Book Review: Playing for Pizza

Playing For Pizza
by John Grisham

Third-string NFL 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.

Quite a departure from Grisham's normal legal thrillers, I thought I'd like it since I've really enjoyed his other departures (Skipping Christmas, A Painted House, Bleachers). But it turns out this one's really his love letter to Italy. He goes on-and-on about opera and four-course meals and turns the book into a travel guide to Italy... disguised as a fish out of water story of an athlete.

Sure there is some talk of sports and football and how the American QB tries to lead his team to their version of the Super Bowl, but probably not enough to really call it a sports book. Of course he meets a girl and they visit more cities that we learn about, from Venice to Rome but not much else happens, except he learns how to drive a stick and park in a small parallel spot.

So if you like Italy, or plan to go there soon, I'd recommend the book. Otherwise, I personally found it boring. Readable, but boring. Easily my least favorite Grisham novel yet. Couldn't there have been a murder or something?

4/10