By the later 1990s, Grisham's reputation precedes him, and readers have expectations when they pick up a Grisham novel whether they have read him before or not. A good starting point for discussion is how The Rainmaker fits or frustrates those expectations.

Several contexts can enhance discussion of the novel. Readers could state their opinions of lawyers, their sense of why so many college students want to attend law school, what they have learned about the law from friends and relatives who may be attorneys. As the novel broaches the issue of what it takes to be a lawyer, readers could debate that question as well. As a very popular novel that bucks a current conservative political trend, The Rainmaker can spark a lively debate about lawsuit reform measures, congressional efforts to limit big jury awards, and mid-1990s attempts to ease regulations on businesses. Literature...