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hlaurence's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
gothamgal's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve always been fascinated by the law and those whom practice it. I like the orderly nature of the law, and how people can pull pieces of the material found within in (the more obscure, the more dramatic) to prove and win their cases. However, I realize not everything is The Good Wife or a John Grisham novel–and Lindsay Cameron’s Big Law reiterates that fact.
Mackenzie Corbett worked HARD to get all she wanted–she’s an associate at a high-profile New York City law firm. She has money to spend on designer shoes (thanks to the firm’s large food expensing policy), but when the demands of being an associate wreak havoc with her social life–boyfriend, friends AND family, Mackenzie realizes ust how much she is sacrificing. Soon, the job she thought she enjoyed is riddled with the stresses of the boys club at the office and the double standards she, herself, faces. Mackenzie soon starts getting more stressed,pieces of her life fall apart, and she’s dragged into a meeting with federal investigators. She has to start looking at who might want a target on her back, and must determine her next move–will she finally be able to stand up and fight for herself, or will she continue to sacrifice all of it for Big Law?
I really enjoyed Big Law. At 270 pages, it is the perfect book to take you from the Summer reading mindset into the Fall mindset, without sacrificing an enjoyable read. The characters and story were well-developed ad it was great to read Lindsay’s debut–I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I thought Mackenzie was a very sympathetic character. She was self-possessed and smart, but found herself in a position where her knowledge was needed, but at the cost of her respect. And people find themselves in exactly that position at work. I loved her voice, especially the nod to one of my favorite movies, Working Girl.
Rita, Mackenzie’s secretary, was my favorite character. She was written perfectly, part of me wanted to adopt her and part of me wanted to BE adopted by her. I have the perfect image of Rita in my head, and I think she is not going to leave very easily. I hope Cameron’s next novel focuses on Rita.
I was not fond of Jason from the start of the story. Sure, I was rooting for Mackenzie to be in love and have a great guy that respected her, but subtle hints about his character emerged early on that were, for me, deal breakers. I also felt like there were a lot more questions about him that were unanswered throughout the book.
I also questioned the story about someone taking a partner’s call while with their daughter on the Matterhorn at Walt Disney World–I am a bit of a Disney geek, and while the Matterhorn is only at the Disneyland location in Anaheim, I can say that Space Mountain’s track (in Florida’s Walt Disney World) is partially based on the Matterhorn in California. I am chalking this error up to the office game of telephone or an urban legend.
Overall, Big Law by Lindsay Cameron was a great Fall read–the perfect way to start BookSparks University for the fall term (#FRC2015). Thanks again for the opportunity to read this.
Mackenzie Corbett worked HARD to get all she wanted–she’s an associate at a high-profile New York City law firm. She has money to spend on designer shoes (thanks to the firm’s large food expensing policy), but when the demands of being an associate wreak havoc with her social life–boyfriend, friends AND family, Mackenzie realizes ust how much she is sacrificing. Soon, the job she thought she enjoyed is riddled with the stresses of the boys club at the office and the double standards she, herself, faces. Mackenzie soon starts getting more stressed,pieces of her life fall apart, and she’s dragged into a meeting with federal investigators. She has to start looking at who might want a target on her back, and must determine her next move–will she finally be able to stand up and fight for herself, or will she continue to sacrifice all of it for Big Law?
I really enjoyed Big Law. At 270 pages, it is the perfect book to take you from the Summer reading mindset into the Fall mindset, without sacrificing an enjoyable read. The characters and story were well-developed ad it was great to read Lindsay’s debut–I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I thought Mackenzie was a very sympathetic character. She was self-possessed and smart, but found herself in a position where her knowledge was needed, but at the cost of her respect. And people find themselves in exactly that position at work. I loved her voice, especially the nod to one of my favorite movies, Working Girl.
Rita, Mackenzie’s secretary, was my favorite character. She was written perfectly, part of me wanted to adopt her and part of me wanted to BE adopted by her. I have the perfect image of Rita in my head, and I think she is not going to leave very easily. I hope Cameron’s next novel focuses on Rita.
I was not fond of Jason from the start of the story. Sure, I was rooting for Mackenzie to be in love and have a great guy that respected her, but subtle hints about his character emerged early on that were, for me, deal breakers. I also felt like there were a lot more questions about him that were unanswered throughout the book.
I also questioned the story about someone taking a partner’s call while with their daughter on the Matterhorn at Walt Disney World–I am a bit of a Disney geek, and while the Matterhorn is only at the Disneyland location in Anaheim, I can say that Space Mountain’s track (in Florida’s Walt Disney World) is partially based on the Matterhorn in California. I am chalking this error up to the office game of telephone or an urban legend.
Overall, Big Law by Lindsay Cameron was a great Fall read–the perfect way to start BookSparks University for the fall term (#FRC2015). Thanks again for the opportunity to read this.
johannalm's review against another edition
4.0
Biglaw, Lindsay Cameron
Great fun for anyone who has ever worked in a large, international corporate law firm, still works there, loves someone who works/ed there or wonders what it's like to work in these prestigious and sometimes soul stealing firms.
Cameron perfectly captures what can be the nightmarish horrors of life as a young female associate in the corporate department of a major law firm. The long hours, the horrible partners who torture and belittle you, the dizzying amounts of testosterone, the back stabbing senior associates, the demanding and crazy clients, the sleepless nights and endless debilitating stress.
Mackenzie Corbett exemplifies one of these over achieving, hardworking, young lawyers who has totally drunk the Kool-aid and is working her butt off to get ahead at her firm. She is also bright and funny and her descriptions of her co-workers are hilarious. Because Mackenzie is smart and hard working she is placed on several deals simultaneously leaving her almost no time for getting home to sleep, seeing friends, spending time with her boy friend, or even showering. The good news is that when Mackenzie is faced with possible charges of insider trading she knows how to use her newly acquired investigative and document review skills to figure out how to save her career.
Lindsey Cameron does an excellent job of conveying the constant stress and pressure placed on associates, and her ability to move her story forward at breakneck speed propels the reader forward furiously. You can't put this book down. I felt Mackenzie's stress as I read and also felt the need to check my emails even more then I usually do.
I will be passing this book on to almost everyone I work with at the large, international corporate law firm where I don't do deals - thankfully.
Great fun for anyone who has ever worked in a large, international corporate law firm, still works there, loves someone who works/ed there or wonders what it's like to work in these prestigious and sometimes soul stealing firms.
Cameron perfectly captures what can be the nightmarish horrors of life as a young female associate in the corporate department of a major law firm. The long hours, the horrible partners who torture and belittle you, the dizzying amounts of testosterone, the back stabbing senior associates, the demanding and crazy clients, the sleepless nights and endless debilitating stress.
Mackenzie Corbett exemplifies one of these over achieving, hardworking, young lawyers who has totally drunk the Kool-aid and is working her butt off to get ahead at her firm. She is also bright and funny and her descriptions of her co-workers are hilarious. Because Mackenzie is smart and hard working she is placed on several deals simultaneously leaving her almost no time for getting home to sleep, seeing friends, spending time with her boy friend, or even showering. The good news is that when Mackenzie is faced with possible charges of insider trading she knows how to use her newly acquired investigative and document review skills to figure out how to save her career.
Lindsey Cameron does an excellent job of conveying the constant stress and pressure placed on associates, and her ability to move her story forward at breakneck speed propels the reader forward furiously. You can't put this book down. I felt Mackenzie's stress as I read and also felt the need to check my emails even more then I usually do.
I will be passing this book on to almost everyone I work with at the large, international corporate law firm where I don't do deals - thankfully.
trisarey's review against another edition
Sorry to say I wasn't exactly part of the intended audience. And I really, REALLY wanted to like this book, but I just didn't. *sigh* Why not? Well, I'll try my best to explain. Sorry if it's chaotic, but here goes.
The MC...
Despite her flaws (the main being her willingness to endure unnatural levels of workplace abuse for a promotion of ambiguous value, if you truly think about it), Mackenzie is an okay main character. I didn't care for all her complaining (sorry, I don't like whining), but it is warranted. Her job, her treatment at work (even her relationship woes)...yeah, their horrible. But she voluntarily went into and stayed in that mess. A stronger woman would've probably left sooner or not chosen that path at all. So, obviously, Mack had some growing to do. And grow she did.
A couple of things I like about Mack is her attention to detail and her willingness to question things--circumstances, even people that are close her are not above suspicious. She carefully notes if your actions match your words. I respect that. No one should walk around delusional; it's a recipe for disaster. (And, now I'm hungry. -_-)
On the subject of language...
Way too much profanity for me. More like rated Aargh (than R) for pirate speak, 'cause too many of the characters curse like sailors (and in too many ways that don't make sense). But I should've expected that from a book about lawyers. (Lawyers don't have the rep when it comes to scruples. But I try to stay out of trouble, so I don't have too much personal experience with them.) I don't take too much issue with certain language in books, but I prefer moderation. If it's overwhelming the dialogue it's a problem.
The writing...
On the hand, Cameron does a great job of drawing her readers into her story emotionally. I had to put the book down several times because I thought I'd blow my top over how poorly Mackenzie is treated. How rude, unfair, indeferent her superiors are to her needs, wants, outside obligations. Or how oblivious they were to fact that most of what demand of others was ridiculous, impossible, or unnecessary. And did they have any appreciation for the sacrifices, hard work, emotional and mental strain and degradation that went into satisfying their foolish whims? Do I really need to answer that?
...Sorry about that. But, you can tell, this book got to me...
The plot...
I had suspicions early on about certain characters that grew and took shape as more details came to light. Still, I obviously didn't know how deep the rabbit went. How characters I overlooked were involved. (Without more information, more clues, you can't truly tie them all together. So, in that respect, it's kind of like watching Foyle's War.) And, yet, the conclusion was still lacking something. The confrontation with the culprits behind the scheme that could've destroyed Mackenzie was okay I guess. Well, at least, with one of them (I liked the first take down better). The other was...well, disappointing. The villains on Scooby-Doo put up much more of a fight. (Meddling kids.) And everything seems to tie up so neatly. So, I'm all, "Really?! That's it?" So, yeah, after all that buildup, I felt a little let down. Felt like watching the final scenes in a scary movie, with the panic-driven MC running breathlessly from a villain; and when she finally faces him and says "Boo" the bad guy surrenders. -_- Yay. The day is saved. whoohoo. -_-
Hmm... I think that's pretty much it for me. So, overall, it's like...well...I'on'no' (translation: I don't know). If I had a chance to start over, I probably wouldn't read it again. So...you know...it's just not for me. But, who knows? Maybe you'll think/feel differently.
*I received a free copy of BIGLAW from Goodreads First Reads.*
The MC...
Despite her flaws (the main being her willingness to endure unnatural levels of workplace abuse for a promotion of ambiguous value, if you truly think about it), Mackenzie is an okay main character. I didn't care for all her complaining (sorry, I don't like whining), but it is warranted. Her job, her treatment at work (even her relationship woes)...yeah, their horrible. But she voluntarily went into and stayed in that mess. A stronger woman would've probably left sooner or not chosen that path at all. So, obviously, Mack had some growing to do. And grow she did.
A couple of things I like about Mack is her attention to detail and her willingness to question things--circumstances, even people that are close her are not above suspicious. She carefully notes if your actions match your words. I respect that. No one should walk around delusional; it's a recipe for disaster. (And, now I'm hungry. -_-)
On the subject of language...
Way too much profanity for me. More like rated Aargh (than R) for pirate speak, 'cause too many of the characters curse like sailors (and in too many ways that don't make sense). But I should've expected that from a book about lawyers. (Lawyers don't have the rep when it comes to scruples. But I try to stay out of trouble, so I don't have too much personal experience with them.) I don't take too much issue with certain language in books, but I prefer moderation. If it's overwhelming the dialogue it's a problem.
The writing...
On the hand, Cameron does a great job of drawing her readers into her story emotionally. I had to put the book down several times because I thought I'd blow my top over how poorly Mackenzie is treated. How rude, unfair, indeferent her superiors are to her needs, wants, outside obligations. Or how oblivious they were to fact that most of what demand of others was ridiculous, impossible, or unnecessary. And did they have any appreciation for the sacrifices, hard work, emotional and mental strain and degradation that went into satisfying their foolish whims? Do I really need to answer that?
...Sorry about that. But, you can tell, this book got to me...
The plot...
I had suspicions early on about certain characters that grew and took shape as more details came to light. Still, I obviously didn't know how deep the rabbit went. How characters I overlooked were involved. (Without more information, more clues, you can't truly tie them all together. So, in that respect, it's kind of like watching Foyle's War.) And, yet, the conclusion was still lacking something. The confrontation with the culprits behind the scheme that could've destroyed Mackenzie was okay I guess. Well, at least, with one of them (I liked the first take down better). The other was...well, disappointing. The villains on Scooby-Doo put up much more of a fight. (Meddling kids.) And everything seems to tie up so neatly. So, I'm all, "Really?! That's it?" So, yeah, after all that buildup, I felt a little let down. Felt like watching the final scenes in a scary movie, with the panic-driven MC running breathlessly from a villain; and when she finally faces him and says "Boo" the bad guy surrenders. -_- Yay. The day is saved. whoohoo. -_-
Hmm... I think that's pretty much it for me. So, overall, it's like...well...I'on'no' (translation: I don't know). If I had a chance to start over, I probably wouldn't read it again. So...you know...it's just not for me. But, who knows? Maybe you'll think/feel differently.
*I received a free copy of BIGLAW from Goodreads First Reads.*
lauriebuchanan's review
5.0
Written in the first person, author Lindsay Cameron shoehorns the reader smack-dab into the stylish—if uncomfortable—footwear of a young, female attorney climbing the corporate ladder in a cutthroat firm where verbal disembowelments and weekly bloodbaths from senior partners are the norm.
So well written, you feel sweat dripping from your brow and ulcers forming in your gut as you race hell-bent for leather against the clock with unreasonable—everything is due NOW!—deadlines. A debut novel with white-knuckled plot twists, Lindsay Cameron is an author to keep your eye on!
So well written, you feel sweat dripping from your brow and ulcers forming in your gut as you race hell-bent for leather against the clock with unreasonable—everything is due NOW!—deadlines. A debut novel with white-knuckled plot twists, Lindsay Cameron is an author to keep your eye on!
bookbriefs's review
3.0
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
BIGLAW is a hilarious book that will appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers alike. It reminded me a bit of Kate's Escape from the Billable Hour by Petula Parker, and I liked this book for the same reason's that I loved Kate's "Sanity Break"- it is freakin' hilarious. and BIGLAW plays off of enough truth to make it even funnier. I am not from the BIGLAW world (I am much happier at my smaller boutique firm), but I did spend a summer at BIGLAW so I certainly know a lot of the inns and outs, and some of my peers have filled in the rest of associate life for me. And Mackenzie works in a New York firm in the Corporate Law department, which can be extra demanding.
BIGLAW is told from female associate, Makenzie's point of view. Mackenzie is a super bright, super hard working attorney that is doing just about everything to impress the partners at her firm. She has to if she wants to move up in the ranks, after all. When she was describing all of the "perks" that the office has to make life comfortable I couldn't help but snicker. They all but stick a sign on your office door saying YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE. I think some of the details are exaggerated for the effect of the story, but many of the details ring true to some degree.
BIGLAW will have you cringing, laughing and sympathizing right along side with Mackenzie. I think as an attorney I got an extra kick out of this story, but Lindsay Cameron has a real gift for comedic writing. Readers, no matter their profession, will find BIGLAW enjoyable. I went through the gamut of emotions as I put myself in Mackenzie's shoes. I rejoiced when she got very rare "good job", I seethed whenever she has to deal with a few choice people, and I wanted her tell off a partner or two on more occasions than I care to count. While I do think that Attorney's will derive a little more humor and a little more sick satisfaction out of BIGLAW, this is a book that I would recommend to everyone looking to feel a little bit better about their job. Or looking for a good laugh in a book with smart and witty dialogue.
P.S. I thought it was hilarious that Mackenzie didn't think her boyfriend would understand the stress and pressures of her job as well as her, because even though he is an attorney at the same firm as her, he works in the Trust department which is not as high pressure as the corporate department. I guess that means I made a good choice as a Trust and Estate Planning attorney. ;)
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
BIGLAW is a hilarious book that will appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers alike. It reminded me a bit of Kate's Escape from the Billable Hour by Petula Parker, and I liked this book for the same reason's that I loved Kate's "Sanity Break"- it is freakin' hilarious. and BIGLAW plays off of enough truth to make it even funnier. I am not from the BIGLAW world (I am much happier at my smaller boutique firm), but I did spend a summer at BIGLAW so I certainly know a lot of the inns and outs, and some of my peers have filled in the rest of associate life for me. And Mackenzie works in a New York firm in the Corporate Law department, which can be extra demanding.
BIGLAW is told from female associate, Makenzie's point of view. Mackenzie is a super bright, super hard working attorney that is doing just about everything to impress the partners at her firm. She has to if she wants to move up in the ranks, after all. When she was describing all of the "perks" that the office has to make life comfortable I couldn't help but snicker. They all but stick a sign on your office door saying YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE. I think some of the details are exaggerated for the effect of the story, but many of the details ring true to some degree.
BIGLAW will have you cringing, laughing and sympathizing right along side with Mackenzie. I think as an attorney I got an extra kick out of this story, but Lindsay Cameron has a real gift for comedic writing. Readers, no matter their profession, will find BIGLAW enjoyable. I went through the gamut of emotions as I put myself in Mackenzie's shoes. I rejoiced when she got very rare "good job", I seethed whenever she has to deal with a few choice people, and I wanted her tell off a partner or two on more occasions than I care to count. While I do think that Attorney's will derive a little more humor and a little more sick satisfaction out of BIGLAW, this is a book that I would recommend to everyone looking to feel a little bit better about their job. Or looking for a good laugh in a book with smart and witty dialogue.
P.S. I thought it was hilarious that Mackenzie didn't think her boyfriend would understand the stress and pressures of her job as well as her, because even though he is an attorney at the same firm as her, he works in the Trust department which is not as high pressure as the corporate department. I guess that means I made a good choice as a Trust and Estate Planning attorney. ;)
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
christinecc's review
3.0
Very quick and fun read. The plot is a little predictable (it might NOT have been as predictable had it not been for the opening flash-forward) but still entertaining. I kind of wish there hadn't been a last-minute love interest at the end, though. Ah well, I would still recommend this to anyone who wants a quick glimpse at "big law" culture.