Customer Reviews

The Lawyer's Son

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Lawyers Son begins as the Taylor family is making a big move. Mike Taylor had recently received a promotion and as a result of the additional income, he was able to move his family to a new, more elite community. To say that Mike and his wife Lisa were thrilled about the move would be an understatement. Their only concern was on how they as an African American family would be accepted into a predominately white, affluent community. However, their teenaged son Jason, an excellent student, star baseball player and aspiring DJ, is just about to begin his senior year in high school and he is not looking forward to starting at a new school and moving away from his long time friends.

The day after the move, Jason meets Brad and the two quickly discover that not only are they the same age, but that they also share a number of common interests. Soon after, Lisa and Mike meet Brads parents Rachel and Tom, and the two families quickly develop a special friendship in spite of their cultural differences. In addition, Mike, a structural engineer, and Tom, a lawyer, were able to forge a professional relationship. Throughout the book, we follow the two families over the next couple of years and as readers, we are able to watch the various relationships grow and develop until we reach the books final, dramatic climax.

The Lawyers Son was a quick and engaging read, but the title was a bit misleading. Brad, the lawyers son, plays a pivotal role in the plot, yet it seemed that he was the least developed character. I would have liked to have seen more about him throughout the book so that his decisions and actions at the end would have been better understood. As I read this novel, I found myself asking How difficult is it to overcome racial differences and forge meaningful friendships? Ultimately, this is a novel about loyalties, betrayals and difficult choices; and deciding whether or not one should stand by their moral support their family unconditionally. The Lawyers Son addresses issues of love, friendship, acceptance and race through a cast of interesting characters and enough questions to keep the reader engaged and curious. Its unique plot was a refreshing change and I am certain that William Jaman Taylor is an author to watch.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

In this debut novel, The Lawyer's Son by Wm. Jaman Taylor, we are invited into the lives of two neighboring families. They are so similar that they could be interchangeable if not for one major difference. One is African-American and the other is White. Will race be the driving force that tears them apart?

Michael, Lisa and Jason Taylor are "moving on up" Jefferson's style when Michael is given a promotion and they move into the affluent Arlington Heights neighborhood. They are worried about adjusting to their new surroundings until they meet Tom, Rachel and Brad Martin their White next door neighbors. The Taylors and the Martins become fast friends when they realize all the things they have in common. Mike and Tom are both career men on the move, Lisa and Rachel stay at home and enjoy volunteer work and Jason and Brad are both seniors in high school who love baseball. Everything is lovely until Jason and Brad go off to Aurora University. There they drift apart which proves to have devastating consequences for both families.

After I read the description for this book on the jacket, I was very intrigued by the storyline. I even suspected that too much of the plot was revealed. Unfortunately, I was correct. The only surprise left was the ending, which under the circumstances, was a tad predictable. Also, there were a few scenes involving major and minor characters that I thought were a smaller piece of the bigger puzzle. As it turned out, they did not seem to have any relationship to the main theme of the book and I could not figure out why they were included. However, I did enjoy reading about the dinner parties, barbecues and shared holidays of the two families. It was a positive reinforcement that families of different races can truly be friends.

I can't say I would recommend this book to my friends, but I would give Taylor's next novel a chance. This book was a 2.5 on the APOOO scale.

Reviewed by Nicole
APOOO BookClub

Usually I am not a reader, however, I felt The Lawyers Son was very capitivating. It captured my attention when I first started to read the first page, at that point I could not put the book down. I thought the book was excellent, intriguing and very suspenseful. I can not wait for the movie, I felt the author did an excellent job with this novel.

I really enjoyed this book. The only thing that I think should be changed is that it doesn't develop the character of Brad, which the book is named after. I think it should focus on his and Jason's character more. Plus, the beginning was just a little bit too detailed, but all in one I enjoyed it and was able to read it in just 3 days. I am looking forward to Mr.Taylor's next book.

I found this book to be truly captivating. I am not a usual reader, however, I could not put this book down. This book was recommended to me by a friend, and now I am recommending it to all who I talk to. If you like suspense and like to keep it real at the same time, then read this book!

This book is an excellent read. I enjoyed the powerful relationship between 3 generations of the Taylors and their respect for individuality. I enjoyed Lisa & Rachel relationship as far as girl talk, as well as Lisa's home girls. Now let's talk about Tom, I was very glad he was able to get rid of his childhood demon and that Brad brought it to light. Jaman I hope you have almost completed your 2nd book, I want the 1st copy......

Hello Mr. Taylor:
I am Dupree Phillips aunt and Jeanette let me read your book. From the time I picked it up I couldn't put it down till I was finish. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your book and look forward to the next one. Your gift in writing made me feel as if I knew Lisa & Rachel and their familles. I laugh with them as well as cried with them. Thanks for a great book!

MAY GOD CONTINUOUSLY BLESS YOU IN ALL YOU DO

Hi. I'm Jeanette Mills. I just finished the book, "The Lawyer's Son" and I loved it. Usually, I do not read fiction. Primarily, I read autobiographies and non-fiction books. But I must say my niece told me about this book and I could'nt put it down. I really enjoyed this book and I just want this young man to keep on keep'in on. I can't wait until the next book. 5 stars!

from start to finish, this book is fast-paced, plenty of twists, turns and the surprise ending will just leave your mouth wide open. Can't wait until the author's next book

This is an excellent easy-to-read suspense novel. I was not ready for the ending. However, I am ready for this book to be a movie. cj