This is one of the most popular books about the "1L" (or first year) law school experience. I read it after my first semester of law school and found that Turow nails many of the roller coaster emotions associated with being a 1L. His memoir reads like a good novel and I was hooked. I don't recommend this book to anyone considering law school, but if you're already there or have graduated, One L will allow you to empathize and put your own experience into perspective. Luckily, my experience has not been as nightmarish as the author's.

awfully whiny - makes one want to go to law school, if only to show up the pathetic author

Excited for what’s to come!

“One L” by Scott Turow | Book Review

5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed “One L”! As I was reading about the nerves of entering The Harvard Law School, I myself felt anxious with excitement. Reading “One L” feels as though you are right there in class with them. I became good friends with Aubrey, Stephen, Terry, Gina, Karen, and of course sympathetic to Scott’s wife, Annette. With the turning of each page, you soar high on excitement with Scott, feel bitterly anxious waiting to read about final exam grades, and feel a humble pride turning the final page as Scott, Stephen, Terry, Aubrey, Gina, and Karen “make it” through their first year of Harvard Law School.

Turow writes from his journal entries month by month, in present tense, making it really feel like you are really right there with him! I surprised myself, by enjoying sections about Professor Perini; he reminds me quite a bit of my AP Literature teacher in high school, Mrs. Adams. She was someone who kept a tight rein, but her students were known for their excellent writing skills, success on exams, and a breadth of knowledge. After taking her classes for three years, my fear and distaste, turned into love and profound respect. I cannot help but think of Professor Perini in the same way. In reading about his closing speech, towards the end of “One L” it only confirmed my thoughts of him.

I recommend this book to everyone! Not only does it provide a profound respect for our fellow American law students, but also a respect for the dedication and mental endurance it takes to complete the first year of law school. I see lawyers with a whole new perspective!