Alright readers, get your pom-poms ready, because I’m about to lead a cheer for John 
Grisham’s new book Playing for Pizza. “Give me an ‘F’!” “Give me a ‘U’!” “Give me an ‘N’!” “What do ya got?” FUN! “I can’t hear you!” FUN!
That’s right, Grisham’s new book is nothing but fun. Matter of fact, it is the perfect little read during the week while one waits for Grisham’s Alma Mata, Ole Miss, to kick-off a Saturday football game. What am I thinking? One only has two weekdays to read if he is a real football fanatic, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Our story opens with 28-year-old Rick Dockery lying in a hospital bed not really sure just how he got there. This confusion makes his agent, Arnie, a bit nervous. Over Rick’s lackluster football career this makes his third concussion—and one is usually one too many—in the NFL.
Arnie retells the story as Rick notices his head throbbing more and more with each sentence. Apparently, third-stringer Rick was called on the field to replace the second Browns’ quarterback to sustain injuries in the Cleveland Browns versus Denver Broncos match-up. This play-off game is all but won as Browns fans begin to head towards the parking lot.
As Rick accepts the snap, the Browns are up by 17 points with only 11 minutes left in the game. Have you ever played the game, “7 Minutes in Heaven?” Well, for Rick this is 11 minutes in the opposite direction as the ball is intercepted three separate times for unbelievable Bronco touchdowns.
Arnie has more bad news. First, Browns manager, Whacker, called while Rick was in his coma to fire him. Second, no one, not even his parents have sent flowers or get well cards. Last, an angry group of drunken fans have staged yell-ins directed at the quarterback’s hospital window for a week.
Hiding in the hospital, Rick is left with only two options; essentially, quit football altogether or play for the Parma Panthers in Parma, Italy. Who? Where?
Arnie’s worked the phones daily while Rick recovered for another NFL contract, but things have been brutal. Even the Denver Broncos-heading to the Super Bowl thanks to Rick-laugh at his offer. The Parma Panthers are the only agreeable team. Their offer, a whopping $20,000 plus room, car, and all the pasta one ex-NFLer can eat.
So, before the next tailgate party, what will you do? “Read! Read! READ!”
Note: Number 3 Armchair Travelers Reading Challenge
19 comments:
Hooray! Glad to hear that you enjoyed this one. I have it ready and waiting. :)
I just got my copy the other day and will be reading it soon. Sounds like a good one!
Yay. Now I know what to get my brother for Christmas! I haven't read any Grisham for a couple of years; this might be a good one to get me started again. Thanks for the review!
It's fun! Or, have I said that enough? :)
There's some play-by-play action in the last 10 chapters which drives you to root for the Panthers all the way to the Italian Super Bowl. I like Grisham trying different genres and I can see this one going straight to the movies like his Christmas book.
Enjoy, Joy and Lynne, it's a fun short read.
It's real short though Tiffany. If he likes a little more to read, The Blind Side by Michael Lewis is my favorite narrative nonfiction on football. He also wrote Money Ball about the ins and outs of baseball. :)
Like the Peanuts! I'm humming the song right now! :D
A good choice Maggie !
Short is perfect for him because he is way short on time...but I'll definitely keep the other recs. in mind! Thanks!
Yeah, I can't get through an October without the Great Pumpkin. :)
Oh, this sounds fabulous! I ahd a hard time picturing Grisham writing humor, until I read Skipping Christmas, which I absolutely loved. Think this is a must pick up.
By the way, you had me a bit worried with your cheer there... "F" "U"...
You've convinced me! And I believe that at sometime in the past, I said I'd never read another John Grisham.
Debi - My husband was a little concerned with the cheer, also!
Jenclair - Not the typical trial lawyer suspence he is known for and I'm glad he is trying different things. Hope you enjoy it.
I'm going to have to put this on my wish list. I'd seen it, but didn't think to pick it up.
I hope you like it and thanks for stopping by, J. Kaye.
This sounds like quite the diversion for Grisham, from courtroom to grid-iron?
Anyhoo, interesting blog.
Write one more favorable review of Grisham, and you will convincve me to buy him! You will have a disciple.
Right now, I am reading John Irving's "A Prayer For Owen Meany" and finding it delightful.
-- Cip
Thanks for stopping by Cipriano. There is always the library, if you cannot commit to purchasing. :D
Never read John Irving. No reason. My friends find him delightful. Maybe I should take a trip to the library, too.
I haven't read any Grisham in a long time but this sounds like it might be fun! I got tired of the legal stuff.
Deana - It's really fun to see him grow into other genres and I hope he will continue in the non-fiction area, too.
Thanks for the shelfari invite. I've had fun playing, but am a little slow catching on to all the cool gadgets. ;D
Maggie, I heard so many good things about you from our mutual friend LoonieC and one of the things she mentioned was your incredible energy. Love all the book reviews and the Reader's Bill of Rights. I may have to copy that for my hubby. He seems to think he can't skim or just stop reading something if it doesn't really interest him. He plods thru to the bitter end. Ugh!
Well, thanks for stopping by Adjective Queen! I've heard only good things from C about you! And, I hear you have two GREAT boys!
Why, do people do that!?! If they aren't enjoying a book they should put it down and pick up another one! My hubby is the same way. I can say he is optimistic, he plods through figuring the ending will be well worth it. Nine times out of 10, it isn't. Bah!
Maggie. Wow, I cannot over-endorse the discovery of John Irving.
I love this Meany book and cannot wait to read his others.
So, my reccommendation to you? Keep your eyes open for Irving books!
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