I Read All 47 of John Grisham’s Books

I recently read all 16,652 pages of all 47 of John Grisham’s books. Back in college, I read The Firm. I couldn’t put it down. I remember sitting in classes with the book in my lap, reading it while the teacher went on about something far less important. LOL Over the years, I received other books of his as gifts. But I was too busy with work and chasing kids to read them. Last year, I decided to read them, and then I decided I might as well read all his books.

My favorites were:

1. Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions (2024) – I never thought I’d like one of his books more than The Firm, but Framed was terrifying. The reason is that it was true (one of his only non-fiction books). Not just one true story of people who were innocently framed, but MANY stories. Wild stories that are truly astonishing at how bad police work and corruption lead to innocent people being convicted of crimes they did not commit. Truly terrifying stuff. I caught myself several times, thinking there is no way I just read what I read (and that it actually happened).
2. The Firm (1991) – This is his best book, and it really isn’t even close. I never thought I’d like a book about a lawyer. But the corruption, organized crime, surveillance, and the way Mitch McDeere outsmarts all that is superb. The movie was well done as well…and actually filmed in Memphis!
3. The Jake Brigance Books –   A Time To Kill (1989), Sycamore Row (2013), and A Time For Mercy (2020) were all excellent. I enjoyed the characters in these books and the stories about Clanton, MS.
4. Skipping Christmas (2001) – This one was not one of his traditional legal books, but I thought the story was interesting and thought-provoking. Plus, I’ve been skipping Christmas for many years…so, I’m with Luther!

All in all, I enjoyed almost all of the books (even some of the non-legal ones). It was eye-opening to read about the law and how it interweaves with various lives. After reading them all, I was left feeling disheartened when I contemplated the corruption and evil that exist. I realize almost all of these are fictional events, but I also recognize that art imitates life. So, I’d imagine, situations like those described in these stories happen too often.

Regardless, I’ll continue to read everything John Grisham puts out. His newest book releases in a few days as a matter of fact.

But, these are done!

• Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions (2024)
• Camino Ghosts (2024)
• The Exchange: After The Firm (2023)
• The Boys from Biloxi (2022)
• Sparring Partners (2022)
• The Judge’s List (2021)
• Sooley (2021)
• A Time for Mercy (2020)
• Camino Winds (2020)
• The Guardians (2019)
• The Reckoning (2018)
• The Rooster Bar (2017)
• Camino Island (2017)
• A Witness To A Trial (2016)
• The Tumor (2016)
• The Whistler (2016)
• Partners (a “Rogue Lawyer” short story) (2016)
• Rogue Lawyer (2015)
• Gray Mountain (2014)
• Sycamore Row (2013)
• The Racketeer (2012)
• Calico Joe (2012)
• The Litigators (2011)
• The Confession (2010)
• Ford County (short stories) (2009)
• The Associate (2009)
• The Appeal (2008)
• Playing for Pizza (2007)
• The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town (2006)
• The Broker (2005)
• The Last Juror (2004)
• Bleachers (2003)
• The King of Torts (2003)
• The Summons (2002)
• Skipping Christmas (2001)
• A Painted House (2001)
• The Brethren (2000)
• The Testament (1999)
• The Street Lawyer (1998)
• The Partner (1997)
• The Runaway Jury (1996)
• The Rainmaker (1995)
• The Client (1993)
• The Pelican Brief (1992)
• The Chamber (1994)
• The Firm (1991)
• A Time To Kill (1989)