How many lawyers enjoy legal fiction?
I do not usually enjoy legal fiction. They are often too unrealistic based on the realities I know as a practitioner. But I love John Grisham! His storytelling is always captivating. My husband and I are currently reading one of his latest works, The Widow. His rendition of the main character's life is so realistic, I just wanted to share a few thoughts about it.
We meet Simon Latch, a small town lawyer whose life is a routine wreck. His legal practice is not quite his dream come true. And now, he and his wife faces the excruciating task of explaining the harsh reality of their relationship to their children.
Of course, I can't help but analyze this plot as a family coach and mediator. But the picture Grisham paints of this character, his work, and his habits is so realistic it is definitely worth a read or listen for my fellow book lovers.
Here are three conflict resolutions takeaways from this book:
1) Conflict Avoidance is Expensive. Unresolved conflict is like driving on bad breaks or with a flat tire. The longer you go without repairing the issue, the more expensive over time.
2) Internal Conflict is a Liability. The things you refuse to notice about yourself will absolutely reduce your relational net worth.
3) Investing Effort Yields Gains. Marriage is like a retirement account. Small, consistent investments over time grows exponentially with compound interest. Consistent withdrawals, lack of management, and wishful thinking leaves you looking stupid in your sunset season.
Although some elements of the estate planning practice are not exactly realistic, that's a small price to pay for the family law takeaways.
Have you read this book? I'd love to know what other lawyers--especially solo practitioners--think of this book.
Be blessed and encouraged,
Judge Char
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