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)

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.

Well writen

Even though I found that I wasn't very interested in the subject matter, I found this book to be so well written that I just had to finish reading it.

A story about the memories of High School Sports.

A quick read for certain, but one filled with the good and bad memories of youth and the dedication a team has for its coach.

No end to Grisham’s insight

Grisham has an incredible talent for making the ordinary extraordinary. This book is no exception.

Wonderfully written

John really takes you into a place you have never been when he writes stories like this that so many can relate to in some way. Loved the story, narration and where it took my imagination.

Thank You!

Lovely

As a teacher in a small school that worships football I love this book in all forms. Part of my fall experience is listening to it or reading it annually.

just a great story

The life and times of football players, and the townfolk, in small-town USA. ,Grisham does a great job with the narration.

Excellent story

I always enjoy Grisham but his turn to sports novels is a delight. Well developed plot and characters

A walk down memory lane

Even though I never got involved in high school sports, I was entranced by this tale of this All-American quarterback coming home to face his fondest memories and worst nightmares. John Grisham really makes you feel like you knew Coach Rake and are there on the bleachers in this small town. It was certainly not my favorite Grisham novel, but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless.