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Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN num: 9780385525008
ISBN number: 0385525001
Label: Doubleday
Manufacturer: Doubleday
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 272
Printing Date: September 24, 2007
Publishing house: Doubleday
Release Date: September 24, 2007
Sale Popularity Level: 1004
Studio: Doubleday
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Amazon.com:
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 subsequent 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. Great, says Rick—for which team?
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—not even where it is—has never been to Europe, and doesn’t speak or understand a word of Italian.
To say that Italy—the land of opera, fine wines, extremely small cars, romance, and Football Americano— holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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This is not what we have come to expect from John Grisham. It is however, a light hearted and very entertaining read. Delightful!
Rated by buyers 
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This book certainly reflects Grisham's fascination with Italy that very first became evident with "The Broker". He lovingly describes the people and sights of Bologna. However, the plot and pacing of "Playing for Pizza" are too predictable for it to be rated higher than two stars by me.
Rated by buyers -
What I can't figure out is why John Grisham wrote this in the very first place. It's certainly a far cry from his usual good stuff. The plot: A not-so-good NFL quarterback winds up in Italy to play for a more-or-less pro team there. Can he survive the Italians? Can they survive him? It seems to me that Grisham simply let his ego write this book to inform us all how much he has learned through his obvious travels through that country. The details of Italian life, opera and especially food and drink, I found interesting. However, his attempted details of (semi-)professional football were certainly not in enough depth to hold my attention. Sure, a comfortable read for a guy, but my wife tossed it within an hour. Charles A. Reap, Jr., author of Devil's Game and My Friend Sam.
Rated by buyers 
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In another witty and fun departure from his legal thrillers, Grisham has penned a delightful yarn about disgraced NFL quarterback Rick Dockery. After throwing fabulous passes to the opposing team in his final game with Cleveland, Rick's agent Arnie has the unenviable job of informing his client that there is no way he will again play in the National Football League. Hated by Cleveland fans for his shockingly bad performance in a game that was as much as won (until Rick came off of the bench) it doesn't take long for Rick to realize that he practically needs police protection anywhere in the city. Then Arnie receives a call from a coach inquiring about Dockery; the catch is that the team is in Italy.
When a sullen Rick finally agrees to give the Italians a try, the experience is one of bravery,brotherhood, and a genuine love for the game. It would appear the Rick may have finally found a home with the Parma Panthers.....
A story rich in descriptions of Italian culture...which of course includes good food. A great story made all the more so for those readers who have a love for and understand American football. A fun, light read.
DYB
Rated by buyers -
When Grisham writes against type take notice. After reading this I MUST go to Italy. Well written, imaginative story. Highly recommend.
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