Stephani A. (bookwormstephie) reviewed on 12/28/2008

Helpful Score: 3

This is an entertaining little story, based on actual American-style football as played in Italy, about an ex-NFL Quarterback who goes to play in the Italian league in Parma, Italy. The central character, Rick, the Quarterback has been cut multiple times from various NFL teams but isn't ready to quit playing football, so off he goes (reluctantly) to the Italian "NFL" as his American career is now over.

The story evolves as Rick attempts to blend into Italian life while learning to accept his new role on the Parma Panthers (his new team). His teammates are absolutely thrilled to have a real NFL Quarterback (even a 3rd string guy who couldn't keep his previous jobs). Being loved and admired by his team is certainly not something Rick has ever experienced before. As you would expect, Rick and his teammates all learn something from each other and begin to meld into a cohesive winning team. Along the way, Rick meets a pretty, perky, ex-cheerleader college girl in Italy studying art and history. The story is building towards the big playoff, the Italian Super Bowl and whether or not Rick really has the desire to step outside his comfort zone to achieve true success as a Quarterback on the field, and whether or not he is ready to make personal commitments off the field.

John Grisham has written this story based on some real events, with lots of literary latitude, using humor and poignancy, and quite a bit of descriptive narrative about the history, art, food, people, and yes, football to tell what is essentially a love story.

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