Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
What better way to spend a Friday!
Today’s featured book is an e-book that I’ve had since September, from an author I enjoy, but haven’t read in a while. John Grisham’s Gray Mountain is a story about what happened to one woman who was downsized when the recession hit…and about the risk she took to get her job back.
Beginning: The horror was in the waiting—the unknown, the insomnia, the ulcers. Co-workers ignored each other and hid behind locked doors. Secretaries and paralegals passed along the rumors and refused eye contact.
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56: “That’s certainly a harsh way to treat people,” Chester said.
“Trusted employees just tossed into the street,” Mattie said, shaking her head in disbelief and disapproval. Samantha nodded and kept chewing.
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Synopsis: The year is 2008 and Samantha Kofer’s career at a huge Wall Street law firm is on the fast track—until the recession hits and she is downsized, furloughed, and escorted out of the building. Samantha, though, is offered an opportunity to work at a legal aid clinic for one year without pay, all for a slim chance of getting rehired.
In a matter of days Samantha moves from Manhattan to Brady, Virginia, population 2,200, in the heart of Appalachia, a part of the world she has only read about. Samantha’s new job takes her into the murky and dangerous world of coal mining, where laws are often broken, communities are divided, and the land itself is under attack. But some of the locals aren’t so thrilled to have a big-city lawyer in town, and within weeks Samantha is engulfed in litigation that turns deadly. Because like most small towns, Brady harbors big secrets that some will kill to conceal.
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What do you think? Do these excerpts pique your interest? Come on by and share your thoughts and your links.
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Somehow I’ve never read a John Grisham book, but this one sounds very tempting with these snippets. 🙂
Check out my Friday 56 (With Book Beginnings).
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I haven’t read one in a while, but I have enjoyed them. Thanks for stopping by, Lauren.
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I was just about to write the same thing! How can we never have read Grisham??? I feel so ashamed.
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Oh, it is easy to understand that, Karen, with so many books out there, and more and more everyday! Thanks for stopping by.
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John Grisham does it again. Amazing writer. My Friday Quotes
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So true, Anne…thanks for stopping by.
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It’s been a while since I read a Grisham book too. That being said, oh my goodness, his early books – A Time To Kill, The Firm…I was amazed and remember loving them.
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I really loved those early books, too, Kay, and have the movie of The Firm. I have gotten sidetracked by “new” authors. Thanks for stopping by.
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I haven’t read John Grisham in a long time, but I remember I use to love him. 🙂 Hope this one is a good one!
Stormi
Friday Memes
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Me, too, Stormi…I love “old” favorite authors, especially when I haven’t visited with them for a while. Thanks for stopping by.
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I haven’t read a Grisham book in ages but I used to just absolutely devour them. I like the premise of this one so maybe I should revisit him?
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That’s what I thought when this one came on my radar….can’t wait to see if I love it! Thanks for stopping by, Katherine.
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Wow, would not want to be working at that job! Please check mine out … http://tinyurl.com/LisaKsBookReviewsDS
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Oh, I know, Lisa…I want to know what happens, though. Thanks for stopping by.
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Sounds good. I haven’t read a book by Grisham for a while. I am spotlighting Blood Cross by Faith Hunter this week. Look for my review tomorrow. Happy reading!
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Same here, and I know I’ve been caught up with other authors….but I am now looking forward to this one. Thanks for stopping by, Kathy.
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I usually enjoy John Grisham. The subject matter hits pretty close to home, currently. My daughter has lost her job and is not having much luck finding another. Would I like this read, or would it only depress me more?
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Oh, sigh, there is that possibility….but in a book, they usually find solutions, right? The economy is troubling for a lot of people, even those who haven’t lost jobs. Thanks for stopping by, Judy, and enjoy your weekend!
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I enjoyed this book. I especially liked the first paragraph.
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Yes, me too, Pat, and now I’m looking forward to this one. Thanks for visiting!
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This sounds like a really good read! It’s been a while since I read one of Grisham’s, but I’ve always enjoyed his books. I’m adding this one to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing! Here’s my Friday post. Happy reading!
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It’s been a while for me, too, Kim…looking forward to it! Thanks for stopping by.
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Haven’t read Grisham in a while. Looks interesting!
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I think so, too, Harvee….thanks for stopping by.
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Gray Mountain is a book club pick for March.
Thanks for your post.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Book Beginnings
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Sounds like a good choice, Elizabeth. Enjoy!
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I have read some of John Grisham’s books before. They tend to be hit or miss for me. Happy Friday!
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Yes, I’ve found that to be true, too, but I like the sound of this one. Thanks for stopping by, Nicole.
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I’d read it. I love Grisham. Ironically, in the mail today, I received a copy of this little thing he wrote called The Tumor. a non-legal thriller. He was giving them out for free online. 🙂
Happy weekend!
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Hmm, a non-legal thriller. Interesting! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by, Freda.
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I’ve read his popular The Pelican Brief and The Firm but nothing else. I am betting this is one of his newer books?
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I loved both of those, Aloi….thanks for stopping by!
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Though he’s plenty popular, I haven’t picked up a Grisham novel. Small town, big secrets, sounds exciting. Happy Friday!
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Yes, I am looking forward to it, Alicia…thanks for stopping by.
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I read this last year. I’ll be honest and say it wasn’t one of my favorites of his, but he is always worth a read. My son has just about every Grisham book written on our shelves (being a law nerd) so I have my choice if I feel so inclined. He recently downloaded Rogue Lawyer, and I want to try that one out.
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I’m curious about Rogue Lawyer, too….thanks for stopping by, Rita.
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I haven’t read much Grisham lately, but it sounds like a good one. I like the female protagonist idea.
Thanks for always participating in BBOF!
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Thanks for hosting and for stopping by, Gilion…I do enjoy a female protagonist as well.
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Like many others, it’s been a long time since I’ve read Grisham. My favorite was always The Pelican Brief. The location of this book makes it slightly interesting to me. But I’m not sure it interests me enough to give it a try.
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I loved The Pelican Brief as well, especially the movie, actually. I remember the movies made from his books more than the actual books…LOL, like Time to Kill and The Firm. Thanks for stopping by, Carey.
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I have to admit that i haven’t read a John Grisham book in a long time but this one sounds really interesting and I would definitely keep reading – I’m going to add it to my list. Here’s my Friday meme
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Thanks, Maria, and it has been a long time for me, too. Glad you could stop by.
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Yes. I haven’t read this one, but the topic of coal mining and people’s health is a potent one and it draws me to read John Grisham who I don’t often read.
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I haven’t read Grisham in years, but this one drew me in….hope to enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by, Susan.
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