Title: Bleachers Author: John Grisham type of book: Fiction call number: Fic

This book is strong in setting.

Summary:
Neely Crenshaw has returned after 15 years to his hometown of Messina where he played high school football for Coach Eddie Rake who is now on his deathbed. Neely and other former players come together to hold a vigil for their dying coach, to relive the glory days when they were high school football stars loved and revered by the entire town for their prowess on the field and to try to figure out if they love or hate Coach Rake. The story is a flashback covering 30+ years Eddie Rake coached football and recalls the good and bad times these boys now turned men experienced both on and off the football field.

I might recommend this book.

Why?
This is not a typical John Grisham novel with well developed plot or characters. However, you may enjoy the perspective of former players - some of whom were successful, others who were not - on the hero-worship given these young athletes in a small town where football permeates every aspect of life. (Sound familiar?)

Employee Initials: KT Review Date: September 2003

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