Playing for Pizza

A Novel

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Christopher Evan Welch

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Rick Dockery was the third-string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. In the AFC Championship game against Denver, to the surprise and dismay of virtually everyone, Rick actually got into the game. With a 17-point lead and just minutes to go, Rick provided what was arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL. Overnight, he became a national laughingstock and, of course, was immediately cut by the Browns and shunned by all other teams.

But all Rick knows is football, and he insists that his agent, Arnie, find a team that needs him. Against enormous odds, Arnie finally locates just such a team and informs Rick that, miraculously, he can in fact now be a starting quarterback: for the mighty Panthers of Parma, Italy.

Yes, Italians do play American football, to one degree or another, and the Parma Panthers desperately want a former NFL player, any former NFL player, at their helm. So Rick reluctantly agrees to play for the Panthers, at least until a better offer comes along, and he heads off to Italy. He knows nothing about Parma, not even where it is, has never been to Europe, and doesn't speak or understand a word of Italian. To say that Italy holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement.

©2007 Belfrey Holdings Inc (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

good read

good read just no ending it just kind of ended He must want to do a second book.

Fun, light listen

This is a great book to just relax and listen to. Doesn't require a lot of thought, but is a lot of fun. The characters are nicely developed. It is good to hear John Grisham branch out.

If you like Italy and football, buy this one

What made the experience of listening to Playing for Pizza the most enjoyable?

We've been several times to Italy, and this book brought back a lot of the memories! I watch football, though not a huge fan, but this book makes it easy, with a great sense of humor. Would recommend!

<br />Relaxing!

Wanted to hear the story more because I'm from Iowa and John Grisham was the author than anything. Not a strong sports fan, but actually enjoyed this story and its setting, having visited some of the same cities. I found myself rather entertained as I listened to this audiobook while I worked on my "to do" lists! The narration was easy to listen to.

Fun

Good light easy read, a fun simple but sports centered football quick fast done please

NIHL

A somewhat predictable story, but a fun book. I know nothing about football, but I enjoyed the descriptions of the Italian cities. I was surprised that it was a Grisham book. It was so different from his other books. I am glad I listened to it.

Endearing

This is the perfect novel to read under the sade of a tree on a warm, lazy summer day. You should time things so the last few chapters are read during sunset and the book ends when the sun is gone.

It is that kind of story : very light yet not shallow, delicious and touching. This short novel stayed on my mind for much longer than I expected.

My second favorite John Grisham book

My favorite book by John, surprisingly has nothing to do with lawyers. It's A Painted House. My second favorite, however (and only by the slightest of margins), is Playing For Pizza; a unique tale, wonderfully told with rich characters and a storyline that has you cheering for the hero up until the final pages.

Fun listen

love this book. listen couple times a year. Kinda wish it was longer. would make a great movie.

Go for it!

This is only my second Grisham book. I’m hooked. “Pizza” is much more than football book It touches all the bases(sports pun not intended). The story was compelling and the reading top-notch. Trust me on this one...go for it!