Playing for Pizza is a Passionate Must-read for Summer

John Grisham is one of my favorite novelists and "Playing for Pizza" ranks (for me) as his best work. Usually immersed in some trial, lawsuit, or other court-room scenario, Grisham bursts from his "mold" to explore Italian food, culture, football around the world, and the travels of a spoiled quarterback somewhat past his prime. Within its pages, this shorter-than-average Grisham "novella" is quite thorough in capturing the essence of Italy. As a sports fan and 5 year resident of Italy, I feel somewhat qualified in awarding a heart-felt "MUST read" to my review.

Three years ago, an internet friend, a fellow veteran who shares our ties with Italy, recommend this novel on a website we maintain for people stationed at an old Air Force base in southern Italy at San Vito dei Normanni Air Station. Al Krombach's picks are always worth a look and I even went so far as to purchase the hardcover version immediately. I must admit, other than the Harry Potter series, I've never felt so glad to spend that "book money!" Krombach emphasized the unique appeal and enjoyable nature of this novel. I've thanked him many times for the hours of enjoyment gleaned from its pages. As "home-school parents," we were thrilled to have a solid, well-written book appropriate for our teen son to review for a book report. In five years of home school, my husband and I felt the resultant book report was Vince's best. The story combines the love of a football enthusiast with an endearing approach to Italian culture: the unique view of a pampered NFL quarterback, thrust unceremoniously into the limelight with a botched play and fairly serious head injury. The come-from-behind, underdog scenario, a hallmark of many Grisham themes, is well executed.

Stationed in southern Italy, my husband and I were fortunate enough to travel throughout Europe during our regular extended weekend breaks and military leave periods. We love Italian food and our entire family was thrilled with Grisham's detailed descriptions of the extended family approach to Italian life, the multi-course dinners, and free-pour potent local wines. As Americans, we were lovingly adopted into our neighbor's homes and immediately incorporated into neighborhood life.. As the Cleveland Browns' former quarterback, protagonist Rick Dockerty is an instant local celebrity, amongst the Italian "spaghetti league" footballers as well as in his new "hometown." His first Italian dinner is positively hysterical, and doubly fun for our reading pleasure. It brought back many memories as we experienced basically the same event several times over back when we were introduced to various people who entertained us in their homes.

Our hero progresses from a somewhat spoiled, erratic athlete as he learns a bit about culture, hard work, dedication and professionalism from his coach, Italian friends, and team mates. Seeing the world through his eyes took me (my entire family and many of our friends) back to those first few days, immersed in a "foreign" culture. The trouble is, when working and living in Italy, it's important to remember who is the new person. Dockery, after a rough start, assimilates well and learns a lot from people he initially considers moderately inferior to his elite status.

Looking back and re-reading "Playing for Pizza," I was just as thrilled the second (and third) time around. The lovingly crafted, well executed plot-line is suspenseful, up-lifting, and filled with unexpected little twists. Like most Grisham tales, there's good and bad guys. I've never been disappointed by this novelist, but I must say this particular piece surprised me. Not only did Grisham incorporate my favorite sport into his repertoire, he married it up with my favorite country. Italy is not where you'd expect to find an NFL star, and a travel diary isn't what I've come to expect from John Grisham. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised on all fronts. The entire Hagen family endorses this novel with our most enthusiastic emphasis!