Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

October 16, 2008

Paperback 2008, 308 pages.

This book describes the adventure of a quarterback Rick Dockery who was cut from the Cleveland Browns after throwing multiple interceptions that caused the team their playoff victory. He eventually found a job playing for the Parma Panthers of Italy, earning a couple of thousand Euros a month. The book ends with the Panthers winning the Italian Superbowl, and Rick traveling with his new girlfriend.

I picked up the book thinking it was another of Grisham's thrillers and soon realized it is of a different genre. I decided to buy it to read along the Hong Kong trip. It was an easy read, but not satisfying. Grisham could well be describing the life of most people on the street and make it equally “exciting.” No redemption, no real triumphs, just a person meeting with what life throws at him and adjusting. I am sure most aspiring authors think they can write an equally compelling book but think better of it. But this is Grisham, so he can expect reasonable sales. In any case, my reaction to this book is similar to that of “The Painted House.” At least in that book there is some mayhem! The book suffers from another of Grisham's problems: uninspiring endings, although it is not that bad here since the entire book is uninspiring.

To add insult to injury, I found out I had bought another copy of the book earlier and had forgotten about it. That is one reason why I write these blurbs so I remember what books I have read (but evidently not what I have purchased). Good thing Costco discounts the book by a large amount.