What's your idea of the perfect Italian meal? A: First course: prosicutto and melon second course: stuffed tortellini third course: roasted stuffed capon, all served with a great Barolo wine. Q: Speaking of research, you write lovingly of Italian food and wine in this book. I met many of the Italian players and the story simply unfolded. The coach is an American who played at Illinois State, and he proved to be extremely valuable. What kind of research was involved in capturing how this American institution is played in small town Italy? A: The only way to research the book was to go to Parma and watch a game. Q: There is some great football writing in this novel. I couldn't believe that American football actually existed there, but the more I heard about it the more intrigued I became. One of my guides in the area played football for the Bologna Warriors for 10 years. What was the inspiration for Playing for Pizza? A: Three years ago when I was in Bologna researching 'The Broker', I discovered American football. This is definitely a short airplane read, but very enjoyable and memorable.Playing for Pizza: A Q&A with John Grisham Q: American football in Italy seems like an unlikely subject for a John Grisham novel. His depiction of Parma and their pride in their cheese, ham, wine and everything is spot on and warmly drawn. But it is Grisham’s descriptions of the culture, the food, wine, the people and their love of everything that captures the essence of the places I have visited in Italy. The plot is predictable, as are most of the characters. The culture shock of Rick the ugly American thrown into Parma, Italy is well played, as he wrestles with food that is anything but fast, skinny parking spaces, opera, language barriers, and ultimately people who play the game of football for love not money. The only contract he can get after that is with the Italian league Parma Panthers, where only the Americans are paid (maximum three Americans) and the Italians play for Pizza. Rick Dockery absolutely blows the Cleveland Browns seemingly locked up chance at a Super Bowl in a scant few minutes.

It is a quick enjoyable read about an NFL player who loses the big game and gets a second chance in the Italian leagues… but the descriptions of the Italian people, places, food, drink and their passion for all of the above are what make this book worth the read. My friend Bob knows this, and he knew I’d really like Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. I moved one of my employees and friends to Milano, and she subsequently married a wonderful Italian man. By myself and with my family and co-workers, I’ve been to Milan, Venice, Parma, Rome, Verona and many other beautiful cities. I’ve been lucky enough not only to travel to Italy, but to have some excellent Italian friends.

Grisham pizza