A Painted House

John Grisham

I just finished listening to Grisham's Painted House unabridged on tape. Not your typical legal thriller, it is the story of a boy growing up in cotton country in, I believe, the fifties. It feels autobiographical. Interesting commentary on migrant workers, American and Mexican. Varying attitudes toward sometimes poor treatment (transport in cattle truck, for instance) of the Mexican workers. The farmers are just relieved to have help they can afford; the women are outraged. It was one of the more sensitive portrayals I've read of Mexican migrant workers. This book should be read by all construction contractors in Texas. It might make them ashamed of themselves.

Good Grisham. I never wanted to give up on this book. But since I was happy to see it end I'll only give it an 8 out of 10.