Bleachers

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: John Grisham

Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

High school all-American Neely Crenshaw was probably the best quarterback ever to play for the legendary Messina Spartans. Fifteen years have gone by since those glory days, and Neely has come home to Messina to bury Coach Eddie Rake, the man who molded the Spartans into an unbeatable football dynasty.

Now, as Coach Rake's "boys" sit in the bleachers waiting for the dimming field lights to signal his passing, they replay the old games, relive the old glories, and try to decide once and for all whether they love Eddie Rake or hate him. For Neely Crenshaw, a man who must finally forgive his coach - and himself - before he can get on with his life, the stakes are especially high.

©2003 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)2003 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, A Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Grisham]'s a sure-footed story-teller with an undeniable mastery of plotting, pacing and tone." (The New York Times Book Review)

Great Story

I kept thinking about stopping listening but just couldn't. I truly enjoyed this short story.

one of my favorite from John Graham a great work of art in my option

I enjoyed the nostalgia.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would. Especially my old teammates.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the players acted around each other years after. The way they remembered the good and the bad.

What about John Grisham’s performance did you like?

Nothing in particular, but he did a good job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and I did.

It's a true story, for me!

I have waited a lot of years to have a story crafted that would underline the tales I have told my sons about my coach, he made me good enough to play college ball, a military career, and another improbable career only achieved by the Eddie Rake philosophy. At my recent 50 year high school reunion that coach received a 5 minute standing ovation for just being Rake. A heartfelt thanks to the author.

Ex-High School football players MUST READ!

If you ended your high school football career in a town that cared more about the football coach than the mayor....this is a story is a must. This story gives you the double enjoyment of a great story and a stroll down memory lane. I loved it!

Great story teller, great story

Only the virtuoso author can transform an event seen as part of ordinary life into a novel exploring the emotional development of boys into men -- and there is Everyman in his cast of characters.

Bleachers (Unabridged)

I have read almost all of John Grisham's books. I have never had one disappoint me yet. When I decided on bleachers I was a bit apprehensive since I am not a sports fan and do not football at all!!
The first plus was that John read the book and the second that as usual it was so well written. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the psychology of human behavior.

Another success

Each novel I read of john Grisham s I hate for it to end. This book is short, sweet and true. Keep them coming, I can t wait for the next one. Sooley was the last and I enjoyed each word.
Thank you for filling my hours.

A return to the not so simpler times

A homecomming of sorts where the central character is completely off stage. The emotions that surround the coach are overwhelming and are at odds with different characters' views.

Friday night fan

If you love football, high school, or anything to do with Friday night, you've got to listen to this book. Grisham is amazing, and creates a story that just delivers.