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A Must Read In Spite Of A Few Hiccups: A Review of Law and Addiction by Mike Papantonio

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have to say, this book was a little difficult to review; not because it was a bad book, but because it had so many elements going for it so well and some that did the complete opposite.

All in all, though, it had some really hard-hitting aspects that made it a compelling read. Read on to know why you should definitely read Law and Addiction, and what you could expect in the form of a couple of turn-offs.

Law and Addiction Mike Papantonio
Source: Goodreads

Genre:

Legal thriller

Length: 

250 pages

Blurb:

Jake Rutledge is days away from graduating with a law degree when he receives devastating news – his twin brother, Blake, had died of a drug overdose. Until then, Jake had had no idea that his brother even took drugs. Delving into the event, Jake discovers that his once homely town of Oakley, West Virginia, has become (and even casually renamed) a Zombieland. An opioid epidemic has swept the town, which, as Jake discovers, has been carefully orchestrated by America’s big pharmaceutical companies in the greed of greater profits and wealth. Little more than a rookie, Jake decides to take on Big Pharma and turns to Nicholas ‘Deke’ Deketomis, partner at a powerful law firm and no-nonsense lawyer who fights for causes he believes in. But the battle isn’t easy. Betrayal, schemes, and powerful enemies stand at every turn. And just when things really heat up, Jake disappears. Did something happen to him or did he abandon the fight? And where does that leave the case that has been so carefully built?

Overall Rating:

8 out of 10

Plot:

9 out of 10

Characterization:

8 out of 10

Primary Element:

8 out of 10 for its thrill

Writing Style:

6 out of 10

Part of a Series:

The story reads as a standalone, but Deke has appeared in Mike Papantonio’s work before – in Law and Disorder and Law and Vengeance.

Highlighted Takeaway:

The facts behind the fiction – I found myself shocked at the sheer extent of the opioid crisis. Some of those numbers seem fantastic but, sadly, are very real. You’ll find yourself thinking about the extent of the devastation and even talking about it often, during and even much after you’re done with the book.

What I Liked:

  • The theme of the book – a real David v/s Goliath story that showcases the goodness and courage of regular people.
  • The technicalities that showcase the schemes behind the epidemic were shared (for the most part) in an easy-to-understand manner, giving you better insight into the problem and its growth.
  • The surprisingly emotional aspects that come at you out of nowhere but leave a resounding impact. These parts manage to really drive home how much loss this problem has caused.

What I Didn’t Like:

The book jumped a lot; it seemed like the story was based around a few pivotal scenarios and the bridge between them wasn’t too elaborate. Consequently, it often felt like you were reading disjointed chapters, where some remained highly technical (to the extent of being theoretical) and others seemed like proper fiction.

Who Should Read It:

I think anyone who enjoys mystery and thrillers, especially those by John Grisham, will enjoy Law and Addiction. 

Who Should Avoid:

No one. Everyone should give Law and Addiction a shot, even if you aren’t too used to the genre of legal thrillers. There are some drawbacks (jumps and over-technicality at points), but everyone should be privy to the statistics, basic premise, and general outlook this book offers; especially in this day and age where almost every single one of us remains at the risk of unwittingly becoming dependent on medical pills or unintentionally ending up addicted.

Read It For:

A reality check on the negative effects of over-reliance on medication. The problem of medical pill addiction is very real and has nothing to do with strength, weakness, social status, economic standing, or even upbringing. This book helps you see it for what it really is.

Two things you absolutely cannot deny is that Mike Papantonio knows his stuff and that he is extremely passionate about the causes he’s fighting for. That, and the way he brings to light difficult realities, is enough reason for me to say that I will definitely be reading more of his work. And you should too.

Share your thoughts on Law and Addiction or other books by Mike Papantonio in the comments below. And, as always, thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my review!

– Rishika

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Strong social commentary, and well-paced: Book review of John Grisham’s A Time to Kill

A Time To Kill is John Grisham’s first novel. It came into the limelight after the success of his second book but, once discovered, became known as a masterpiece. There are some brilliant aspects to the book, many of which are relevant even today to the different forms that segregation takes. At the same time, a lot of it feels dated and cringe-worthy. Read on to know whether its positives outweigh the negatives or not.

John Grisham A Time to Kill
Source: Goodreads

Genre:

Legal thriller

Length:

511 pages

Blurb:

When Carl Lee Hailey’s ten-year-old daughter is brutally raped by two men and left for dead, he takes justice upon himself and kills the men who hurt his child. Jake Brigance chooses to defend Hailey, a black man in a county that’s predominantly white. It becomes the biggest trial of the Southern town of Clanton, Mississippi. The media attention begins to escalate, as does the racial tension. Threats and violence unfold as extremists take a stand against Hailey. And the trial that began as Jake Brigance’s biggest career opportunity turns into a battle for justice beyond the prejudice of race, and the fight for his client’s life… and his own.

Overall Rating:

8 out of 10

Plot:

8 out of 10 for its tale that combines hard-hitting emotion, political and social factors, and the simplicity (both good and bad) of basic human instinct.

Characterization:

6 out of 10. The attempt at making certain characters come across as raw and very human in their reactions came off, instead, as people who were primarily good, but with a healthy dose of being arrogant jackasses.

Primary Element:

8 out of 10 for its legal action and drama, 9 out of 10 for its emotion, and 10 out of 10 for its rare but well-placed humor.

Writing Style:

7 out of 10. You can tell there’s really good talent there, but it is clearly the beginning of potential being realized.

Part of a Series:

Yes, as Book #1 of the Jake Brigance’s series, from what Goodreads says. Book #2 is Sycamore Row.

Highlighted Takeaway:

This book hits you hard, much harder than you would expect. And it remains relevant across the decades, in numerous ways.

What I Liked:

The blatantly honest narration. No words minced, nothing sugar-coated. It was a clear reflection of the society, mindset, and even language of the time in which it was set, making it much more believable and relatable. Although, not everything believable was likable, which brings me to my next point.

What I Didn’t Like:

The sexism and other societal norms, although self-deprecated, were a bit cringey in today’s day and age. You need to constantly remind yourself when reading those parts that the time in which it was set was very different than today.

Who Should Read It:

Anyone who enjoys books with courtroom drama and/or books with social commentary. Or even anyone who just wants to read a good book that’s emotional, raw, and has a good story to tell.

Who Should Avoid:

Anyone who finds it difficult to look at the concept and practice of gender roles as different than what they are today. If you cannot ignore those era-specific nuances, you won’t be able to enjoy the positive aspects that the book offers.

Read It For:

Emotion, courtroom drama, and an engaging story.

What did you think of A Time to Kill by John Grishan? Worth its hype or a let-down? Let us know in the comments below. And, as always, thanks for stopping by and reading this review!

– Rishika