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.

Great Detail Oriented Story

Reminded me of my time in Italy. I wish there was a sequel. It has all of the elements of a classic.

Playing for Pizza: A Novel

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

The story made the book enjoyable. Rick's love of the game and his Italian teammates enthusiasm.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Playing for Pizza?

The most memorable moment is when he turns down the Canadian offer for $80,000 a year.

What aspect of Christopher Evan Welch’s performance would you have changed?

None.

If you could take any character from Playing for Pizza out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The judge from Parma.

rmb

I enjoyed 'Playing for Pizza' so much that I completed it in only 2 settings. The book is about two of my favorite things: Italy and sports. I recommend the book to anyone that loves either of them.

Get the book and have a great read!
rmb

Great book for sports fans

Love this book. The audio version makes it even better. I listen to this book once every other month.

Just a Story

I like Grisham's storytelling so have read most all his non-legal fiction. This one starts with an interesting premise but there are no real challenges for the protagonist. No tension. Not a page turner. It's just a story.

okay but...

g[d if you understand football and the plays, felt like it was left hanging though

Fun

Football  was interesting story from Grisham, not law related. I very much enjoyed the book.

Give Him A Break!

Like many others have said, there is some good and bad to this story. You know Mr. Grisham is at his best with lawyers, courtrooms and the like. But I applaud his efforts to go somewhere else. To me, it improves his talent level! Even though the new style may need some work.

I am not a football fan, nor have I ever traveled across the great seas. However, I expand my horizons through reading. This book did that for me. Yes, some of the detailed descriptions of both the sport and the scenery got tedious, and I am not a fan of loose sex, but I have been more bored or confused or disgusted by other selections than this one.

There was no mystery, no twisting plot, but there was a story. The main character was enlightened in the end. We got to experience that change of heart along with him. That was the story. Predictable? Maybe. Entertainng? Definitely.

The narration was well done. Nothing spectacular, but well done. I appreciate Frank Muller and Michael Beck from numerous previous titles, but Mr. Welch did a fine job.

If you enjoy Grisham, you will still enjoy this slightly different style of his stories.

A little slice of Italy

I have read all of his other books. I believe this book has a unique quality -- it lacks the urgency of the other stories, at the same time it invites you to consider why you like the things that make up your life. There is a subtle suggestion that you may be too serious or too structured. You may have been patterned to think you like the pleasures in your life. The Italian option will no doubt inspire many who read about Parma and the Panthers. This felt to me me like another trip to Italy. I have been to many of the places in the story and hearing about them again makes me want to see them in person again. Thank you for the vacation. Thanks also for the visit to the world of those who truly love football. I hope there are more of these stories to come...

Love this Book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Playing for Pizza to be better than the print version?

Maybe. Both are very good. I like the way the narrator brings Welch to life. Just right!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Franco. He's funny and devoted.

Have you listened to any of Christopher Evan Welch’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was the first.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It's not really that kind of book. There are some emotional bits, but mostly it's entertaining, uplifting, and funny at times.

Any additional comments?

You don't have to love football to enjoy this book. Short and sweet!