Bleachers [Paperback]

"As taut and twisting as a well-thrown spiral.""--People"

"A sure-footed storyteller with an undeniable mastery of plotting, pacing, and tone."--"The New York Times Book Review"

"[Grisham] makes this football game so real that the reader can almost see and hear it."--"The New York Times"
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"Some of the best writing from Grisham . . . [He] makes "Bleachers" sing.""--Los Angeles Times"

'I defy even the hardest jock not to shed a tear.' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'...an intelligent book. Cleverly written and easy to read...' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Keynote/Publisher's CommentAn unforgettable novel about fleeting youth, high school football, legends and heroes, and the many ways boys become men.

High school All-American Neely Crenshaw was probably the best quarterback ever to play for the legendary Messina Spartans. Fifteen years have gone by since those glory days, and Neely has come home to Messina to bury Coach Eddie Rake, the man who molded the Spartans into an unbeatable football dynasty. As Coach Rake's 'boys' sit in the bleachers waiting for the dimming field lights to signal his passing, they replay the old glories, and try to decide once and for all whether they love Eddie Rake - or hate him. For Neely Crenshaw, who struggles to come to terms with his explosive relationship with the Coach, his dreams of a great career in the NFL, and the choices he made as a young man, the stakes are especially high. (20030723)

An unforgettable novel about fleeting youth, legends and heroes.

High school All-American Neely Crenshaw was probably the best quarterback ever to play for the legendary Messina Spartans. Fifteen years have gone by since those glory days, and Neely has come home to Messina to bury Coach Eddie Rake, the man who molded the Spartans into an unbeatable football dynasty.

As Coach Rake's 'boys' sit in the bleachers waiting for the dimming field lights to signal his passing, they replay the old glories, and try to decide once and for all whether they love Eddie Rake - or hate him. For Neely Crenshaw, still struggling to come to terms with his explosive relationship with the Coach, his dreams of a great career in the NFL, and the choices he made as a young man, the stakes could not be higher.

Grisham touches the soul and scores a winning touchdown with his sixteenth novel - Evening Standard

I defy even the hardest jock not to shed a tear - The Mirror

John Grisham is a copper-bottomed promise of reliable storytelling. - Independent

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

John Grisham is the author of thirteen previous bestselling novels. He lives with his family in Virginia and Mississippi. (20031106)