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.

Enjoyable story for football fans

I found this story delightful and didn't want to put it down. a lot of it described the plays during the football games so unless you are a fan you might get lost and be bored with the book. For me it was great and entertaining. The food descriptions makes me want to visit Italy and even had me questioning my vegetarian life style.

Awesome sports read!

Playing for pizza one The Bleachers are two of the best books I’ve ever read. I wish someone would make a movie of both. Great job Mr Grisham!!

Dont judge, experience it first.

Great story, easy to relate to as an aging human. You can still enjoy the challenges, and the thrill if you let go of your ego

Audience Unknown

I'm not quite sure who this book would appeal to. If you took out the play-by-play football passages, it would likely be half the length. Perhaps football fans enjoy these game play descriptions, but I doubt it, and can't think why anyone else would. It was a light yarn, with very little story or serious considerations. I kept expecting something to happen, but nothing ever did. The narrator was good, however while I initially thought that his Italian place name pronounciations sounded authentic, when he pronounced the Canadian places incorrectly I began to have doubts. If he pronounces Regina as Regeena, who knows about the Italian.

delightful

This book just makes you feel good. The character are great, he describes Italy and its people to the tee and tells a story in a way that makes you want to experience it first hand. Grisham continues to create works of art. I am sure this will hit the big screen. I highly recommend it.

Craving Pizza in Parma

I love John Grisham and I love this book. I tead it several years ago and wanted to hear it. A great story for men and women, toung and old. American football played in depths of Italy, complete with food and wine described as if you were watching The Foid Network, countryside views, the laid-back bustle of Italian life, and a bit of a crush I think. I enjoyed this book so much, I wish Grisham would write a sequel. Great reader. If you are looking for a super read that will entertain all the grown ups play this great book for a road trip!

Light Hearted, Fun, and I'M HUNGRY!!!

Great summer read! Well written, laugh out loud moments, and definitely makes me want to cheer the Parma Panthers!! Enjoy, I did.

Enjoyable

Not his best book but I liked it and it made me want to visit Italy.

great book

No lawyer stuff but one of John's best books ever. a must read and massively entertaining.

nicely paced, quick story

Grisham did a good job here. The story is quick and entertaining. Narration is solid.