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, ...
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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-for 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, has never been to Europe, and doesn't speak or understand a word of Italian. To say that Italy holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement. From the Trade Paperback edition.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Damaged book. Slightly damaged in some way typically, a grazed corner or torn cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Damaged cover. The cover of is slightly damaged for instance a torn or bent corner.
Tis is a fun book if you are interested in the NFL or sports in general.
Susanjane C
Dec 6, 2010
Qucik and fun read
This is a great story. It is a more casual one for Grisham though. Don't read if you don't have access to any great Italian cuisine, as most of the story is spending describing and eating the most delectable fares! Football and good food - a fun combination
SeldomSeen
Sep 30, 2010
Pizza and Pigskins
Reading John Grisham is a guilty pleasure of mine, like sitting down and eating a box of cookies. Yes, it may be bad for you, you may not want to admit anything to your friends the next day, but damn, those things are good!
This story of washed-up NFL quarterback taking a job in the barely profession hardly solvent Italian football league is a classic fish-out-water tale. The culture shock of a not-too-bright jock in the middle of the Italian culture and culinary obsession is simply delicious.
Of course it is also a story of redemption and second chances which truly is Grisham?s forte. Here, he doesn?t disappoint. Playing for Pizza is a happy romp through the griddles and gridirons of Italy.
nycareerwoman729
Apr 8, 2010
What a great book!
I loved this book. This is now my favorite John Grisham book and I have read almost all of them as he is my favorite writer. You feel like you are at every game, can taste all the food and really feel like you are in Italy as well as understand the main character and what he is going through.
MsSassyLassy
Oct 1, 2008
Good Read
I really liked this book. I know very little about football, but I spent nine months in Italy and loved it. The descriptions of places and life in Italy really took me back there. That speaks volumes about the author and again I really liked this book and I know others that did too.