Playing for Pizza: A Novel

If John Grisham hadn't written this book, the author would have certainly been laughed out of the publishers' meeting. Playing for Pizza reads as if it were written in a week by an amateur. No depth, no real conflict/resolution, and certainly no suspense. As for the games, the first halves of each are described vividly, but we get none of the same for the second half; just a rundown of a couple plays and the final score. The ending of the last game was predictable, boring and too "Disney." At least it's a quick read, and a football novice can read it without too much trouble following. Very disappointing.

It starts out interesting with tantalizing details of Italian food and culture and a flirtation with an exotic opera singer. But when Rick picks up an American girlfriend, the book comes to an abrupt end. After that we get dry listings of the couple's tours and sexcapades. It seems Grisham lost interest at this point (like the reader) and just finished out the predictable sports story.

Not your normal Grisham novel.

What a name for a book? Actually, the name says it all.

Rick Dockery is a 3rd string NFL quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are winning 20-0 when the top two quarterbacks are injured leaving Dockery to play the game. He frets and the Browns lose the game. Dockery is hated in Cleveland and laughed at. His agent finds a team that might actually want him, the Parma Panthers in Italy. The Panthers play for the love of the game and the pizza and beer afterwards.

This novel is very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and learned a lot about Italian food. Great plot and better than the normal lawyer novels. Glad to see Grisham coming out of the box.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story contains some vivid and evocative images to life in Italy for an American ex NFL'er trying to get a grip on his life. The fun, food and football and of course drinking are wonderfully described by John Grisham. I really felt like I knew each of these characters by the time the book was finished. More than once the episodes and encounters of the american ex-pat and his teammates brought a smile to my face.

Years ago, after reading two or three Grisham products, I promised myself that I would never ago waste my time by reading another. Then I saw this bit and read a review and fell for it. Well it is exceptionally light, utterly predictable, and implausable. It is hard to believe that he watched even one football game or spent a minute in Italy before writing this piece. Well, it's back to plan A. Grisham to the Z list.