Playing for Pizza

A Novel

De: John Grisham

Narrado por: Christopher Evan Welch

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.

An unexpected pleasure

Where does Playing for Pizza rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I first listened to this audiobook as a curiosity and it quickly became one of my favorite John Grisham books. It is a great story and it surprised me when I learned the audiobook time was less than 7 hours. It seems longer because it is such a good story.

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

The retelling of Rick Dockery's epic collapse in the AFC Championship Game and Dockery clandestine attack of the newspaper reporter on American soil.

What about Christopher Evan Welch’s performance did you like?

Welch does what I most enjoy, he acts out each character giving them their own personality and distinctiveness. He just doesn't do an Italian accent for an Italian character...he gives them some depth. I appreciate that. He even does a good job making the female characters seem credibly feminine.

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

The final play of the championship game where Dockery got his clock cleaned. You just knew that might be the end for Dockery.

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

A Pleasant Listen

I enjoy football and traveling to Italy so this book was perfect for me. The book is not going to win any awards. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it entertaining. I recommend it.

Great light hearted read

This was a great story that was light hearted and engaging. I enjoyed every minute of this book.

Fun read

This attempt by Grisham to move from suspense is good by not his best. It is enjoyable but perdictable.

Enjoyable

This book is a slow beginning but picks up a little later on. The book itself didn't capture my interest as I thought it would.

For the third time

I read this story a number of years ago then re-read it a year or so after. I liked it so well I downloaded it here. Grisham is a great storyteller.

A Nice Diversion

Having spent time in Italy & having observed the passion of the Italian people, I appreciate Grisham's appraisal of the players love of the game. The childlike desire to fully engage for nothing more than beer & pizza should be the mantra for all professional athletes. However, the need to exceed the trivial trophies for more tangible rewards has driven the sports world into a business & not just sport.