In many ways, Grisham's novel emphasizes milieu and theme over character and plot. Using thorough description, Grisham carefully paints a world inside a prison where a small group of men are doing something abhorrent. Readers gain a strong feel for the fictional workings of this prison scam as well as other aspects of the prison and justice system. Carefully intertwined with this environment is a secondary plot concentrating on theories about the function of our government and our election system. Thus, Grisham highlights many topics of importance in our society today.

1. In the CIA subplot, Teddy Maynard is willing to break laws and sacrifice individuals for the good of the nation. Does the fact that, unlike the other characters, he is not breaking laws for his own benefit justify his actions to any degree?

2. Does the lack of female characters affect your involvement in the novel...