Playing for Pizza
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4.2 • 452 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • After providing what is arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL, third-string quarterback Rick Dockery becomes a national laughingstock. Cut by the Cleveland Browns, and shunned by every other team, Rick insists that his agent find a team that does need him.
Against enormous odds, Rick lands a job—as the starting quarterback for the Mighty Panthers ... of Parma, Italy.
The Parma Panthers desperately want a former NFL player—any former NFL player—at their helm. And now they’ve got Rick, who knows nothing about Parma (not even where it is) and doesn’t speak a word of Italian. To say that Italy—the land of fine wines, extremely small cars, and football americano—holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement.
Don’t miss John Grisham’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Third-string Cleveland Browns quarterback Rick Dockery becomes the greatest goat ever by throwing three interceptions in the closing minutes of the AFC championship game. Fleeing vengeful fans, he finds refuge in the grungiest corner of professional football, the Italian National Football League as quarterback of the inept but full-of-heart Parma Panthers. What ensues is a winsome football fable, replete with team bonding and character-building as the underdog Panthers challenge the powerhouse Bergamo Lions for a shot at the Italian Superbowl. The book is also the author's love letter to Italy. Rick is first baffled and then enchanted by all things Italian-tiny cars! opera! benign corruption!-and through him Grisham (The Firm) instructs his readership in the art of gracious living, featuring sumptuous four-hour, umpteen-course meals. The writing sometimes lapses into travel-guide ("most Italian cities are sort of configured around a central square, called a piazza") and food porn ("[the veal cutlets are beaten with a small bat, then dipped in eggs, fried in a skillet, and then baked in the oven with a mix of parmigiano cheese and stock until the cheese melts"), but it's invigorated by appealing characters and lively play-by-play. The result is a charming fish-out-of-water story.
Customer Reviews
Playing for Pizza
This is John Grisham's first sports book and the last one that I read. Though I wasn't sure about the main character in the beginning, it wasn't long before I started to like him. The more he discovered his true self, the more I liked him.
This was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed the history of Italy as well as the cuisine.
As always, Grisam did a great job with his research.
Soulful
Another wonderful non-formula Fun read. It makes me want to go to Italy!
Enjoyable read!
Just enough football balanced with ‘Italia’!