing his own stuff etc, not uttering one word about the book itself.  Here's my opinion, I don't care who wrote the book, my review will be based on the work itself, not the author.  Second concern, was the "misleading" title.  People were mad that they bought the book and came home to start reading only to discover that the book was not about Alex Cross, but rather "written" by him.  I was appalled that someone would write a bad review because they weren't smart enough to read the back cover, which clearly states exactly what the book is. I believe a book review should be about the content of the book, and on that note I will climb down from my soapbox and give you my review... I felt that the book was riveting.  While this book will not be the historical gem that is To Kill a Mockingbird, the main character had a very distinct Atticus Finch feel to him.  The subject matter was very heavy, but this does not come as a surprise judging by the book's description.  There was also, shall we say, copious to put it nicely, use of the "N" word, which is a word I just hate, but to write even a semi-accurate portrayal of the times, including the bigotry, it is necessary.  It does not condone the use of the word, but rather, uses it as a tool to demonstrate and condemn the bigotry associated with it's use.   The book is well paced, and there are some twists and turns in the story (it is a James Patterson after all) and Alex Cross's Trial held my rapt attention throughout.  I rate this book a 2, Borders with a Coupon

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!



If this book were a movie, it would likely be rated R for strong depictions of violence, strong language, and repeated use of the "N" word








**FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the Hachette Book Group in exchange for an unbiased review.  No other compensation was given, all opinions are my own**

If you are interested in purchasing this book, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thanks!


33 comments:

Unknown said...

Comment (entry) 1- I'm a fan. Although my blog is being stubborn lately, so I'll have to make sure you show up in my blog roll. www.imperfectleehappy.blogspot.com

and my email- little.Lynzie@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Comment (entry) 2- I added your button

www.imperfectleehappy.blogspot.com

little.Lynzie@gmail.com

Paula said...

I am a follower

darkangelct@comcast.net

my twitter is http:twitter.com/DarkAngelCT

the book buff is on my sidebar at http://www.communitybookstop.com

Mari Barnes said...

Really, really good review. I'm a follower mbfturtle at gmail dot com

Mari Barnes said...

Did the tweet thing.
http://twitter.com/flyingturtlepub

mbfturtle at gmail dot com

Curling up by the Fire said...

I'm a follower. I'm also a huge James Patterson fan so I'm looking forward to reading this book.

Lisa said...

I'm still slowly reading the other Alex Cross books, but am excited to read this one. I enjoyed your take on amazon reviewers, it made me laugh!

Julie P said...

I recently won this in another giveaway, so no need to enter. I just wanted to say thank you for your review. I have seen some bad reviews as well, so it was nice to see a favorable review!

Elise said...

I am a follower. I've heard this book was a good on to read. I am always up for a new thriller.
caliblue7@gmail.com

Literary Litter said...

Just wanted to let you know I've posted a link to your giveaway at literarylitter.blogspot.com. Thanks :)

Unknown said...

I follow on GFC as thrifty canucks
thriftycanucks@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I posted your button on my blog
http://thriftycanucks.blogspot.com/

thriftycanucks@gmail.com

Wanda said...

Well, when I consider reading a book what I'm most interested in is a good story. Should I be concerned about all the controversy over who actually wrote it? Probably, but the subject matter is a point of interest and the story sounds gripping. So yes, definitely I'd like a chance to win a copy!

I follow. :)
wanda_waiting[@]hotmail[.]com

Wanda said...

I have your giveaway listed in my Up For Grabs post.

wanda_waiting[@]hotmail[.]com

BurtonReview said...

I have read and enjoyed many of the author's books and I'd love to add this to the list, please enter me!
A follower
marieburton2004 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I am a follower.

peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

DawnS said...

I'm following in google connect

dspeese at bellsouth dot net

Angie said...

I am a follower
theyellowhouse (at) cheerful (dot) com

Mystee said...

I think this book sounds pretty good...I'm a follower and would love to be entered.
majik.of.mystee(at)gmail.com

Book Lover said...

I'm a new follower!
time4mommy@gmail.com

Leslie (Under My Apple Tree) said...

I've noticed a lot of complaining "revivews" about things like the price of the ebook or just that they didn't like it with no actual criticism. One wonders if these people even read the book.

Sounds like a book I'd enjoy.

Anyway... I'm a follower and I posted the giveaway in my sidebar.

http://undermyappletree.wordpress.com

email: undermyappletree at gmail dot com

~Leslie

Leslie (Under My Apple Tree) said...

I've noticed a lot of complaining "revivews" about things like the price of the ebook or just that they didn't like it with no actual criticism. One wonders if these people even read the book.

Anyway... I'm a follower and I posted the giveaway in my sidebar.

http://undermyappletree.wordpress.com

email: undermyappletree at gmail dot com

~Leslie

Leslie (Under My Apple Tree) said...

I'm a follower and I also tweeted the giveaway.

http://twitter.com/UnderMyAppleTre

email: undermyappletree at gmail dot com

~Leslie

booknerdgirl said...

I'm a follower! diaryofabooknerd@gmail.com

Jeff said...

I would love to win!

jeffintennessee at gmail dot com

I follow!

Sarah Butland said...

I'm a follower and retweeted the contest.

info @ sarah Butland .com

Sarah Butland said...

And posted to Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=11700&post=60725&uid=113862743463#!/SarahButland

Natalie (Id So Rather Be Reading) said...

Old follower but still a fan! Have read a few Patterson's and would try another. I posted your button to our side bar, check out our new button :)

misskallie2000 said...

twitter follower(@misskallie2000)

tweet
misskallie2000 http://thebookbuff.blogspot.com/2010/05/alex-crosss-trial-plus-giveaway.html
less than 5 seconds ago via web

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Love Patterson's books.

I am a follower via GFC

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot

purchased power said...

I would love to give you an opposing comment but I can't, it was great. Thanks. You never disappoint.

Anonymous said...

I have had a similiar experience. I read a book that was supposed to super great and I was very disappointed. I think it is best to choose critics that think along the same lines as you do/ I love James Patterson books. I have never ever been disappointed.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am a follower of your blog.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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