Boring Snoring
Grisham's books usually start strong, go a bit dry and then end strong. This book never started. It reminded me of reading the sports page of the paper, not very exciting.

Actually Italy is very much like this
Being Italian and living in Italy, I was a bit opionionated about the possible clichés this book may contain.

I was proved wrong enough: it's an enjoyable although a bit flimsy tale set in a realistic nowadays Parma. Italy is very much like this, and I like the portrait Grisham offers of our country and ways. The protagonist, albeit inarticulate at times, is sweetly human and vital in his ability to adapt to the new contest.

Good work, I loved it!

While not the usual, it was enjoyable nonetheless
John Grisham is a talented writer who, even after becoming very predictable, can still tell stories in a manner that quickly captivates the reader. This book is quite a different approach altogether though from his usual lawyer formula. While I kept waiting for something to happen that never happens, I did very much enjoy the wait.

The story opens with the most unlikely of main characters, an NFL third string quarterback who after just having lost the Championship for the Cleveland Browns by throwing three interceptions in the fourth quarter, awakens in a hospital room with a concussion. He quickly learns that the entire city is calling for his head, and he is promptly cut by the team, and out of work. His agent is trying to find his next opportunity and the only one he can find is with an Italian Football team in Parma, Italy.

The remainder of the book is about how the main character adapts to life in Italy and slowly develops at least something of a sense of meaning in his life outside of self interest and doing as little as he can to get by.

The story itself doesn't really have a lot of surprises, and certainly the only mystery is in the expectations I had that there would actually be one. That said, I really enjoyed the book. It has a light breezy feel making it perfect for a lazy summer afternoon of reading. I read the book sitting next to the pool one quick afternoon, and to be honest was disappointed that it ended.

So, if you are looking for a tight suspenseful Grisham formula, you will not find it here. If you want to get a little taste of Italy and the fall and rise of an anti-hero of sorts, then you will enjoy this book as I did. I would agree with other reviewers who said it was basically young adult level, and in fact it reminded me of books I read as a kid. While that may be true I think most of us enjoyed those books and likely enjoyed this one as well, and isn't that the point?

Un-engaging
The best way to describe this book is un-engaging. It seems Grisham overextended his stay in Italy after finishing 'The Broker' and had some time and energy to put together this book about an American football player who is looking for a new beginning.

The story wavers between the ups and downs of the player in a foreign country, learning about the food, the culture and...in reality this is one of Grisham's lows.

Warmed Up Chef Boyardee
Sorry John - you called this one in. You really didn't seem interested in cooking up an interesting recipe- or doing the work. Can a book (or pizza)really be this bland?