A compelling new novel from Richard North Patterson- a major departure, and that confirms his place among the most important popular novelists at work today. A newly elected president faces the unexpected chance to nominate a new chief justice of the Supreme Court. His first choice is a nationally respected Court of Appeals judge, a woman whose nomination faces two serious obstacles: a long-held personal secret; and the prospect that a volatile abortion case- a trial pitting a 15-year-old girl against her pro-life parents- will come before the court. And the Senate majority leader is determined to thwart the president's nomination for reasons that cross the boundary between the political and the personal. As these stories intertwine, building in complexity and suspense, Patterson gives us the resounding clash of competing ambitions between the president and the majority leader; the equally momentous collision of science and culture in the courtroom; and, in an unprecedented novelistic depiction of the legal process from the perspective of the judge rather than the lawyers, a revelation of both how the judicial system works and how it intersects with politics, for better or for worse. PROTECT AND DEFEND is a triumph- the definitive novel of politics and law at the dawn of the 21st century.
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"One of the most satisfying reading experiences of my life. Even ten years later, I can still remember reading this long novel straight through in one unplanned marathon sitting.I have such fond memories of that night that I almost don't want to revisit this one. "
— Richard (5 out of 5 stars)
" A fun, and turned out to be a compulsive, read. <br/> <br/>I will be on the lookout for more of Mr. Patterson's books. "
— Susanna, 4/12/2011" Great exploration of the abortion thema and Washington political theather.<br/>But... the author has clearly a pro-choice point of view, and i think that comes in the book. No judgement here, i wonder if it's really possible to be completly neutral in a issue like this. "
— Carvas, 2/22/2011" Caroline Masters' rise to Chief Justice is an engrossing portrait of the inner sanctums of law and politics. There are follow-up books that aren't quite as good but still worth reading. "
— Ann, 1/13/2011" One of my favorites. Complex subject - religion, politics, family dynamics, trust, parental control - all done in a thoughtful manner that is fair to both sides on a very divisive issue. "
— Marilyn, 1/5/2011" a laborious read. 591 pages of twists and turns. I've learned enough about pro-choice and pro-life. "
— Tony, 8/20/2010" This was about a young girl that needs a late term abortion and how this case almost derails the nomination of the Chief of the Supreme Court, it is a great glimps into the workings of the Senate and President's powers. Loved it! "
— Bobbi, 7/25/2010" Richard North Patterson knows how to write. This novel is different from many of the others that I have rad of his but it is nontheless a good read. <br/> <br/>J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'" "
— J., 6/3/2010" 1st work which I read by this author. Good political literature. Well researched and although written in 2000 it seems to be as current as today’s newspaper. <br/> "
— Hapzydeco, 4/21/2010" Good political novel. Gives good incite into our court system and political parties. Gets pretty technical. "
— Judy, 3/18/2010" couldn't stand this book! drudged through half of it finally skimmed some of the end just to try to get a feel. hated it finally quit and I hate that i almost never quit on a book "
— Mandy, 1/14/2010" Great Political thriller! Although the author states that this book is clearly fiction, todays headlines are found in this book. "
— Jerri, 11/20/2009Richard North Patterson is the New York Times bestselling author of The Devil’s Light, In the Name of Honor, The Spire, and a number of other bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, he was the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups. Patterson has appeared on such programs as the Today show, Good Morning America, Hardball with Chris Matthews, and Buchanan and Press.
Patricia Kathryn Kalember is an American actress best known for her role as Georgiana “Georgie” Reed Whitsig in the NBC drama series, Sisters. Kalember also had the leading roles in a number of television films and co-starred in several feature films including Fletch Lives, Signs, The Company Men, and Limitless, as well as recurring roles in the TV show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.