Buy New
 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
 
Buy Used
Used - Good See details
$3.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Fulfilled by Amazon

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
   
Express Checkout with PayPhrase
What's this? | Create PayPhrase
More Buying Choices
342 used & new from $0.01
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
The Associate: A Novel
 
 
Share your own customer images
Search inside this book
Tell the Publisher!
I’d like to read this book on Kindle

Don’t have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here.
 
  

The Associate: A Novel (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author)
2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (604 customer reviews)
Price: $9.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
  Special Offers Available
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Want it delivered Wednesday, February 10? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
53 new from $3.98 289 used from $0.01

Formats

 Amazon Price New from Used from
Hardcover $18.45   $1.00 $0.01
Paperback, Large Print $20.40   $9.99 $1.97
Mass Market Paperback $9.99   $3.98 $0.01
Audio, CD, Abridged, Audiobook $23.00   $11.98 $3.99
Audio, Download Offsite Link $15.75 or less with new Audible membership

Best Value

Buy The Firm: A Novel and get The Associate: A Novel at an additional 5% off Amazon.com's everyday low price.

The Firm: A Novel + The Associate: A Novel
Buy Together Today: $19.48

Show availability and shipping details

  • The Firm: A Novel

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

  • This item: The Associate: A Novel

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Special Offers and Product Promotions

  • This item is eligible for our 4-for-3 promotion. Eligible products include select Books, Single Copy Magazines, and Home & Garden items. Buy any 4 eligible items and get the lowest-priced item free. Here's how (restrictions apply)
  • Over a hundred thousand items are eligible for our 4-for-3 promotion. How do I find more eligible items?

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

The Appeal

The Appeal

by John Grisham
2.7 out of 5 stars (647)  $10.08
The Partner: A Novel

The Partner: A Novel

by Jacqueline Kehl
3.8 out of 5 stars (904)  $5.99
The Innocent Man

The Innocent Man

by John Grisham
3.7 out of 5 stars (592)  $7.99
Ford County: Stories

Ford County: Stories

by John Grisham
3.9 out of 5 stars (132)  $10.50
The Broker

The Broker

by John Grisham
2.9 out of 5 stars (604)  $10.40
› Explore similar items

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bestseller Grisham's contemporary legal thriller offers an action-and-suspense plot reminiscent of that of his breakout book, 1991's The Firm, in contrast to 2008's didactic The Appeal, which served as a platform for his concerns about the corrupting effects of judicial elections. Kyle McAvoy, a callow Yale Law School student, dreams of a public service gig on graduation, until shadowy figures blackmail him with a videotape that could revive a five-year-old rape accusation. Instead of helping those in need, McAvoy accepts a position at a huge Wall Street firm, Scully & Pershing, whose clients include a military contractor enmeshed in a $800 billion lawsuit concerning a newly-designed aircraft. McAvoy can avoid exposure of his past if he feeds his new masters inside information on the case. Readers should be prepared for some predictable twists, an ending with some unwarranted ambiguity and some unconvincing details (the idea that a secret file room in a high stakes litigation case would be closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. every night stretches credulity to the breaking point). Still, Grisham devotees should be satisfied, even if this is one of his lesser works.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Bookmarks Magazine

Critics agree with Entertainment Weeklythat The Associate"is vintage Grisham, for better or worse, made timely with its sorry portrait of what passes for everyday ethics on Wall Street." Like his previous novels, The Associateis heavy on readability, predictability, and pace, and lighter on character development, scene setting, and style—no surprises here. Fans of Grisham cited masterfully drawn characters and page-turning subplots, but less enthusiastic reviewers faulted stock villains, a rather mysterious Kyle, and implausible storylines. Timeeven claimed that unlike Michael Crichton or Scott Turow, who "wrestle with actual issues," Grisham deals with, well, nothing. Still, you know what you're getting into with The Associate, for better or for worse.
Copyright 2009 Bookmarks Publishing LLC --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Dell; Reprint edition (September 22, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0440243823
  • ISBN-13: 978-0440243823
  • Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (604 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,443 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #1 in  Books > Mystery & Thrillers > Authors, A-Z > ( G ) > Grisham, John
    #10 in  Books > Mystery & Thrillers > Thrillers > Legal

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

More About the Author

John Grisham
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

› Visit Amazon's John Grisham Page
Front Cover | First Pages | Surprise Me!
Search Inside This Book:
Inside This Book (learn more)
Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Surprise Me!
Search Inside This Book:

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

The Associate: A Novel
77% buy the item featured on this page:
The Associate: A Novel 2.4 out of 5 stars (604)
$9.99
Ford County: Stories
11% buy
Ford County: Stories 3.9 out of 5 stars (132)
$10.50
The Partner: A Novel
5% buy
The Partner: A Novel 3.8 out of 5 stars (904)
$5.99
The Innocent Man
4% buy
The Innocent Man 3.7 out of 5 stars (592)
$7.99
Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
 
(17)
(11)
(6)
(5)
(4)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(1)
Agree with these tags?

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags

Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store

If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store. Learn more
 

Customer Reviews

604 Reviews
5 star:
 (62)
4 star:
 (69)
3 star:
 (120)
2 star:
 (160)
1 star:
 (193)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
2.4 out of 5 stars (604 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
220 of 240 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Padding, January 28, 2009
By J. Brian Watkins (San Dimas, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)      
This review is from: The Associate (Hardcover)
Mr. Grisham is padding his billing sheet with The Associate, which seems almost to have been ghost-written. It reflects little of the talent behind The Partner, my favorite Grisham novel and, frankly, it made me somewhat upset to have spent 27 bucks. I would have been disappointed to buy this one in paperback. Time was that you started a Grisham novel and couldn't put it down. Had I not been stuck in an airport en route from a deposition I would not have had the patience to finish.

This book was like my sixth grade term paper; we all had them, you would count the words until you got to the end. Likewise, although there was some great potential in this story it was not realized. Sure, there were half-hearted attempts to bring other characters to life, but they were all just that, half-hearted. The ending was among the most disappointing that I have ever come across--in any genre.

Nobody learns anything. There is no character progression--just a slow moving train wreck from which nobody emerges having been enlightened. In fact, the reader feels much like our protagonist--forced to endure a journey that was expected to be something completely different and not entirely sure how to escape. Heavens, big law firms are such a deliciously evil mix of stunningly warped personalities and distorted goals that any number of excellent thrillers could be drawn from facts known to just about any lawyer.

I do hope that Mr. Grisham rediscovers the joy of telling a story--he is very good at it; however, I cannot recommend this book.




Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


 
48 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Potential unfulfilled!, February 10, 2009
By rgregg (Marina Del Rey, CA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Associate (Hardcover)
John Grisham can be one heck of a novelist when he sets his mind to it. But "The Associate" comes across as a bit lazy and unfocused. This story of a young and bright law student who is the victim of a blackmail scheme just wanders for a while and then kind of plops down in the end. I will admit that I found much of the writing interesting but it seems that Grisham wants to tell the reader the difficulties and detail of working for a massive law firm without adding any suspense or proper conclusion to the tale. Maybe he plans a sequel (?) which could be fairly dynamic but this book can be summed up fairly simply.
1. Kyle wants to work in the law.
2. Bad guy threatens Kyle with video and blackmails him to steal information from major legal firm. (Who is the bad guy? You'll never know.)
3. Kyle reluctantly cooperates.
4. Lots of meetings with bad guy and hero going over dull details.
5. Kyle agonizes
6. One moment of horror when a character dies (Who killed him? You'll never know)
7. Will Kyle execute plan of bad guy?
8. Then a completely deflating climax. (Believe me, you'll be sorely disappointed.)
There is a comparison on the book jacket to "The Firm" a previous Grisham hit novel. My advice, read "The Firm". If you must read this book, wait for the paperback to be on sale at the used bookstore near you.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


 
100 of 114 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, January 29, 2009
By avid mystery reader (south carolina) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Associate (Hardcover)
I have read every one of John Grisham's books and was looking forward to this one, however, after finishing it last night, I must say I was very disappointed. The ending (which, of course, I won't give away) was very lame. He spent a lot of time on the big bad law firms abusing the associates and not enough on the real story of Kyle and who were these people who were ruining his life. I would definitely not recommend it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Progress is Progress, and It Doesn't Grow Here
I don't like to leave books I start unfinished. That is the reason why I finished reading this book. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Florence McPartland

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read from a master
The Associate is just another good read from the master of legal fiction. It is not near as edgy as "A Time to Kill" but the story is solid and moves along well. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Michael Lynn Mcguire

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Professional
The book was received in a timely manner and in the condition as promised. It was a pleasure doing business with this seller.
Published 7 days ago by Young Senior Ms.

1.0 out of 5 stars His next book should cover product recalls.
If Toyota sells an inferior product they must issue a recall of potentially millions of units, and at great expense. I see no reason why this book should not be recalled. Read more
Published 8 days ago by Robert F. Powell

1.0 out of 5 stars Still waiting for the ending . . .
Here are the possible reasons why Grisham ended this book with one of the top ten worst endings in literary history:

1. Read more
Published 9 days ago by UconnFan

3.0 out of 5 stars Basic storyline...weak climax and ending
The book kept my interest. The story was relatable for me, but ultimately I ended being let down by the end. I would read a sequel but would hope for a much more dynamic plot.
Published 11 days ago by N. Springer

1.0 out of 5 stars First Grisham Novel I Didn't Finish
I got this book looking forward to a great reading experience, as with all his other books. After 67 pages I gave up. The plot seemed really annoying.
Published 15 days ago by Al

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon Book Order
I am very happy with this purchase. Product exactly as described. Fast shipping. Great Price. I would not hesitate to purchase from this seller again. Read more
Published 22 days ago by D. Suttmiller

1.0 out of 5 stars Robowriting
Stephen King once said that he could publish his laundry list and see it hit the bestseller lists. He's never tried, to his credit, but Grisham has done it with The Associate. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Rev. C. Bryant

1.0 out of 5 stars Very disappointing, totally fizzled out
For the most part, this first part of this book was okay. You had a normal guy who got in over his head with some baddies, and you expect him to triumph in the usual Grisham way... Read more
Published 27 days ago by Luvs 2 Read

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
Looking for suggestions-Thriller w/ young professional as main character 1 1 month ago
Why won't Grisham put books on Kindle? 24 1 month ago
The Associate by Grisham 32 2 months ago
The Associate by John Grisham 0 February 2009
WHAT 2 January 2009
› See all 5 discussions...  
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
   

So You'd Like to...

Create a guide

Product Information from the Amapedia Community

Beta (What's this?)

Look for Similar Items by Category

Look for Similar Items by Subject

Search Books by subject:










i.e., each book must be in subject 1 AND subject 2 AND ...
 

Feedback

If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.
 Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
Is there any other feedback you would like to provide?

Your comments can help make our site better for everyone.


Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.