Book Reviews of Bleachers

This book differs quite a bit from his usual lawyer tales, and is quite a bit slower. It's interesting to see a different side to his writing, but I did not prefer it.

Bleachers is an OK book, but in my opinion, not one of Grisham's best.

I love Grisham's voice in all his novels. This was a departure from the legal mystery genre, but it was an easy, enjoyable read. Great for any football fan, anyone from a small town, or who feels nostalgic about their high school "glory days."

This is more literary than what John Grisham usually writes. Standing alone as a departure from his courtroom dramas with all the mystery and suspense, Bleachers shows a new side of Grisham as a writer. He can write in other genres and still be the well-loved author whose characters come off the page.

Even though I am not a football fan, this is an excellent book. Really captures the feeling of hometowns, team spirit and friendship in the face of adversity.

Different book for Grisham, but not bad. I prefer his courtroom action over this though.

Not a John Grisham typical book. I think he went home for his High School Reunion and Forgot how to write. I did not enjoy this one and I have Read ALL of his books.

Not the usual Grisham. The writing is good but I definitely prefer his legal books. This was too slow.

Nice writing from John Grisham as always. However, this was by far my most favorite of his because it was out of the norm for him. Touching story of a high school football coach and the lives he impacted throughout his life, in a good way or a bad way.

This was an okay summer read, but not much like John Grisham's other novels. Expect this to be different, but good.

THIS WOULD BE A GREAT BOOK TO GET A TEEN BOY OR A MAN TO READ SOMETHING. BUT IT'S A WELL TOLD STORY AND GOOD EVEN IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT FOOTBALL. IT'S ABOUT WHAT THEY LEARN FROM BEING ON A TEAM AND FROM A SPECIAL COACH. RELATIONSHIPS AS IMPORTANT AS THE FOOTBALL ITSELF.

Different for Grisham but a pleasant read!

Grisham does a fine job of capturing the atmosphere in a small town where every store has the game schedule in the window and no one plans any other activities on Friday night.

A great read!

"You've read Bleachers, John Grisham's newest bestseller, many times in a thousand other books, many of them better than this somewhat undersized novel. The general atmosphere of high school football which consumes an entire town has been told better in Friday Night Lights. The harsh treatment of young football hopefuls by dictator-coaches was brought into cruel focus in the non-fiction Junction Boys, about Bear Bryant and a legendary sweat-box training camp for his players during his first summer at Texas A&M. And, of course, keeping vigil for an impending death has been literally done to death many times, notably in Edward Albee's Pulitzer-Prize winning play All Over. So, why read Bleachers? Because, once again, the fresh, newspaper-like quality of John Grisham's minimalist prose draws us into the story and makes us love and, in our own ways, relate to all the characters, saint and sinner alike. Here, we have Neely Crenshaw, the gifted ex-quarterback who can't forgive Coach Eddie Rake for one moment of locker room abuse; Cameron, the ex-girlfriend whom he jilted in high school and who cannot fully forgive him; Mal, the ex-player turned lawman who has his own chilling tale to tell; and finally, the ex-teammates who meet spontaneously in the bleachers of the old stadium awaiting news of the coach's impending death. They meet shyly, hesitantly at first, then start to drink and tell stories while listening to a tape broadcast of their most famous game. (Their shared stories as they relive this game are the undisputed high point of the book.) Yes, we even have the memorial service in which our ex-quarterback and (believe it or not) our dearly departed coach get the chance to have a final say. We know the outcome of this story as surely as Friday night football in the South. Why retell it? Because it is a very touching and human story and like all the best stories, deserves to be told again and again. (Besides, it's a short book, and quick readers will finish it in a matter of hours.) In short, a good reaffirmation of life, the human spirit, and football in all it's glory."
- Chris

have always loved John Grisham's novels in the courtroom and wasn't sure if I would like this one.
I shouldn't have been worried.
awesome story.

This is unlike most Grisham books. It's the story of a high school all American quarterback's return to his alma mater after 15 years because the coach is dying. The NY Times said, "Grisham makes the football game so real the reader can almost see/hear it." The story is very touching. It almost reads like a personal journey.

Very different Grisham. A great book about toughness, relationships, regrets. An easy read.

Coach Eddie Rake is dying. He created a football dynasty in a small town, and his former players gather to say goodbye. They remember the games and try to decide whether they hate or love coach Rake. Neeley Crenshaw, the greatest quarterback they ever had has been gone for 15 years and must forgive himself and his coach before he can move on with his life.

A little different type of book for Grisham than what I've been used to. Still a good read.

this book is for people that love football - i'm not one of them...

Unlike John Grisham's typical legal thrillers, this is a nice surprise, with a hometown feel to it.

A good story about a high school all-American football player who returns to his home town for his 15th high school reunion to find that his old coach--the man he can't forgive--is dying.

Not a typical Grisham but interesting.

Another great one by John Grisham!

Another great book by John Grisham.

Grisham proves he can write great novels with other than a lawyer a central character.

Loved it! Great football book.

I'm amazed at the many genres in which Grisham can write.

good book, held my interest.

interesting

Great quick read. I am not a sports book reader, but this book is a liitle more than that. Small town football hero gets revisits his past to change his life.

Not Grisham’s usual subject (completely non-law related), but an outstanding read. Great book about coming back home. It struck a chord with me because I played high school football and lived in a small Texas town where half the population showed up for games. I think Grisham could write a story about baking cookies and make it exciting.

easy read football book good for teenage boy

Wonderful book.

A look at high school football, the coach and how it affects a town.

A legendary HS football coach is dying and ex-jocks come back to reminisce and await his passing. Their reliving the past brings up aspects of the coach's tactics that they've forgotten--or tried to. About sports, forgiveness, psychological damage.

Slow beginning but great toward the end. Overall a fast read though.

loved this book...great read

John Grisham takes a break from usual lawyer-in-peril thrillers to write a story about high school football and its effect on the people involved in it. Messina is a small town in an unnamed southern state where the football field holds more people than the town population. The tough-as-nails coach, Eddie Rake, drove his boys hard to win state championships and the hero worship and extra privileges that come with it. The coach is now on his deathbed, and his old players come back to Messina to say goodbye and relive memories of those days. It's a look at how a single-minded obsession and hero worship at a young age can affect many lives. Bleachers has received mixed reviews from "engaging little novel" (USA Today) to a "moribund and misbegotten little novel" (Entertainment Weekly).

Probably my favorite John Grisham book! If you're southern and from a small (football) town you can definitely relate to this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My husband loved this book. I myself did not read it as my husband was explaining every chapter to me. It sounded really good. He read it in a day. For my husband to read a book in a day...then it is good!

excellent book, especially if your from a small town and enjoy high school sports! Its far from his normal law books!

Good book, not your typical Grisham.

If you like grisham books its definately worth a read, not one of his top books though. A bit slow.

I love Grisham, but Hate football. If you, on the other hand, LIKE football, this would be a great book for you. It needs an appreciative home.

A great tale about going home and dealing with the "ghosts" of one's past.

A good read, but not the usual Grisham style. I really enjoyed it though.

a great story and a quick read

This is a different story for Grisham. A high school football coach, Eddie Rake, is dying. Over the years of coaching some of his players loved him and some hated him. As word gets out that he is dying players drift back to the school bleachers and relive the glory days. Neely Crenshaw is among them. He must forgive his coach and himself before he can get on with his life.
You will probably read this in one sitting; so don't leave anything on the stove!

Not his best work. Good but I like his mysteries better!

different but good,a good description of small town life

I've read others by him I liked better, but if you like football you will probably love this one

If you are from a small town where football means everything, this book will really resonate with you. It's a departure from Grisham's regular legal thrillers and a slower pace. It's like a reunion of the football players and their reminiscing of the old days.

Not his typical lawyer book. I liked this one because I love high school football, and the story was real for me.

What a great read. I read this book in less than 48 hours...all while i was working and juggling several other appointments.
Far from the style we are used to from John Grisham but what a gripping story.

Not a great book, but is okay. Basically it's about a bunch of guys that were small town High School football stars who come together again as their legendary coach is dying. I didn't much care for it, but it was a great commentary on the 'glory days' fof High School athletes, and how seldom their stardom lasts for long, leaving them with nothing but the memories and a broken body to show for it. But, it's also a commentary on the lasting influence, whether positive or negative, a well-respected figure such as a coach can have on the young people they're around. Not a bad read, and it doesn't take long either.

A young man's home coming to a small town helps him deal with his past and a future.

Great book, Anyone who loves footbal will enjoy this book...

Not your typical Grisham, but very well written and entertaining.

Not a typical Grisham book but enjoyable and well worth the read.

I've enjoyed his lawyer books more.

This is a quick read, but it appears to be most interesting to those who enjoy reading descriptions high school football plays. The book does have some interesting messages, but I got bored reading the sports stuff.

very easy and enjoyable to read. I do recommend it.

Easy read, good story, I loved it.

This book is in excellent condition. The spine is not creased. It is like new.

High school all-American Nealy Crenshaw was probably the best quarterback ever to play for the legendary Messina Spartans. 15 years have gone by since those glorious days and Nealy has come home to Messina to bury Coach Eddie Rake the man who molded the Spartans into an unbeatable football dynasty.

"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.

From Publishers Weekly: "...slight but likable novel of high school football, a legendary coach and the perils of too early fame. Fifteen years after graduation, Neely Crenshaw, one-time star quarterback of the Messina Spartans, returns home on hearing news of the impending death of tough-as-nails coach Eddie Rake. Neely knows the score: "When you're famous at eighteen, you spend the rest of your life fading away." It's a lesson he's learned the hard way after destroying his knee playing college ball and drifting through life in an ever-downward spiral. He and his former teammates sit in the bleachers at the high school stadium waiting for Rake to die, drinking beer and reminiscing. There is a mystery involving the legendary '87 championship, and Neely has unfinished business with an old high school sweetheart..." Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --

Another winner from Joh Grisham.

A different but good book. A definite read for a Grisham fan.

fast & entertaining read

"As taut and twisting as a well-thrown spiral. Some of the best writing from Grisham...He makes Bleachers sing. Grisham makes this football game so real that the reader can almost see and hear it."

I loved this book. Very different from Grisham's other books.

Great Book. Nice story line.

what a wonderful story told by this author who usually writes legal thrillers. this is a beautifully written story - not just about football.

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....

Ejoyed this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fairly "easy read," but it was a in-depth study of the complicated undercurrents of small-town football, and what happens after we supposedly "grow up."

Not Grisham's usual book. Good though.

Good book

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.

If you are from a small town, you will enjoy this book. It's always about coming home.

Another great John Grisham book.

Very touching. Reminds me somwhat of Remember the Titans.

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 himslef--before he can get on with his life, the stakes are especially high...
You enjoy this John Grishman book as much as all his others.

Neely Crenshaw returns to his home town to bury the football coach. The boys, now men, struggle to decide if they hate or love their old coach…and Neely struggles to forgive his old coach when the stakes are especially high…

Great story!

This is a good book if you are very familiar with football.

I did not care for this book. I'm not a big football fan, so I was kind of bored during the parts where they relived their football moments; but for those football fans out there you will probably enjoy this book.

book about a football team

Awesome book - any football fan would enjoy it!

Men reliving their glory days as high school football stars. Poignant and realistic.

Not Grisham's best work...

****After fifteen years, Neely Crenshaw, high school all-American quarterback, has come home to Messina to bury Coach Eddie Rake. As Coach Rake's "boys" sit in the bleachers, they rep;lay the old games, relive the old glories, and try to decide once and for all whether they loved Eddie Rake or hate him. Neely Crenshaw must finally forgive his coach and himself before he can get on with his life.

Bestseller. Grisham at his best.

All of John Grisham is good reading!

john grisham enough said

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 nam 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...