Customer Comments

Lindsay Waite has commented on (43) products.

The Litigators by John Grisham

Lindsay Waite, December 4, 2012

There are times when I miss litigation, so I thought reading "The Litigators" would remind me of the world of my first career. What I loved about this book was that it also brought me back to the world of the small practitioner. So, while I was not in a firm like Finley & Figg, I remember the struggle for clients, waiting for someone to walk in the door, and hoping for a case beyond the bread-and-butter domestic, traffic, accident, or petty criminal case.

The personalities of the four main characters, Oscar Finley, Wally Figg, David Zinc, and Rochelle Gibson, are crafted with care and precision. I remember attorneys like Finley and Figg -- and backbones of the office like Rochelle. David Zinc is the most rounded character, though, as he transitions from a highly paid drone in a mega law firm to an odd new addition in Finley & Figg.

Will David stick it out with this firm despite the appalling behavior of the partners? Is there really any hope that the major pharmaceutical class action will give the firm memers the cash boost they have been pining for? How in the world will the firm handle a class action against David's former firm and one of the top attorneys in the country? The courtroom scenes and legal strategies employed by all the attorneys brought back memories of this stage play in which all engage. I enjoyed seeing it recounted in Grisham's words. I have to say the ending was a bit expected, but overall the book is a great read. "The Litigators" is good storytelling and a pretty quick read as well.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

One Last Thing Before I Go by Jonathan Tropper

Lindsay Waite, November 24, 2012

After reading the laugh-out-loud "This Is Where I Leave You" last year (actually - listening to an audio book while driving across the country), I had high hopes for this book. Since it focused on the man's perspective during divorce, it had more sadness and fewer laughable moments. Nevertheless, Tropper writes with much insight into the human psyche and the troubled world of relationships. I read it quickly and pretty much anticipated the ending, but that's okay. "One Last Thing Before I Go" is a good read for taking oneself out of a stressful world for a while and experiencing the life of a 21st century family trying to make it work. It also makes one think about one's own mortality and choices one makes, and doesn't make, that may be the last choices.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity by David Lynch

Lindsay Waite, October 22, 2012

This is an intriguing quick read from maverick film director David Lynch. For fans who are not aware that he has been practicing transcendental meditation for decades, this book is an introduction to his thoughts about it. Lynch describes about what led him to this practice, how it has benefited his creativity, and why he has set up a foundation to share this practice with students, inmates, veterans, the homeless, Native Americans and others.

Fascinating to me were his thoughts on developing his idea for "Lost Highway," one of my favorites. One will also see some of the creative process behind "Twin Peaks," including how Frank Silva came to play a pivotal role. The creation over years of "Eraserhead" and his collaboration with Jack Nance is fascinating. And woven throughout bits and pieces of Lynch's insights into his works are the influences of transcendental meditation.

This book may lead the reader to the David Lynch Foundation, where one can see how this practice is growing. For a glance at the interior Lynch, this book is highly recommended.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

The Barbarian Nurseries. by Hector Tobar by Hector Tobar

Lindsay Waite, October 1, 2012

In many ways, two worlds co-exist when families hire maids (live in or otherwise), gardeners, childcare workers, and others of Latin American origin. There can be intimate involvement with live in "help" since the workers live side by side with their employers. Yet, there is a gulf between the lives of the two groups of people. Héctor Tobar's wonderful novel shows us both points of view.

Araceli and the sons of Scott and Maureen are unknowingly caught in a predicament caused by Scott and Maureen's marital strife. Araceli does the only thing that makes sense, trying to find a safe place for the boys. Cultural differences and cultural norms (where those who hire staff keep them at arm's length) result in an unfair predicament for Araceli.

Life in Los Angeles and the responsibility for others' children are filtered through Araceli's intelligent eyes. How the boys, Keenan and Brandon, interpret Los Angeles and the surrounds is also insightful. Ultimately, postponed dreams become more realized as the story concludes, and there is a sense of optimism.

Tobar effectively expresses the unique voices of all the characters, and I was sorry that the story ended. I plan to read more of his works very soon! He is a brilliant writer.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

The Barbarian Nurseries by Hector Tobar

Lindsay Waite, October 1, 2012

In many ways, two worlds co-exist when families hire maids (live in or otherwise), gardeners, childcare workers, and others of Latin American origin. There can be intimate involvement with live in "help" since the workers live side by side with their employers. Yet, there is a gulf between the lives of the two groups of people. Héctor Tobar's wonderful novel shows us both points of view.

Araceli and the sons of Scott and Maureen are unknowingly caught in a predicament caused by Scott and Maureen's marital strife. Araceli does the only thing that makes sense, trying to find a safe place for the boys. Cultural differences and cultural norms (where those who hire staff keep them at arm's length) result in an unfair predicament for Araceli.

Life in Los Angeles and the responsibility for others' children are filtered through Araceli's intelligent eyes. How the boys, Keenan and Brandon, interpret Los Angeles and the surrounds is also insightful. Ultimately, postponed dreams become more realized as the story concludes, and there is a sense of optimism.

Tobar effectively expresses the unique voices of all the characters, and I was sorry that the story ended. I plan to read more of his works very soon! He is a brilliant writer.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment