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Search - Playing For Pizza
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Playing For Pizza Author: |
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Book Description:
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 heads off to Italy. He knows nothing about Parma, 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.
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 heads off to Italy. He knows nothing about Parma, 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.
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Top Member Book Reviews
Anna S. (
12 member(s) found this review helpful.
Football, Italy, and lack of a plotline - this can't be a John Grisham novel. "Playing for Pizza" is a disappointing departure from his usual well-written legal dramas. There were many personal relationships and sub-plots that could have been developed in this story, but weren't.
The book might be interesting to people who enjoy the blow-by-blow details of a football game, but did not hold my attention. I found myself skipping pages at a time, as he described football plays in excruciating detail. I'm very disappointed.
Janis K. (
10 member(s) found this review helpful.
What I liked about this book is that I've never read anything like it. Although the characterization doesn't go much deeper than cliched stereotypes, the story of a humiliated underdog finding his place in the world is a fun read.
Linda (
8 member(s) found this review helpful.
Not your normal Grishman novel but good none the less. Difficult to describe to someone else but I found myself seeing the world through the main characters eyes. How he had a life all planned out and it didn't quite work the way he expected, so he took a detour and found a whole new life. A nice Sunday afternoon read.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I haven't read any of Grisham's other books, but from what I understand, this is a different style for him. This story is of an American football player whose only hope of playing another season lies in the small town of Parma, Italy, of Parmesan cheese fame. Rick Dockery arrives dressed in Florida golf wear and not sure what to expect. What he finds is a team that plays for the love of the game, not for money, and a comradery that crosses language barriers. He also finds a different culture, that appreciates long meals with good food and good company. I got lost in some of the football details of the story, but the characters were so well portrayed that it didn't even matter. Definitely worth all the attention it received.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
A simple feel good football story. No serious drama or complicated plot. Very similar to his novel Skipping Christmas and very different from his legal thrillers.
2.5 stars out of 5
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a lighthearted, fun read. If you like football and can follow a game (and enjoy it!) then you'll enjoy this book too! Not Grisham's usual law type book, but his writing style still shows through with development of character and plot that implore you to continue reading. My husband and I kept snatching the book from each other to read it whenever we had a free second!
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was a pleasant read, but it lacked the "wow" factor. I felt the story line was very predictable and the ending seemed like Grisham was bored with the story and decided to end it too soon. If you are looking for a book to read while you are drifting off to sleep at night, this one is it. It doesn't take much effort to read and follow. I did enjoy the descriptions of Italy though.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
As soon as a John Grisham book is published, I am extremely anxious to get my hands on it, however, I was several months late in knowing about this book. I understand why. It is a different genre for him and his legal thrillers. I honestly was not thrilled with this book. The football details began to bore me along the way. I would have liked some characters and plot lines to be developed more. In my oh so humble opinion, I think John Grisham should stick to what he knows best. I think he is a fantastic author that has found his niche in the market, and should stick to it.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
If you are seeking a hard-hitting Grisham book, this is not for you. This charming book sends an American football player to Italy where he discovers himself and rediscovers his love of football. It's a wonderful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Light read, e.g. not much of a plot and not much character development. OK story, but if you've read the back cover, you've basically read the book. The hero is a strong-armed but underperforming QB, a la Jeff George or Todd Marinovich, and it might have been nice to have more development of his character, but then, that isn't what John Grisham does.
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Please Rate these Book Reviews
I love Grisham, and was very excited to read a book that would be a departure from his usual genre... But I was a bit disappointed in "Playing For Pizza". The characters didn't develop as well as they could have, and the ending did not provide any kind of closure- almost like he just got bored & decided to wrap it up real quick. I also could have lived without the pages upon pages of blow-by-blow football action, but that's just personal preference. The thing I really loved was that you could see Grisham's style shine through in the good parts.
I am, and will continue to be, a huge fan :)
Odette R. (I bought this book because I enjoy John G. as an author. But this book had no legal mystery central idea to it. I think this book is more for guys than for gals, even the love story is missing some of the details I usually enjoy in a good book but my husband tells me guys don't need all those lovey dovey details we do. but despite all this, I enjoyed the book and even learned a little about football in the process, LOL.
This book is I thought one of John grishams best, I don't think all of the best books that he writes has to be about the law and this is a great book for the lover of travel and football (American Football).I give it at least a 4 star from John Grisham.
:)zuphoto
Every once in awhile John Grisham writes out his normal genre. This story is about a third-rate football player who gets cut from the Cleveland Browns and goes to play on a team in Parma, Italy. American football in Italy is NOT a national pasttime and our "hero" does not speak Italian. It is a good story and I enjoyed it.
Not your usual Grisham. Entertaining if you like football and a whacky premise.
The ending was a little disappointing, but overall it was an easy read.
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