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)

Nostalgic and meaningful!

There is something wonderful about hearing an author read the words he or she wrote. I found that it added a depth to the characters that someone who would not know them as well would not be able to add. Some people touch our lives in ways so deep neither we nor they fully understand. So it is with Coach Rake and Neely Crenshaw. Great story, quick read, stays with you long after the last word. Absolutely recommend this John Grisham book and especially so If you are in anyway associated with high school football.

Not just a great football story!

John Grisham is a great narrator
for this book as it is more than a football story but also a life story.
My grandson and I talked about
the meaning in life, “never quit when you are winning, never quit when you are losing, never quit when you are hurt.” He is 40
years old and has had some of life’s bumps in the road. I have had my share. Story is inspiring
to both of us. Great job Mr. Grisham!

Bleachers

This was an amazing story. I’ve only listened to John Grisham’s law stories. I was quite surprised with this story. But was sad to hear it end. What a tribute to high school coaches who help mold & form our future.

Great story

Loved the story I think a lot of small towns have similar stories! The reading was excellent and the characters were very familiar!

Great listen!

I didn't want to stop whatever I was doing while listening to this story! John Grisham turns his talents to a football coach and his players rather than lawyers. It was a marvelous tale and will be appreciated by all, but especially those who have involvement in high school psorts.

Grisham...enough said!

I was so excited when I discovered that Grisham narrated the book himself. His rich Southern voice is so easy to listen to. I really love the books that he has written moving away from the legal world. "Playing for Pizza", "A Painted House", and "Bleachers" have helped me, as a teacher, bring more male students to reading.

bleachers

Where does Bleachers rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was one of the best

What did you like best about this story?

The suspense

Have you listened to any of John Grisham’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes and I have liked them all about the same

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

No idea

Another Favorite!!

I have now listened to three off-genre books by John Grisham in the last year—I loved each one of them!! They are short, sweet, and a nice change from his legal mysteries.

I love to review little gems I find, especially since I feel people will shy away from books due to a particular subject—in the case of Bleachers, football. I am not a fan, or even a spectator of football—period. However, this book has football as a background setting only. My indifference to the sport did not detract in the least from enjoying this novel. It is a story about life, human nature and moving on.

This book was narrated by the author—not something he usually does. I don’t think I would care for his narration for other titles, but for Bleachers, he was perfect. All in all, I highly recommend Bleachers (and Calico Joe, Playing for Pizza, and especially Skipping Christmas!)—definitely worthy of your time and credit!

How can you not??

Would you listen to Bleachers again? Why?

It's a beautifully told, and well spoken by the way, story that brings back some of the very memories I have cherished for so many years. It's not always a good thing to go back but sometimes when life calls you, your mind goes and the body just tends to follow.

What other book might you compare Bleachers to and why?

Can't really say. I haven't listened to too many but im really getting into this audiobook thing.

Have you listened to any of John Grisham’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Hmmm what's a Tag line? If it is what I think it is then it would be ...... Bleachers ... It's not always a good thing to go back but sometimes when life calls you, your mind goes and the body just tends to follow.

Any additional comments?

I loved it and wished it wouldnt end.

A Road To Maturity

I just finished listening to this book. I don't know if it makes a difference to listen to the author or to read him, but I found this book to be powerful. Those who have never played team competitive sports probably won't have a feel for this subject. But for those of us who have played high school team competitive sports, male or female, will love this book. It's a real life read.