Mississippi's John Grisham

I made a firm commitment long ago
	to read great novels frequently, not just
	when I had time to kill or took a class
	in college, for then reading was a must.

	I love suspense involving clients, laws,
	and litigators. I have come to see
	the ones that hold, for me, the most
	are found in the library, Section G.

	I've a confession. I first read a book
	by this great writer twenty years ago
	when an associate whom I esteemed
	convinced me his is work that all should know.

	I learned of what inspired him early on:
	his decade as a lawyer, Harper Lee,
	and hearing a young girl speak of her rape.
	His passion for the truth would be the key.
						
	When I read Grisham's novels, I'm enthralled
	with every plot and subplot, those details
	that loop and wind, connecting when the time
	is right. Each ending's smooth. He never fails.
								
	His characters could walk right off the page--
	the saints and devils, all those in-between.
	The themes are realistic, relevant;
	the settings, sometimes places I have seen.

	His novels often make me laugh out loud.
	That's right--these books on graft and other crimes!
	The funny parts just underscore the theme.
	His sense of humor shines so many times.

	Best sellers have long been his claim to fame,
	but he has other interests as well.
	He campaigns to set free the innocent
	who languish in the jails and prison cells.

	This Christian former Legislator's love
	extends to baseball, home, and family.
	Our state is proud to claim him as our own;
	and his success, we're truly glad to see.


I included some of his novel titles.
	

March 9, 2019, entered in Kai Michael Neumann's Book Worm Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Theraven Avatar
November 2, 2019 at 2:08 PM
Janice, I enjoyed this poem. I read John Grisham's 'A Painted House' and 'The Firm' years ago. He is a very gifted storyteller. My niece named her daughter after Harper Lee. -Richard
Canerdy Avatar
November 2, 2019 at 2:42 PM
Thank you so much, Richard. Janice
Laurie Avatar
March 12, 2019 at 1:32 AM
G'day Janice … you most certainly have great respect for this author, and the tribute you have written is done well - thank you Janice - Lindsay
Canerdy Avatar
March 12, 2019 at 8:25 AM
Thanks so much, Lindsay. Janice
Bauer Avatar
March 9, 2019 at 4:26 PM
beautifully written and wonderfully rhymed, janice! a fine tribute to an author whose work i enjoy as well...
Canerdy Avatar
March 9, 2019 at 7:16 PM
Ilene, thank you so much! Janice
Pandit Avatar
March 9, 2019 at 2:34 PM
This is a wonderful tribute to your favorite author...you are a great fan.. as I see in this poem. Much is gained by reading books..as so clearly your pen demonstrates, Janice.
Canerdy Avatar
March 9, 2019 at 7:16 PM
Thank you so much, Vijay! Janice
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