Playing for Pizza

Of all of John Grisham's books I've read (and I've read them all minus his very newest releases), this is one of THE worst! Unless you like to read about Italian food and football plays in detail, there is absolutely NO redeeming value or plot to this book. I kept thinking something would break loose, but nope! It just leaves you hanging at the end and well.....save your money on this one!

I'm sure that many hardcore Grisham fans will not see this as one of Grisham's best books -- and they will be right, but I really liked this book. Yes -- it is true that the characters aren't as well crafted as many of his others are, but then these are really likeable people. Rick Dockery is just like the jocks you know -- a big goofy guy who isn't too deep but then he has a sense of honor and openness that makes it hard not to like him. He likes to play football and that is really all he knows so he is willing to play for peanuts -- not really Pizza but not much more. It is a wonderful trip watching him develop from the aging frat boy into a real man who finally sees himself and others as they truly are. I particularly liked his discovery of Opera, because it was similar to my own. I even sympathized with his view of all of those historical churches and cobblestones -- like him I loved Italy but there are more churches and cobblestones than I care to see. His girl friend is a little enigmatic but then she really drives him to a more mature view of himself and others. Grisham also captures the feel of Italy and the Italian attitudes better than any book I have ever read. The Italians have a view of life that is hard to beat and Grisham really captures that feel in this book and it is that Italian view of life that eventually captures Rick as well. There is really only one bad guy in the book and he isn't all that bad -- he is more like pain in the neck and Rick deals with him very effectively and precisely like you would expect someone like Rick to deal with a pain in the neck -- as I said Rick is not deep or devious. I liked this book and highly recommend it even though it is a little fluffy compared to other Grisham works. If you want to read a feel good book -- buy this one. I would love to see the movie.

I will admit to being a Grisham fan of the bat and reading most of what he has written. Unlike most people I found this book to be flavor full and intelligent. While obviously the book focused on the failed third stringer Rick Dockery, I found his Italian team mates to be the main focus of the book. This novel is full of flavor from the Italian countryside to its restaurants to the love these people have for American Football. Granted the book focuses too much on Dockery and he is a prima donna, but then again, he does take less money to stay in Italy rather than jump to the CFL. All in all, I would prefer Mr. Grisham stick to writing a compelling legal thriller but at the same time too he's done a fine job of turning out some off beat works to avoid becoming bland and stereotyped.

John Grisham proves again that he can write a good story having nothing to do with lawyers or courtrooms. Rick Dockery's reluctant introduction to, and gradual immersion in, Italian culture and "football americano" is charming and fun ... I often realized I was smiling while reading, and even chuckled a few times. I will probably read it again before passing it on to another Grisham fan. In short, I loved it!

This is a delightful book for readers who enjoy American football and Italy. The author understands living in Italy. It is a fun read. His insights of how Italians plan their days around eating are so true. I have a friend who has played for the Milan Football Team for years. The players are devoted to the game. They paly in all sorts of weather to a small group of fans. That is real devotion. Of course after the game they eat like kings. I have lived in Italy for many years and found the story very true to life.

Grisham has written a fun, fast, and light-hearted book about a guy trying to find his place in the world. So what if it's not a legal thriller or whatever, it's a terrific story that will keep you turning the pages and laughing. And it's not just a "football book" either, but is a delightful mixture of travelogue and classic redemption tale. I highly recommend "Playing for PIzza" for anyone looking for a fun fictional experience!