Playing for Pizza: A Novel | 
 enlarge | Author: John Grisham
Publisher: RH Audio
Category: Book
List Price: $29.95
Buy Used: $7.00
You Save: $22.95 (77%)
New (12) Used (21) from $7.00
Rating:  326 reviews
Sales Rank: 84107
Format: Audiobook, Unabridged
Media: Audio CD
Edition: Unabridged
Number Of Items: 6
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.3 x 5.5 x 1.1
ISBN: 0739359096
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780739359099
ASIN: 0739359096
Publication Date: September 24, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review
Playing for Pizza: A Q&A with John Grisham Q: American football in Italy seems like an unlikely subject for a John Grisham novel. What was the inspiration for Playing for Pizza? A: Three years ago when I was in Bologna researching "The Broker", I discovered American football. One of my guides in the area played football for the Bologna Warriors for 10 years. I couldn't believe that American football actually existed there, but the more I heard about it the more intrigued I became. Q: There is some great football writing in this novel. What kind of research was involved in capturing how this American institution is played in small town Italy? A: The only way to research the book was to go to Parma and watch a game. The coach is an American who played at Illinois State, and he proved to be extremely valuable. I met many of the Italian players and the story simply unfolded. Q: Speaking of research, you write lovingly of Italian food and wine in this book. What's your idea of the perfect Italian meal? A: First course: prosicutto and melon; second course: stuffed tortellini; third course: roasted stuffed capon, all served with a great Barolo wine. Q: Without giving away too much of the plot, your protagonist falls in love by the novel's end. Did you know when you started writing that Rick would get the girl? A: Of course. Q: You have a new legal thriller coming in January 2008. Can you give us any hints about what to expect? A: I really don't like to talk about a book until it's finished. Sorry. But it will not be another work of non-fiction, nor will it be about football. Lots of lawyers in the next one.
Product 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 321 more reviews...
Grisham lite (really lite) December 3, 2008
Everyone else has given a story synopsis so I will just give my impression after finishing it....
This is nice as a (lite) travelogue, a (lite) Italian cuisine review, a (lite) description of American football in Italy, and a lite diversion for an afternoon read, plane trip, etc. I almost hate to admit that I enjoyed it! This from a real Grisham fan -- definitely lighter than his other books I have enjoyed.
 Wake me when it's over... December 2, 2008
if you're having trouble sleeping, this book is for you. I love other Grisham books, but this one had me bored. I kept going and all but finished. I just don't see why I should finish. I honestly can't think of any plot in the book worth following up on. I really enjoyed reading about the food and culture, but I can get that from a travel guide & cookbook. Sorry - I just can't recommend this one Mr. Grisham.
A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME November 28, 2008
If John Grisham hadn't written this book, the author would have certainly been laughed out of the publishers' meeting. Playing for Pizza reads as if it were written in a week by an amateur. No depth, no real conflict/resolution, and certainly no suspense. As for the games, the first halves of each are described vividly, but we get none of the same for the second half; just a rundown of a couple plays and the final score. The ending of the last game was predictable, boring and too "Disney." At least it's a quick read, and a football novice can read it without too much trouble following. Very disappointing.
 strong start, gives up in 2nd half November 26, 2008
It starts out interesting with tantalizing details of Italian food and culture and a flirtation with an exotic opera singer. But when Rick picks up an American girlfriend, the book comes to an abrupt end. After that we get dry listings of the couple's tours and sexcapades. It seems Grisham lost interest at this point (like the reader) and just finished out the predictable sports story.
 Playing for Pizza November 24, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Not your normal Grisham novel.
What a name for a book? Actually, the name says it all.
Rick Dockery is a 3rd string NFL quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are winning 20-0 when the top two quarterbacks are injured leaving Dockery to play the game. He frets and the Browns lose the game. Dockery is hated in Cleveland and laughed at. His agent finds a team that might actually want him, the Parma Panthers in Italy. The Panthers play for the love of the game and the pizza and beer afterwards.
This novel is very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and learned a lot about Italian food. Great plot and better than the normal lawyer novels. Glad to see Grisham coming out of the box.
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