Well folks, it’s finally here. This is my 200th blog post. That means that I’ve read 200 books since I started this blog. So in honor of this milestone, I’ve decided to make this book by Julie James be that special book.
This book follows the same legal vein as Practice Makes Perfect, which is definitely the author’s strong suit. Taylor Donovan is an attorney who has been transferred to the L.A. office of her firm to help defend a client in an employment discrimination dispute. While she’s there mid-trial, her firm gets word that actor Jason Andrews wants to see a trial lawyer in action. Taylor’s supervisor decides that she’s the best person for that one-on-one training, so Taylor adjusts her schedule to accommodate some time with Jason.
As I’ve said in previous posts, I really enjoy James’s style. At one point Taylor actually helps Jason rewrite the script to accurately reflect the language and timing that a trial lawyer would actually have in court. I’m sure as a former lawyer, it must bug James to see TV and movie lawyers doing things like talking to opposing counsel during court or asking inappropriate questions during cross-examination. My only criticism about this book would be that I find it difficult that an attorney working in Chicago would be heading to L.A. to defend a client. From my experience working in a firm (on the recruiting side), I know that it’s not quite that easy to jump from one jurisdiction to another–especially to California. I’m sure for dramatic purposes this story makes sense, and while I read the book I didn’t think about these logistics or hold it against the author.
Of the two lawyer-ish books that I’ve read by James, I liked Practice Makes Perfect better, but not by much. This book is PG-13 enough for a book club and has some great, witty dialogue. If you want to laugh, cry and have some fun, I suggest checking this book out–or really anything by James. Her books are consistently funny, her characters are strong, independent, professional women who are great at what they do. If you are looking for a book with these types of characters, be sure to give James a chance.
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