The Associate: A Novel Audiobook, by John Grisham Play Audiobook Sample

The Associate: A Novel Audiobook

The Associate: A Novel Audiobook, by John Grisham Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Erik Singer Publisher: Random House Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 6.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 5.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: January 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780739333051

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

163

Longest Chapter Length:

05:07 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

35 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

03:48 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

54

Other Audiobooks Written by John Grisham: > View All...

Plot Summary

Ever since John Grisham's first breakout blockbuster, "The Firm," was published in the early 1990s, his fans have clamored for another one like it. "The Associate" is one of his later legal thrillers that comes close to being just that.

The plot, the action, the characters and the suspense are driven in much the same way, although they are different, and the reader's or listener's experience is not spoiled by having knowledge of prior books.

Kyle McAvoy graduated from Yale Law School with ambitions of leading a life of public service, but no sooner was the ink dry on his law school diploma than a secret from his college days sets him up for blackmail. He is forced to accept a position in a large Wall Street firm to act in ways in which he had never planned, providing information to his blackmailers who continue to threaten him with exposure.

In typical Grisham fashion, McAvoy is caught up in a web beyond his control, with seemingly no way out. The audiobook has all the usual twists and turns, as well as those episodes where one is hesitant to turn off the audio at the end of a drive or an afternoon's listening session.

John Grisham is a contemporary author who is known throughout the world as a writer of legal thrillers. His books have gained fame of phenomenal proportion, attracting fans from across the globe who cannot wait for his next book to hit the shelves.

His perspective is highly respected and always on target because of his extensive background in the legal profession. He earned a law degree and practiced criminal and civil law in Mississippi. He was also elected to the House of Representatives in Mississippi. His background figures extensively into his novels and movies. Grisham's novels have sold well over 300 million copies.

"This book is about something you did in your past that causing you troubles in the future. This book opens our eyes about how dirty the big law firm played their roles. I can't stop reading this book. "

— Anni (4 out of 5 stars)

Publisher Summary

If you thought Mitch McDeere was in trouble in The Firm, wait until you meet Kyle McAvoy, The Associate Kyle McAvoy grew up in his father’s small-town law office in York, Pennsylvania. He excelled in college, was elected editor-in-chief of The Yale Law Journal, and his future has limitless potential. But Kyle has a secret, a dark one, an episode from college that he has tried to forget. The secret, though, falls into the hands of the wrong people, and Kyle is forced to take a job he doesn’t want—even though it’s a job most law students can only dream about. Three months after leaving Yale, Kyle becomes an associate at the largest law firm in the world, where, in addition to practicing law, he is expected to lie, steal, and take part in a scheme that could send him to prison, if not get him killed. With an unforgettable cast of characters and villains—from Baxter Tate, a drug-addled trust fund kid and possible rapist, to Dale, a pretty but seemingly quiet former math teacher who shares Kyle’s “cubicle” at the law firm, to two of the most powerful and fiercely competitive defense contractors in the country—and featuring all the twists and turns that have made John Grisham the most popular storyteller in the world, The Associate is vintage Grisham.

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Quotes

  • “Grisham has a field day…The Associate grabs the reader quickly and becomes impossible to put down.” 

    — New York Times
  • “Masterful…an absorbing thriller.”

    — Boston Globe
  • “Compulsively readable.”

    — Time
  • “Grisham’s confident style hasn’t changed, and there’s suspense aplenty.” 

    — People
  • “A page-turner.”

    — Los Angeles Times
  • “Grisham makes it easy for us to keep flipping the pages…a devastating portrait of the big-time, big-bucks legal world.” 

    — Washington Post

Awards

  • A #1 New York Times bestseller
  • A #1 USA Today bestseller

The Associate Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.11111111111111 out of 53.11111111111111 out of 53.11111111111111 out of 53.11111111111111 out of 53.11111111111111 out of 5 (3.11)
5 Stars: 5
4 Stars: 10
3 Stars: 17
2 Stars: 11
1 Stars: 2
Narration: 4.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 5 (4.50)
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 2
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — wayne macintosh, 3/15/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An exciting tale with lots of mysterious strangers and offers that can not be refused. The story moves right along, and keeps you guessing "

    — Mike, 9/15/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book kept me riveted. Didn't want to lay it down. "

    — Tom, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " "The end didn't justify the complicated and interesting storyline !!!" "

    — Sonia, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I liked this a lot, I had seen the movie sometime before I read the book. "

    — Janiej78, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It felt like he got tired of the story and decided to just stop writing. Disappointed. "

    — Quinten, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Kind of slow-going and a disappointing ending. "

    — Jessica, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Favorite Grisham book "

    — Tyler, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Enjoyable. Took me a little while to get into and I didn't love the ending. I want to know what happened to Bennie! But overall I liked it. "

    — Caithlin, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A thrilling fast paced book,it's typical Grisham =) and succesfuly fulfilled my craving for another Grisham's story. Kyle McAvoy is a likable character, with complicated plot that could make you frown and whine but keep opening the next page.. The ending is a bit blah though, but I can forgive it! "

    — Astrid, 1/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Overall the book wasn't bad. The ending was just that, an ending. I felt like the author could not figure out an ending and this is all he could right. "

    — Ktouton, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I would have given this book a five if not for the ending. Grisham left the reader hanging, he could have made a more complete scenario. Maybe a sequel? "

    — Leah, 12/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Meh. I still think Grisham has lost his touch. Beginning featured a nice twist, but in hindsight it was not overly believable. The rest definitely kept me reading, but the ending was anticlimactic and disappointing. "

    — Amy, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It was filled with suspense. "

    — Mara, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A few twists but mainly this one was boring. Definitely not Grisham's best effort. His writing is top notch but the story gets too monotonous for me. "

    — Tim, 11/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " excellent couldnt put it down--- "

    — Denise, 11/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great book. Quick read. Started and finished in a day! "

    — Rosanne, 11/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Boring. No substance. Poorly drawn characters. Waste of time. "

    — Pb, 7/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was okay. It had a lot of sex in it. It was entertaining for a law/spy book. "

    — Colette, 9/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Another Grisham quickie snatched from my father in law's book shelf. Honestly, I just skimmed it, but would have delved in if it deserved it. It didn't. More of the same. Not bad, not great. "

    — Kendra, 4/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My biography. "

    — Gitta, 2/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Pretty disappointed in this book, spent so much time making the story and three short chapters to slam it closed, but not all the way closed, it is left open leaving me feeling robbed with no ending. "

    — Brian, 1/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Couldn't even finish it. The plot got too messy. The main character doesn't have a lot of depth. Stopped in the middle. "

    — Robin, 11/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favorite kind of book, but a good read. A fascinating main character who did well in the "web" where he seemed to be trapped. "

    — Muriel, 10/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Typical John Grisham legal thriller with a good story line that keeps you wondering. "

    — Michele, 10/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I didn't like how this one ended. It seemed like a huge build-up for a very short conclusion. "

    — Missy, 9/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This was not too exciting nor too smart in my opinion but not a waste of time either. "

    — ericaisrich, 9/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I was very disappointed with the ending. It was like Gresham just got tired of writing and ended it. "

    — Tara, 8/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Classic Grisham. Compelling reading, with unsatisfactory ending. "

    — Rctgale, 7/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Always love a Grisham... "

    — Cathy, 7/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It is a bit lame and not so addicting. "

    — Aditya, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Terrific. I hope there is a sequel. On the level of The Firm. "

    — Mary, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Didn't like the ending, too many loose ends unless there is a part two to this story. But still a good read. "

    — Emily, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was entertaining, but I was really disappointed in the ending. It leaves a lot of unanswered questions. "

    — Hayley, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Rather lame; hardly one of Grishom's best....... "

    — Deb, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Quick, fun read. Grisham is still my guilty pleasure. "

    — Brittany, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This book is classic Grisham, with shades of "The Firm". However, the ending leaves you kinda unsatisfied "

    — Vamsee, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very interesting read, until I got to the ending, which was very disappointing. Maybe the movie will leave less of a vacuum. John, just slow down, and try to remember how you used to conclude your books. "

    — Horton, 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I don't think I've ever been pissed at an author before but I feel the second half of this book is missing. "

    — Kate, 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Kind of slow-going and a disappointing ending. "

    — Jessica, 5/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was OK - it started well and progressed well throughout the book. I feel like it ended abruptly and without dealing with many issues. The ending read like a term paper whose author rushed to complete it under a speedy deadline. "

    — Kieran, 5/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " My first Grisham read. It paints an ugly picture of big law firms. A fun summer read. "

    — Stephen, 5/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I am not a huge Grisham fan but thought I'd try another. He is obviously well-versed on the legal profession. I wonder if Wall Street is really that brutal?? An interesting story which left lots of loose ends- perhaps will be a movie - with a sequel! "

    — Debtopolinsky, 5/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I added 3 stars only because I have enjoyed most of previous novels of Grisham.This one takes too much time to build the suspense, and then quickly brings to cliamx to you , even that withou unveiling the suspense. *** "

    — Jayesh, 5/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This isn't classic Grisham by any means. This book didn't get me worked up wondering what would happen next as did Grisham's older books. The book wasn't horrible but it wasn't what you expect of the author. "

    — Kasi, 4/29/2011

About John Grisham

John Grisham is the author of more than thirty-five novels, one work of nonfiction, a collection of stories, and seven novels for young readers. Thirty-three of his crime thrillers have made the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list

About Erik Singer

Erik Singer’s theatrical credits include the title role in The Hostage (off Broadway), A Life in the Theatre, Greetings!, and national tours of Othello and The Taming of the Shrew. He has also appeared on All My Children and As the World Turns, and was the voice of Vincent van Gogh in the A&E Biography about Van Gogh and Gauguin. His audiobook narration has twice won him the AudioFile Earphones Award.