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.

Just a potboiler

If you need a definition of "potboiler" look no further than this book. Best I can say for it is that it is well written in the technical sense. Realistic dialogue and descriptions, especially of Italian food, make the book tolerable. But there is no mystery, no suspense, no surprises - nothing, in other words, to give the reader a sense of discovery or achievement. This story was obviously quickly dashed off. The plot is transparently thin: third rate NFL player winds up in Italy and becomes the star of a ragtag team. He finally meets a girl from the States and they fall in love. I have only 20 minutes more to listen to but I already know what's coming. The big game. They'll probably win. Then he and the girl will go back to the States, get married, and disappear from notice. Or they'll stay in Italy and do the same. Ho-hum. If it turns out any different, I'll either edit this or write a follow-up.

Love this novel.

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

I love this novel and read it once a year. I like the story and the characters

What did you like best about this story?

Everything

Which character – as performed by Christopher Evan Welch – was your favorite?

Rick

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

Yes, when Rick rediscovers the love of the game and becomes a team player as well as leader.

Any additional comments?

This is a great read.

You can be a champion at any level

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

Its a feel good book

What did you like best about this story?

That you can be a star at any level as long as you belive in your self .

Which character – as performed by Christopher Evan Welch – was your favorite?

Main character Quarterback .

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

When he turned down the money in Canada to be loyal to his team mates .

Any additional comments?

I wish that John Grissiom would write more like this one and Painted House, and Foard County .

One of the best

Absolutely wonderful. Grisham makes you feel like you are there. Awesome story.

Incredibly good story

Obviously John Grisham knows how to write but this is one of his father stories to listen to. A fun read, and a great reader thanks

Brilliant!

John Grisham is the greatest American storyteller in the 20th and 21st century! I look forward to every book.

Driving with your husband

Great for my husband and I as we drove across the state line …. Very delightful -

Come on Hollywood

Why is this not a movie yet? Such a great book. One you can’t put down. Such a page turner.

Very un-Grisham like book.

Good listen. Fun. Not appropriate for children. Fair warning, listening will make you hungry for Italian food.

Great light read

John Grisham's legal dramas are my favorite but I love when he strays away from the courtroom too.