Not your usual John Grisham story line but an excellent read.

This is NOT your father's Grisham!

From the back cover: Until that September of 1952, Luke Chandler had never kept a secret or told a single lie. This is an interesting description that tells nothing and everything about the book :)

First, the only thing about this book that is Grisham-like is that it takes place in the South. Other than that, you'd never know who wrote this book if his name wasn't on the cover.

In some ways, it reminded me of a book I read in high school -- John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. I think it was the farming aspect and the time period.

I did have a hard time picturing Luke (told from his POV) as a 7 year old. He just sounded really really grown up! I'm sure that children in that time and in that life did have to be more grownup (in some ways) than children are now, but it really was interesting reading about his life!

The concept of "a painted house" was fascinating to me. From an insult to a secret to Tom Sawyer to disappointments, something that seems so common today (in my culture, anyway) just wasn't.

I loved the characters and the character development in this book. The dialogue and descriptions were totally believable, and really took me to that era and place. The stories of going to town on Saturday, picking cotton, the grandparents. . .all of it made this a really interesting read. Whether you like typical Grisham or not, this is a great book. And it's totally different -- not a lawyer to be found :)

Amazingly I had never ever heard of this Grisham work until I read the book. I have seen many a book made into a movie and never really liked any of those. I have read other Grisham works and never liked those. I loved this book.

The most amazing part of this book is that it is written from the perspective of a 7 year old. This so reminds me of the fantastic 'A Christmas Story' which is told from the point of view of little Ralphie. Here Luke tells the story and it is one that grips the reader. His perspective on both the Mexicans, the Hill People, his family, his neighbors and the townsfolk is enlightening.

The story is simple yet expansive and really takes a person back to rural Arkansas in the 50s. From the troubles that come from Cotton farming to racial issues and poverty issues along with dreams of a better life this book is amazing. I can't recommend this high enough. The best work of Grisham in my view and this book stays on my bookshelf.