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Italy Is Quarterback In Tale Of Redemption

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By KAREN HAYMON LONG

Published: October 14, 2007

'Playing for Pizza,' by John Grisham (Doubleday, $21.95)

Don't expect a mystery or a courtroom of lawyers in John Grisham's newest novel. But you can look forward to a light, enjoyable read about a washed-up NFL quarterback who finds his game in Italy.

Yes, Italy really does have American football, and Grisham, the top-selling author of 18 other novels, became so taken with it that he made it the focus of this book.

After a disastrous career on eight teams in six years, Rick Dockery heads to Italy to quarterback for the Parma Panthers. Mostly unpaid, but with guts and spirit to overcome their lack of skill, the Panthers accept Dockery as a brother.

Their owner, although stingy with salaries, treats the team to pizza after practice. Thus, the novel's title.
Dockery finds a love interest, then another, but his romances aren't what make this a likable book. Grisham's male characters seem more real than the women, who are one-dimensional.

The book's strengths are the players - their locker room banter, their will to win, their friendships and admiration for their dedicated American coach.

Grisham obviously knows and loves Italy and enriches this novel with details of castles, cafes and cathedrals that will make readers want to visit. It's a travelogue of sorts, filled with the aromas of tortellini, cotolette alla parmigiana (veal cutlets) and vino - lots of vino.

The Panthers have never won an Italian Super Bowl but have faith that Dockery will lead them to victory.

In the end, their friendships and acceptance mean more to him than the game. And Italy comes to mean even more.

Karen Haymon Long is the Tribune's book editor.

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