The Appeal

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Comment by FRANCES on March 23, 2009 at 2:45pm

I had no idea that "The Appeal" was about campaign funding and their power over who gets elected. I just got the book because it was one I had not read yet. Yes I would of preferred a happy ending as after going through the struggles I wanted to see the bad guy get his. The struggles get you so well into the story, as John G is so talented in doing, that when it ends badly it is really a let down.

I will accept the let down as he touched on a very important issue that I am very concerned about. As campaigns become ever more and more expensive and we go more and more into the millions of dollars to elect our representatives and our representatives waste more and more money raising money instead of working for the people. You wonder more and more who they actually represent, the people or those with the big bucks. We have to change the system. We need elections to be public funded so they can truly represent the public. In talking to those I know who are liberal or conservative, I can get one issue that both agree on and this issue is campaign finance reform. Imagine if each qualified candidate had an equal amount to run with. The pool of people we could could get would be drawn by their merits and not their connections. As well, we could have a chance to add a Party or two that would better reflect peoples views and not have this limited two power divide.

If anyone out there knows of organizations that are working towards this end, please share the info. Also write your President and tell him not to forget his pledges to reform campaign financing.
Thanks, Fran

Comment by Claire on March 13, 2009 at 8:42am

I enjoyed The Appeal. A tidy ending would have been satisfying because I wanted badly for the people of Cary County to get justice, but a well written book doesn't need a tidy ending. Real Life is hard sometimes. The characters became so real I want a follow-up book. When will Ron Fisk finally stand up to Tony Zachary and stop being a pawn??

Comment by Clay on March 6, 2009 at 8:39am

Well, obviously, everyone has their own opinion on how the book "should" have ended or whatever so I guess I'll throw in mine. I thought it was absolutely perfect! I can see real life happening in this order much easier than I can see it going the other way. As all of your books, your choice of wording in order to allow the reader to visualize exactly what you want to want them to was amazing. I will always love your books and as long as you continue to put them out, I will continue to read them! :)

Comment by Diane Fallon on March 5, 2009 at 2:56pm

I HATED this book. You've become a sermonizer instead of a storyteller. You could get your point across just as well with an ending that saved the poor people of the town.

Even though the Last Juror was one of the best books I've read in ages (and I have an English degree), I will never waste my time on another one of your books.

Comment by Donna on February 27, 2009 at 9:13am

WOW! THE APPEAL was a thriller from beginning to end!
It did not have a nice and neat ending...AND...I like that about it!
I agree with the previous responder, it will bother me too for a long, long time and that's cool!
I suppose this 'sick-feeling' comes along with the price of the book...kinda like an extra-added attraction!
THANKS for breaking away ffrom the 'happy-ending/tidy-didy' formula!

Comment by Bill on February 19, 2009 at 3:49pm

comment by deacon on Feb 19,2009 I just finished reading The Appeal I also am dissappointed in the ending of the book. Big Business controlling politics. What about the little people of the town? I enjoy all of your books but this one will bother me for a long time.

Comment by MSchuts on January 31, 2009 at 5:47pm

I just finished reading The Appeal. I too am disappointed with the ending. Yes, this is reality and the book's ending is shocking but a taste of what happens when big business controlls politics and justice. I guess I turn to John Grisham so that I can escape some of the negativity of reality, into a world where justice is served. Overall the book was okay, there was a strange transition between campaign and election day though. I felt like I missed a few pages. Not that I expect every book to have a 'happy ending' but perhaps there could have been a dual ending (bad and good, choose what's right). Just a thought. So much left unsaid about the lives and futures of Krane's victims. Just kind of sad when what people need is hope, both in the book and in real life. I know, it's just a fiction book. I will get over it but may rethink reading more of JG's books, if this is the start of a more cynical author. Just my thoughts.

Comment by Rodnie Jamison on January 29, 2009 at 3:51pm

Dear John,
As a hard working State Director of a progressive political organization, I must concur with the ending in the Appeal...the rich and corrupt win. The absence of many citizens participating in the political processes allow the contents of this book to be our political truth. Sadly, if money continues to control elections; we will never live out the American Dream, regardless of color, religious affilliation, sexual orientation or anything else. I appeal to everyone to dare to make a difference by affecting politics in a positive way.

Comment by Evelyn Koroma on January 10, 2009 at 12:29pm

I am totally disapointed when Carl Trudeau and his Krane Chemicals won. I mean it should have been better if they had lost. Nevertheless i enjoyed reading The Appeal.

Keep it up!

Comment by Newby on January 7, 2009 at 8:51pm

I just completed The Appeal and like TraceyJolly am furious at the ending. I also like oldman want to know why big business won. I do realize this is simply fiction but when we read stories in the midst of our current society we of course hope for the Happy Ending. We want to see characters such as Carl Trudeau and his goons to pay the price. I have read and enjoyed several of JG's books, and have never been dissapointed until now.

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