The Innocent Man by John Grisham (2006, Hardcover)

I'd seen this book advertised on various websites. So when someone lent it to me I was interested to see what it was like. The author's previous output have been fiction, which is very popular and successful, even being adapted into screenplays. This is his first non-fiction book about two individuals who were very poorly served by the criminal justice system.

One of them was an aspiring baseball player, the other a young bussiness man. The aspiring baseball player developed personal
problems, which were worsend with alchohol and mental illness.
He also had some brushes with the law. The other man had a fairly
normal life. Both were roped into murder investigations in their little
town, and wrongly convicted on rape and murder charges. One received
life in prison, the other went to death row. Both had to make severe adjustments to survive in the brutal prison system. Reading about this
can be very depressing, especially when you see how cruel, greedy and incompetant the prison staff and officials are. Also the prosecutor comes
off as being a usless, arrogant buffoon, more interested in furthering his career than correcting an injustice.

Through very hard work, and the love and support of the family and friends
these two men were eventually freed. The first one was so damaged by his abuse and non-treatment of his physical and mental ailments, that he
had prematurely aged, and died not long afterwards. The other man moved out of state, lest the police arrest him again for an imagined crime.
The state and prosecutors were sued, and settled, but piously admitted no wrong doing.

I think as myself as a conservative, but this book will make you think seriously about the criminal justice and prison systems in this country.
It details the laziness and stupity of local law enforcement, who'd rather
alter evidence and use a supsect confession, than do actual hard work
to arrive at a conviction. Or a corrupt and brutal prison were most of the staff differ from in inmates only in they go home at night. The description of that prison was so harrowing as to make Dachau seem like Club Med!

While it is REALLY depressing, it is an essential read, in that it shows that
criminals are not the only ones that are a danger to society.

John Grisham is one of my favorite writers!.
This book was hard to put down. The corruption, the injustice due to faulty judicial system, all were too compelling.

I highly recommend this book, another GREAT one from John Grisham!!

To the person who wrote the previous review, the publication date is not until October 10th. That is why you haven't gotten your book yet. I'm sure the seller will send it to you when it is available. You have essentially pre-ordered the book.

I expected more from Grisham in his first attempt to write a "true" crime novel. It heavily reads like Ann Rule but not as good. Ann puts more character in her characters and Ron Williamson just comes off as not much of a personality. I don't believe Grisham spent enough time on the characters in the book before their crimes and just spent rehashing the facts. Grisham needs to sick with story telling. He's much more adept at it.

I HAVE ALL OF JOHN GRISHAM'S BOOKS AND LOVE THEM ALL, HOWEVER THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ! IT WILL MAKE YOU MAD, SAD AND WILL KEEP YOU READING ALL AT THE SAME TIME! I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN I HAD TO KEEP READING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED NEXT. IT GAVE ME A GREAT UNDERSTANDING OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND HOW THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS FAIR LIKE ONE WOULD EXPECT THEM TO BE. IT ALSO MADE ME THINK TWICE WHEN I WATCH SOMETHING ON T.V WHERE THE PERSON SWEARS HE'S INNOCENT, BEFORE READING THIS BOOK I WOULD HAVE SAID YEAH RIGHT! BUT NOW I STEP BACK AND HAVE TO GIVE SOMEONE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT. WHAT AN AWESOME BOOK VERY WELL WORTH THE MONEY!

I'm a mother of two under two and full time career woman who was once an avid reader. I actually made a life out of dissecting important works of literature! I professed to love James Joyce, Shakespeare, Lord Byron, but I read Grisham, Kellerman, and Patterson in the closet so that my friends and colleagues would never see what I was REALLY reading. But as I said...I am now a mother of two under two...and Dr. Suess and Baby Einstein have become my important works of literature, and I am lucky to go to the bathroom alone, let alone read in the closet any longer. All of that said, I delved into the new Grisham hardback simply assuming it was a luscious, self-indulgent novel that I so deserved in the moments between changing diapers, playing with dinosaurs, singing Itsy Bitsy Spider, and wondering how I got peanut butter in my hair...again.

I was wrong...about the novel, the self-indulgence, and the moments.

I was riveted from the first page and at once sickened and hopeful throughout the read. Grisham moves effortlessly from story teller to truth seeker. Good writing elicits thought...Great writing demands examination of thought. This book has caused me to re-examine questions that I thought long-since answered in my own mind. Grisham does this without suggestion or moral indignation. This is a book that must be read.

But...do not read it if:
*you are looking for a mindless story
*you are not willing to forsake sleep, food, and the morning paper just to get through this book
*you are not prepared to examine your own beliefs and ideas regarding the dealth penalty (I was not...)
*you want to keep your image of John Grisham as the author who creates characters simply perfect for Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, and John Cusak

I truly cannot tell you if it is Grisham's writing or the life of this true account itself that kept The Innocent Man my constant companion for 48 hours. But I do know this, I would be compelled to loan you my copy if it weren't for the jelly stains, the green crayon scribbles on pages 78-121, the unmentionable "goop" found just under the back cover, and the tear-stained last page.

Ambivalence really sums up my feelings toward Mr. Grisham's latest book. Depressing is another. I applaud Mr. Grisham in his attempt to analyze the hows and whys of just what happened to Ron Williamson during his hectic, confusing, and sometimes just unlucky life. From outstanding major league baseball prospect, to drug and alcohol abuser, to mentally unstable convict, to exonerated felon, Ron Williamson never really knew any peace off the baseball diamond. His dream of a major league career shattered he simply withdrew into his own private hell of dope, booze, loose women, honky tonks, and insanity.
Sometimes a difficult book to follow, the darkness that Mr. Grisham maintains throughout the book is at times oppressive. How many times must Ron Williamson have to exhibit mental instability before someone, anyone, gets him real help and not just temporary "band-aid" his CHRONIC mental problems. It is a wonder that he didn't harm someone during his drunken, drug induced haze. Finally convicted of a murder he never committed, the complex judicial process to free him was very well told by Mr. Grisham. Ron's years spent on "death row" were both illuminating, sad, and frightening all at the same time. His eventual release and exoneration was the ONLY happy point in an otherwise sad biography of a profoundly unhappy life.
Again, I was ambivalent about this book. I can not say I enjoyed it but I did learn from it. This is not your typical light Grisham reading so be very careful. Be ready for a heavy, dark, oppressive book that while educating about the legal system, at the same time leaves one empty about the sad state of this nation's mental health programs. This up close and personal view of America's seamy underbelly will stay with you for quite awhile.

I never got the book, the seller wouldn't answer my emails and his phone has been disconnected. I am very disappointed. The seller was smoothsells, it wasn't smooth at all.

I bought this book as a gift for my husband who was waiting and waiting for the book to come out in paperback because he didn't want to spend the money on the hardcover version. So, I went on ebay and was able to buy the book even cheaper than the cost will be when the book is available in paperback! I love buying books on ebay and it doesn't bother me that the books have been previously read by someone else. I am an avid book reader and have found buying books on ebay even cheaper than our local used book stores. After I have read the books I then lend them to all my friends and then resell it on ebay! I like to think of ebay as a lending library of sorts. Thanks you ebay!

This was so different from his other books. I really haven't decided if I liked it or not. It seemed to drag on quite a bit. It does open your eyes regarding innocent people sent to jail. Apparently it happens a lot more than we hear or read about. It is so sad that it actually happens -- what is wrong with our justice system???????????????

The purchase was fine. Not a thing wrong with that. The book was not what I would call a typical Grisham. The story is true and seems to have way too much detail. I was expecting an engrossing Grisham. What I got was maybe the worst Grisham I have read to date.

I have read all of Grisham's books. I only rated it average because I'm comparing it to his fiction books. I haven't read many nonfiction books so it might be better, compared to other nonfiction, than I realize. It's an interesting story and Grisham seems to tell it well. I am just used to his tried and true formula of someone racing to save his own skin and doing it in an unpredictable manner. Read it and find out for yourself.

I have read every Grisham book and am an avid fan. I knew going in this was a non-fiction book and wondered whether I would like it as much. What a wonderful storyteller John Grisham is, no matter what format. Once again, I was riveted to his every word. Once again, this was a book I could not put down! His portrayal of both of the main characters and especially of Ron and his struggle with mental illness and the love of his sisters was moving, to say the least. It's not often a book will make me cry, but this one certainly did. The injustices these people suffered were incredible. The incompetency of our judicial system is something I am very aware of so I was glad to see it written about so expertly. The memory of this book will stay with me for a very long time. It's one that, down the road, I will re-read.

This book is not a novel - it is a report of things that indeed happened. This book is very disturbing and shocking. I often catch myself wishing that it was a novel not a true report. It is unbelievable that we live in so flawed judiciary system. This book is a cry for improvement. Be sure to Read it.

Another John Grisham book tops the chart! His first non-fiction, the best!

This non fiction book is a true story that happened here in my home town over 20 years ago. This book is very very accurate, complete from cover to cover. As I read I have discovered so many true facts, such as people I know, facts about the town, locations of interest, nothing left out, and so much about Ron Williamson that I never knew before that was never published in our local newspaper. Nothing phony about it. John Grisham left out NOTHING unturned.

Once you start reading it is so hard to put this book down. You want to see what happens next.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. I have talked to several people that never have time to sit down and read a book, but they read this one. They told me they could not put it down once they started reading.

I heard on the news yesterday, 12-06-06, that they are considering making a movie of this publication. Talk is that possibly George Clooney will star in the movie or possibly direct it. Either way this is very exciting.

I highly recommend this book..

I am very sad. I paid for the book in July and the seller NEVER sent it to me and would not respond. Katie King Risk, 400 South College Street, Mountain Home, AR 72653 I am sorry to mark a rating but it would not let me send this note. I always like his books so I know I would have marked it Excellent.

I've always liked Grisham--his books keep you on edge, but this true story is scarier than any fiction book he's written! It is an appalling account of a grave injustice that occurred in one small town when public pressure to "solve" a heinous crime, personal biases, and shoddy police work mounted against two men. The characters in this story were not presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you think our legal justice system is fair or objective, this book will be an eye-opener that will make you think twice about the virtues of capital punishment.

The seller provided teh book prompt and without haste. the book was is better condition than described. The seller is trust worthy and I would not hesitate to buy again.

I just love any true stories, especially crime. I am not morbid or anything, I just like the solving and forensics of the story. I really like this book, although I am not quite through with it yet. I would recommend it to anyone who likes true crime..

I was very pleased with this book both the time and condition. A super plus was it was from a smoke free place. no complaints here. gOOD DEAL.

I PURCHASED THE BOOK BECAUSE THE STORY IS TRUE.I"M SURE WHAT OCCURED IN THE STORY STILL OCCURED IN OUR COUNTRY WHICH IS SAD.WE LIVE IN A FREE COUNTRY WHICH NO NATION CAN COMPAIR BUT THE EYES OF SOME ARE BLURRED. I HOPE THEY GET HELP AND LOOK AT THE GOOD OF MANKIND.

The Oklahoma criminal justice system is full of, well, criminals. Don't believe it? Just read this book and you will understand why there are so many so- called bleeding heart organizations in the USA comitted to true justice.
A prosecutor's job should be to find the truth. But the fact is that most, if not all, just want a conviction. It is, after all, their job, right? The saddest part of it all is that we elect district attorneys and judges without questioning their veracity in matters of justice. Take a closer look at the candidates before the next election in your district and do not be afraid to ask them about their viewpoints concerning true crime, justice, and punishment.

Ron Williamson was innocent and now he is dead with the best years of his life spent at the hands of cruel and unusual people who served as the administrative arm of the judicial system. People who ferret out punishment without questioning their conscience. That is if they have one at all.

Keep a copy of this book close by for future reference. It is invaluable!

The book was very well routine.
I found the book boring.

I bought the book because it was a true story. AND I DID NOT FINISH IT . I did not like it.