John Grisham: biography

American author John Grisham has become a household name in the literary world for his law-based fiction which has entertained readers across the globe. His penchant for writing exciting stories, whilst delving deep into the U.S. judicial system, has made Grisham an enduring figure amongst modern writers. This biography will discuss his life, work, and achievements.

Beginnings

Born in 1955, in Arkansas USA, John Grisham grew up in the South. After giving up his dreams of professional baseball Grisham studied accounting at the infamous Mississippi State University. Before becoming a best selling author he practiced law for ten years, and during his time as a lawyer Grisham would encounter the gritty drama that is the American legal system. Indeed, it was during a particularly traumatic case of statutory rape, which Grisham was involved in, he was inspired to write his first novel, A Time To Kill (1987).

Career

Realising his talent and passion for writing, Grisham went on to write many more novels, all which were instant successes. The Firm (1991) is still regarded as arguably his most prominent piece, and many of his other works have become best selling books. The Pelican Brief (1993), The Client (1994), and The Rainmaker (1997), are a few famous John Grisham novels, all of which have been made into films. John Grisham movies have enjoyed considerable success at the box office. After writing more legal thrillers, Grisham produced a work of non-fiction called The Innocent Man (1996), which dealt with a real life murder case. John Grisham's latest book, The Confession (2010) deals with wrongful imprisonment, it is a dramatic and entertaining read.

Achievements

A John Grisham biography could span an entire collection of books in itself. His dedication to literature, and his popularity amongst readers, is undeniable. Significant achievements for the author include: writing a novel per year for over 20 years, nine of his books being made into films and collectively selling 250 million copies of his books worldwide. His work has also been translated into 29 different languages, attesting to his appeal and natural talent for fictional writing. For any law enthusiast, John Grisham's books are an excellent examination of court systems and conflicts, and for any literary fan, his work is very entertaining and compelling.