Protect and Defend

This book fuses two sagas--Kerry Kilcannon of the Kilcannon family and Chris Paget's courageous judge Caroline Masters. So, given such great examples of Patterson's formidable reservoir of charcters, why does this story in the final analysis fall into the stale cliche of a contemporary hot-button issue--that of abortion rights? A new President has to come up with an appointee for the Supreme Court, and it turns out to be none other than Aunt Caroline (Judge Masters has a beloved niece who's actually her out-of-wedlock daughter). Another complication Masters faces is that an old protegee is now handling an abortion case herself. This whole book revolves so much around the "A"-word that it almost feels like an old Irving Wallace book. Maybe instead of "The Seven Minutes", we have "The Seven Months" here, huh? Okay, maybe that is merely reflective of society's obsession with that issue, but how come hardly anybody realizes that it is after all an obsession? At this point in time, we do indeed have the "pro-choice" and the "pro-life" forces locked in the kind of battle that must have some outsiders asking of us in America: "Is that issue all these people ever think about?" The names for both sides themselves indicate that each considers themselves on a holy crusade--they call each other by the terms "anti-choice" and "baby-killers". And the irony is that in the middle of the previous century, the anti-abortion movement was an offshoot of what were then called "decency leagues"--they considered unwanted pregnancy to be the original penalty for "illicit" sex, and as such, the most logical deterrent. In that spirit, even contraception was wrong. At the same time, a growing number of their opponents play the gender card nowadays--to prevent a woman from terminating her pregnancy is by definition a subtle form of male domination. That's the whole problem of this book--if there's a story line consistent with what we've come to expect from Patterson, it tends to be obscured by the smoke and flash of political zealotry. So what if Patterson presents both sides of the argument? Why not just tell a good story and never mind EITHER side? If I wanted to listen to know-it-alls and holier-than-thous, I'd tune in to "Frontline". I look to Richard North Patterson as a STORYTELLER. If he pulls this again, I'm history as a reader.

Never read this author before, but now I want more about these interesting people. I liked the Senator who was on the "wrong side" of the issue best, and frankly, so did most of the other characters in the book. Even the "good guy" president has plenty of personal regrets that should keep him up at night, and it would be interesting to see which of them come back to haunt him in future novels. At first I was skeptical that one of the key attorneys would allow himself to be adverse to his own daughter in a higly publicized trial. But this device revealed a tenderness and complexity not always seen in such committed people, and also moved the plot along rather nicely, so Patterson can easily be forgiven. How refreshing to close a book with conflicting and changing reactions to the people in it!
While I really enjoyed the people in this book, the reason I picked it up in the first place was to see how someone could write a cogent novel about such a politically charged issue as abortion. Patterson succeeded pretty well, no, very well. While his pro-choice bias is evident, he really does present the pro-life views with some understanding and sympathy.
So, while the incidence of abortion as a core issue in the lives of the characters is quite a bit higher than in the general public, this book is a pretty credible summary of the diversity of opinion on abortion in this country. It is also a great insight into the complexities of Washington politics and the labrynth of judicial appointments. Most of all, it's a great yarn, and filled with people you would not mind knowing better.

Protect and Defend is a captivating book that investigates the inner workings of the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government, combining fictional characters with real issues to create a thrilling twist on the battle between good and evil: the fight between Pro-Choicers and Pro-Lifers, Democrats and Republicans, and Females and Males. The events in the novel are on opposite sides of the country, in Washington D.C. and San Francisco. In Washington, immediately after the inauguration of Kerry Kilcannon, a democrat, the Chief Justice, a conservative, has a stroke and drops dead. The vice president is a female. With the death of Chief Justice Bannon, the president must start searching immediately for a replacement, only one day into his term, against a strikingly Republican senate led by MacDonald Gage a vicious man whose main desire and ambition is to become president. In San Francisco, Mary Ann Tierney, just fifteen years old, is seeking an abortion at five months pregnant. Without parental consent, she cannot abort the fetus, which is hydrocephalic and if delivered, could ruin her chances to have children in the future. Her parents are famous Pro-Lifers and her father is a law professor, well-known and respected for his consistent, anti-abortion views, so she gets a lawyer, young Sarah Dash to represent her in a case suing her parents for permission to get an abortion, challenging the Supreme Court in their recent rulings on late-term abortions. Also from San Francisco is Caroline Masters, a female liberal whom Kilcannon nominates. Patterson's novel examines many different perspectives on abortion an different political views taken by members of the government. Giving an in-depth look at both the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice movements, the book shows the effect of the issue on different lives and the struggles it causes families internally. It also demonstrates the ruthlessness of politicians and the extremes they will go to in order to get their ways. Patterson's extensive research on the subject shows and his realistic sketches of the characters are enthralling, keeping the reader's attention with every flip of perspective and countryside.

If you're looking for a well constructed story about the abortion debate, which encourages the reader to go beyond her established opinions and think a bit, you'd better go elsewhere. The writer's anti-"pro-life" bias was evident throughout, and each character's good gal or bad guy status (and yes, that's pretty much the breakdown here--except for the medical experts, there are no unflawed male characters, and any imperfections in the women result from supporting a man) was telegraphed the first time the character (or, might I suggest, "caricature") appeared. Even the Chief Justice, who dies on page 5 after administering the oath to the new President, comes off exclusively negatively. There is no doubt after the first few pages who the "bad guys" are, even if we don't know until the climax quite what they're capable of(although, if the writer is accepting of broadly legalizing abortion, why is the possible disclosure of this or that character's procedure the worst thing that could happen to her?). In sum, this book is an uncomfortable and unsuccessful attempt to address a serious political issue in fiction, and I would not recommend it.

I heard about this book in an NPR radio interview with its author, Richard North Patterson. I was impressed that Patterson did not seem to be trying to convert anyone to his way of thinking, but that he thoroughly researched the material and tried his best to represent all opinions. After reading the book, I think Patterson pulled it off. He convincingly describes the emotions and politics on both sides of the abortion debate in a book that is a fascinating read. Unfortunately, the book tends to portray extreme right conservatives as "bad guys" and is not likely to generate too many fans from that group. Too bad, because I think this book has a lot to offer everyone.

Richard N. Patterson is my favourite writer of thriller and courtroom stories. I have read most of his books without a single dissapointment. Even so, I have to rate this book with 3 stars: the average of a good storytelling (5 stars, as always)and a biased approach to the issue.
I am spanish, and my knowledge of american politics is poor. However, in this book, I came to the impression that all the good (intentions, actions, principles ...)came from one side. All the bad, from the other. Parents & republicans are so badly treated that, out of justice, I finnally found myself joining their side (even though I am son & liberal!).
Even accepting that most of republicans could be dishonest people, I cannot buy that all democrats are the highly-principled and righteous people depicted in this work.
Anyway, thank you very much Mr. Patterson for the hours of entertainment your books provide me and hope the next one is a bit more unbiased.

Patterson`s Protect and Defend is the book our club will be discussing in May and I cannnot wait to hear what everyone thinks! We had to move our meeting back because the waiting lists at the local libraries were so long to get this book! Not only is it a beautifully crafted plot, it is a great look at the question of abortion and why people are are so polarized about the issue. It is an even better learning experience about how special interests and money call the shots in Washington. You see this history lesson between the lines on every page. The characters are very real and stay with you long after you have put down the book.I hope it comes out in paperback soon-I think it will do great this summer!

As always, I found Patterson's writing compelling, compassionate and brutally realistic. He is an author ahead of his time but not so far ahead that his futuristics thoughts are on the brink of stark reality. "Search and destroy" politics are present in our society, at any cost. Patterson creates a scenario in which he demonstrates that "search and destroy" politics cannot become something which defines the character of our nation. "Protect and Defend" is a tremendous novel in which the paradox each character is presented with transcends the individual and reminds us that we are human and are often forced to make painfully personal and human decisions. He reminds the reader that none of us walk through life without error. "Search and destroy" politics, in my view, are disgusting and serve only personal ambition. It can never serve the good of a nation. I feel this book is perfect timing and points out the posissble human tradgedies that can only result from "search and destroy" politics.

This political thriller encompassed many issues on the front pages. It was a wonderfully executed novel examining abortion, adoption, religious views on pro-life activism and wove them together in a tale which was almost impossible to put down. I felt it was one of the best political novels in years and would recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful, complex story that examines human flaws, concerns and redemption.

Richard North Patterson has written his most compelling book, which is a significant statement given the incredible body of work which preceded Protect and Defend. He shows that he cannot be pigeonholed only as a writer of great "legal thrillers," though he certainly is that as well. This book looks at abortion, politics, the Supreme Court through a complex and interlocking network of fully drawn characters and intriguing scenarios. This is a great writer at the very top of his game. "Advise and Consent" has been the gold standard of books which seek to protray and analyze politics and the flawed humans who practice it, and "Protect and Defend" can now be mentioned in the same breath. This is a great and highly readable book which will give the reader the clearest possible picture of how our system works or, sometimes, fails to work.

This book took unexpected turns, but was very enjoyable reading. Make me think a lot about abortion and definitely about the awful things that most probably go on on in politics.
Can't wait to read the next book

I listened to the unabridged version on audio cassette, in my car. The characters in the book are strident and not fully developed. I found it impossible to care about any of them. The premise was not well developed, and the end of the book was nothing but tedious. It's not the worst book I've ever encountered, but it's bad enough I doubt I'll ever again read anything of this author's. The only thing in its favor is it made the time pass somewhat more quickly in the car, although there were points when I just had to turn it off and rest from some of the more inane parts. Also, the author should forget he ever heard the word "mordent". It came up so frequently as to be incredibly distracting.

I am most iimpressed by Patterson's ability to interweave not only subplots and allied stories but also the past and present, coupled with all verbal tenses while doing so. Perhaps the finest achievement of all, moreover, is his ability to present both sides of an adversarial issue so persuasively, while all the time being very informative and educational. Doing all this while simultaneously maintaining supense, and allowing the reader to clearly form his or her mental image of the characters and the milieu is quite masterful. I have learned that to either read or listen to any of Mr. Patterson's work that is abridged, is a definite mistake.

I am most iimpressed by Patterson's ability to interweave not only subplots and allied stories but also the past and present, coupled with all verbal tenses while doing so. Perhaps the finest achievement of all, moreover, is his ability to present both sides of an adversarial issue so persuasively, while all the time being very informative and educational. Doing all this while simultaneously maintaining supense, and allowing the reader to clearly form his or her mental image of the characters and the milieu is quite masterful. I have learned that to either read or listen to any of Mr. Patterson's work that is abridged, is a definite mistake.

Protect and Defend gave me an appreciation of the deep personal struggles on both sides of the abortion debate. It also educated me on the legal history of abortion rulings. And it accomplished this in a moving and suspenseful way that kept me riveted from beginning to end.

Richard North Patterson's story telling ability continues to amaze me. His books are always thought provoking and page turning at the same time. This one might be his best ever.
If you want to better understand the workings of our legal system, the minds of pro-life and pro-choice advocates, and the workings of our mostly incomprehensible political system, read this book. Sounds boring? Not on your life. Be prepared to lose some sleep in favor of reading this timely work of what could easily be NON-Fiction! And you might as well buy it now. I got it from my library, read it, then immediately ordered my own copy!

on one level, a roman a clef mirroring newspaper headlines. on a deeper level, a thorough exploration of the moral, legal and political dimensions of the abortion issue, effectively dramatized in riveting courtroom and senate hearing settings. a tour de force on a painful and polarizing subject.

Although I've appreciated Patterson's many previous works, and am impressed that he consulted many experts for research on this novel, including Bill Clinton, George Bush, Barbara Boxer and Bob Dole, I dissent from the accolades of the store's other reiewers. I found this book to be mired in redundant details ad nauseum, with a formulaic plot that led to the obvious conclusions. Patterson, apparently felt compelled to put every iota of the information he gleamed about his various controversial and complex investigations into the book. The characters seemed to be cardboard stereotypes and the novel could have eliminated about 200 pages and perhaps been an engaging story. I have to wonder if CNN paid Patterson for the magnanimous publicity it received.

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.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

The issues of abortion, gun control, lobbyists, the political Christian far right and the strict adherence to party lines in Washington are addressed in the strong characters Patterson has developed in well crafted novel.

This was a very interesting book about a pro-life teen fighting against her anti-life parents.
Yes, the teenager's side is pro-life. After all, the baby's life cannot be saved, because it has no brain and would never survive outside the womb the way a healthy baby can after 9 months. If the teen gets an abortion, it dies. If she gives birth, it dies. So neither side is trying to keep her first baby alive, because that is impossible.
The real disagreement is about whether or not the teen should be sterilized. If she gets an abortion, then she can remain fertile and have children after marriage. If she gives birth, the necessary surgery destroys her hopes of ever having living children and giving her parents living grandchildren. Last time I checked, many honest and moral pro-lifers oppose sterilization and mourn the loss of all the children whose births and lives it has prevented. So who's really pro-life here? The teenager and judge who want to protect her by preserving her fertility, or the parents who want to abuse her by destroying her fertility?

I've enjoyed Richard North Patterson's works for years, and I looked forward to beginning "Protect and Defend." By the time I was a third of the way through, I was on the verge of quitting the book, something I very rarely do.
Patterson's story revolves around the nomination of the first woman to be Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. The fight over the controversial nomination is intertwined with a court case involving a teenage girl seeking a late-term abortion. Throughout the book, Patterson seems more concerned with making sure the reader understands his views on abortion and politics than with crafting a readable story.
The one word that kept coming to mind as I plodded through "Protect and Defend" was "turgid." This is a bloated book. It's almost as if Patterson submitted a 300-page manuscript and his publisher wrote back to say, "Richard, we really need 600 pages." I'm an attorney, and I know how boring trials can be. Patterson manages to make the courtroom scenes in this book even more boring than the real thing. He spends endless pages on the testimony of every witness. He describes every thought of virtually every character in mind-numbing detail. I almost felt guilty staying with this book through the finish because I could have read two good books in the amount of time I devoted to this one.
I'll probably buy the next Patterson book, hoping he'll get back to form (which means writing a book rather than attempting a political indoctrination). If you're looking for a real page-turner, you won't find it in "Protect and Defend." This book is a disappointment.

While this book was very well written, it troubled me that the author seemed to portray ALL Democrats as pro-choice and ALL Republicans as pro-life. He made Republicans seem callous and rigid, while making Democrats appear caring and flexible. It was NOT a fair portrayal of either.

Although I have read and appreciated many of Richard North Patterson's books, I found Protect and Defend to be truly outstanding. He does an excellent job of characterizing both sides in the abortion debate, and covers well the several arguments used by the warring factions. In addition, he bravely disclosed the drastic measures that the most rabid proponents and opponents of abortion are willing to embrace, as well as the extremes to which those seeking to gain or retain policital power are willing to go. Altogether an excellent read and an important resource for those involved in the debate.

That Patterson is a gifted writer is unquestionable. That the word pictures he creates describing the characters, however, leaves no doubt who wears the white hat. Patterson paints with too broad a brush, and falls back on over-used, tired stereotypes--radical right wing, far right, etc. How refreshing it would be to see a writer use equally descriptive phrases as far left or radical left wing describing the other side! Could it be then, that most writers belong to this second group?
Therefore, I take umbrage with those who claim Patterson portrayed a balanced view of the issues he attempted to describe in his book. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Patterson's political agenda shines through this work and much of the information he portrays as truth, is as fictional as his characters.
The ending is as predictable as Patterson's political bend.

This is a well written novel that has been tarnished by the authors liberal pro abortion views. Liberals are painted as heros fighting for the rights of the poor suffering young girl. Pro life views are caricatured. Attorney Saunders is a bully. Christian pickets torment women. Any attempt to protect human life results in terrible consequences for the pregnant woman. No mention is made of ANY good that pro life people do. This is nota novel. It is a political tract. If only Patterson had made some effort to credit the pro life side with fair and honest motives, this would have been an excellent book.

From the pulpits of east and west coast liberal meccas, Martha's Vinyard and San Francisco, Patterson rants to his masses. His praises are sung on the review pages by such unbiased reviewers as Mario Cuomo, Barbara Boxer, Molly Ivins, Archibald Cox and the head of the ACLU - gee I wonder in which direction we are headed? This book is laden with cartoon characters - good hearted, good natured, big thinking liberal lawyers and alternately thuggish or hopelessly misguided and bovine Christian conservatives.
As the book opens, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (a card-carrying Conservative) is so apoplectic over the Democratic swearing in ceremony that he collapses in a fatal stroke. Frankly, its all downhill from there. Patterson's treatise is a pre-emptive cruise missile strike paving the way for the salvation of partial birth abortions. America, as portrayed in this novel is a land of manipulative mean-spirited, deep-pocketed Christians and liberals courageous enough to battle these evil minions.
Regardless of what the reader may think of the abortion debate, there is nothing quite so tedious as being bludgeoned with terribly one-sided arguments for over six hundred pages. I would recommend reading Patterson's thrillers and suggest to the author that he leave the left-wing diatribes to writers for the Washington Post and New York Times.

Protect and Defend is so timely that it frightens. I is a necessary inquiry into moral delimmas far more compelling than a mystery novel. Patterson applies ideologies to specific situations. He is persisent and his probing is painful. A reader may feel empathetically injured regardless of belief. This is not an "easy read"--it is a "high read"--just like life. Everyone should read this book.

This was my third book by Richard Patterson. The first one some years ago struck me as a well written, good read. The second was a pro-choice political rant disguised as a crime novel. I don't read books in this genre to get a political lecture of any persuasion. I thought I'd give him one more try with this book. More of the same rant and as much if not more bias in his character depiction and presentation of issues. I gave up about a quarter of the way through. Too bad because he is a competent writer, but he should decide what genre he is writing and then stick to it. He is now on my "ignore" list of authors along with the other Patterson, but for very different reasons.

If you like terrific characters, a well drawn-plot, and thought provoking subject matter, then this is a must read. The emotional ups and downs I have experienced reading this book make it one of the best reads, for me, in a decade!

Richard North Patterson has outdone himself this time. This is a fantastic page turner! His characters are so believable and the dialogue is wonderful. He brings back his wonderful character Caroline Clark Masters and continues on with her story. This book is hard to put down, as are all his books, but this one was appealing in that it plays to politics today. A great read!

This book is a wonderful exposition of the true issues behind the subject of so called "Partial Birth Abortion" and parenteral consent. Unfortunately, it will probably only be read by those who are already pro choice. Examination of these topics in anything but the most banal and kneejerk manner is anathama to the moral crusaders of the Religious Right.

That Patterson is a gifted writer is unquestionable. That the word pictures he creates describing the characters, however, leave no doubt who wears the white hat. Patterson paints with too broad a brush, falling back on over-used, tired stereotypes...radical right wing, far right, etc. How refreshing it would be to see a writer use equally descriptive phrases as far left or radical left wing describing the other side! Could it be then, that most writers belong to this group?
Therefore, I take umbrage with those who claim Patterson portrayed a balanced view of the abortion issue in his book. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Patterson's political agenda shines through and much of the information he portrays as fact, is as fictional as his characters.
Overall, the book is as predictable as it is disappointing.

This is a excellant book. Patterson treats both sides of the issue involved fairly, in my mind (I was as irritated at the anti-abortion characters as other reviewers were at the pro-abortion leanings). The book was suspenseful. The characters were well drawn. The plot was compelling. If you can get by the politics, it is a wonderful novel.

Forget John Grisham who's novels have steadily been growing sillier and unbelievable. If you want a sensational legal page turner with characters you want to care about, and surprising yet plausible plot developements pick up Protect and Defend.
This novel made a long rode trip very short.

The author's leftist political bias is far too pronunced for an objective reader to enjoy this story. If you're gullible enough to embrace the political left's views on these issues (abortion, constitutional construction, campaign financing, etc.) you will likely find this book to your liking. On the other hand, if you are a conservative and a realist you will quickly become bored and perhaps angered.

At the end of the book, Patterson writes that the 2 largest pro-life groups did not respond to his request for information. They must have read the manuscript and realized how hopeless it was. Patterson goes to great detail in investigating the pro-choice arguments but litters the opposite side with the standard southern, white, male, close-minded stereotypes. His blame of lack of research on the pro-life groups is lame and without support. He should have spent some time trying to understand the mindset of conservatives and pro-life advocates and he would have been much more successful in articulating this difficult subject. He ends up with the tired liberal picture of being tolerant of anyone who does not believe in absolute truth. And intolerant of anyone who does. He could have done so much better.

If you like two boring semi-related plots revolving around wordy, poorly constructed prose, then this book is for you. Patterson is off here. His previous books have had good themes and real characters. This book uses a theme and legal detail that he just can't manage to articulate into an interesting book. Save your money here.

This was my first experience of this author. It wont be my last. True - the politics were a little one sided but its a difficult issue and not easy to remain objective.
Read this book. You'll enjoy it if you like suspense and intrigue.

Richard North Patterson is a compelling storywriter, and up to this point, I have found his books to be wonderfully executed and gripping. However, Patterson should return to the "thriller/murder cases" and get out of this pontification on abortion and seedy politicians. Caroline Masters and Kerry Killcannon, who I sincerely enjoyed in their previous appearances, are now given halos and are so saintly and self-righteous, they are nauseating.
First off, Kerry, being a Catholic insinuates that he is pro-life, but defends the rights of those who aren't. As a Catholic, he's forgetting that abortion is not condoned, and if he wants to walk the walk, he needs to stand behind that; otherwise, he becomes a hypocrite, as indeed he does in this book. He is not the vital force evidenced in "No Safe Place," and he merely appears smug, determined to do whatever he wants in the name of doing what is right. He even sends the FBI after information from a newspaper doing a story on the trial. It's okay, Kerry says, to break the law, if you're noble in doing it.
All of the political backstabbing gets extremely tiresome, and so overdrawn, it's cartoonish.
However, it is the Mary Ann Tierney story that proves Patterson's pro-choice stance, and in this book, everyone who is prochoice is either mentally ill, outright cruel, insensitive and wrong. Meanwhile the prochoice people behave so magnaimously, and they are portrayed as the victims. Heading this farce of a philosophy is young, FEMALE Sarah Dash, who takes in Mary Ann when her parents continue to force her into having her baby, even though it will probably be born dead, and Mary Ann may never have any more children. Stacked deck indeed.
First off, Mary is only 15; she had sex with her boyfriend in the back of his car; he didn't use a condom because it wasn't as much fun. She says her parents never told her anything about sex. Now, she's pregnant, and all of a sudden this fifteen year old girl is something like Joan of Arc; where did all this maturity come from? And why did she neglect to tell her lawyer that her mother DID talk to her about sex, but obviously mary Ann didn't listen? Seems that her mother became sterile after having Mary Ann. Stacked deck again. Also, is it really realistic that so many people have had abortions, as evidenced by Chad Palmer and Lara soon to be Mrs. Killcannon? The death of one of the other young people just to prove how heinous the press and abortion are, is totally manipulative and ultimately a cruel plot mechanism to advance Patterson's love of Masters and Killcannon. Also, when Mary Ann finally has the abortion, wouldn't it have been interesting if the baby (not the fetus, as Patterson keeps calling it!!) would have been normal? No, Patterson is not content to pull that kind of twist.
What a sad world where abortion is so prominent; granted, this was a tough choice for Mary Ann to make, but her total disregard of her parents (who were also portrayed as evil villains) left her to make that choice alone.
I really disliked this book; and I will not read any more of Mr. Patterson's treatises on abortion or gun control. If he sticks to his earlier works, I'll certainly continue to enjoy them, but I don't want to be exposed to such one-sided partisan views in my entertainment.
NOT RECOMMENDED.

Women: Good

Men: Bad

Fathers: Very bad. Either abusive, dictatorial, drunken or philandering or some combination of the above.

Democrats: Compassionate and thoughtful

Republicans: Cruel and self-absorbed (If you need help identifying a Republican he likely has a Southern accent)

Children: Something to be disposed of before they hurt you or ruin your career. Abort them give them up for adoption if they

survive or return they'll either die in a car crash or guilt you to death.

Sprinkle in characters with first names like Aly,Chad, Kyle, MacDonald, Travis, Kerry and Clayton and you have a Blue States bedtime story.