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)

Well done

This novelette was well wriitten. It seems like one of those good YA stories that hold up for an adult audience. The reader is kept in a state of suspense that is just about right. Many coming of age themes are visited. I like Grisham's narration & the guest narration was excellent.

Stereotypical former athlete from a small town book.

Good writing and story telling but it is nothing more than your regular former athletic star from a small town gets injured and then returns when he didn’t want to B movie type book.

Where is the Lawyer?

I loved it!! I loved it, not because the lawyer was missing but because it is such a great story and because the author read it so well. My son hopes to be a high school history teach and coach soccer. What a noble ambition. I called him up and told him he needs to read this book. I think I?ll read it again. I rarely read books twice.

Not Grisham's best, but a good audiobook.

Like The Painted House, this book is different than other Grisham books. While I hated The Pained House, Bleachers wasn't bad. I still prefer the fast pace and twists of Grisham's "lawyer" books, but Bleachers was a nice break. I was somewhat disappointed in Grisham's reading.

this narrator is the most

this narrator is one of the most amazing story tellers if ever heard. He is comforting... real....true to the story.

Great Read!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a great read for anyone who played high school football or just high school sports in general!

Bleachers

John Grisham has written a truly compelling and emotionally envolving story in Bleachers. His portrayal of Coach Eddie Rake as a true human being with real positive and real negative traits is as close to real life as it gets. Anyone who has ever been inspired to be more than they would have been on their own will recognize parts of themselves and their mentor in this story. If you have ever believed in someone because they woke something in you this book will capture you. Love and respect aren't one sided. This book really exposes a whole picture.

Enjoyable story...

by a good storyteller. If you liked A Painted House, I think you'll like Bleachers.

Bleachers--Refreshing change of Pace

Only John could make a great story out of a death of a local hero. He is really a talented writer who shows that a good old fashion story with a moral can still be a best seller--I couldn't stop the player !!

loved it

great listen...felt like you were there in the town while listening to the stories ...great story!