My First Grisham
I usually don’t impulse buy books. Especially hard backs. Double especially John Grisham hardbacks.
But there I was in Target, on a mission for something completely different, when I saw the newest Grisham book, “Playing for Pizza.’ After reading the description, I picked up a copy and paid for it.
I have never read a Grisham novel – thrillers aren’t my fare – so I have no allegiance to the author. I just think a novel about an American who goes to play football in Italy sounds fun.
In the past, I have been pretty busy reader, especially when I used to ride the Baltimore Metro to work several times a week. I used to ride an exercise bike a lot and got plenty of reading done then.
But I have really cut back on my reading in the past few years. I drive to work so that rules out reading during my commute. I walk for exercise, eliminating the reading/workout multitask. And I just have more fun playing video games, fooling around on my guitar or just watching TV in my spare time these days.
Plus, I have a hard time finding fun novels that appeal to my interests. Everything is over the top drama or chick lit (which I enjoyed until everyone started copying each other) or formulaic thriller/scifi/romance.
I like to read about guys going through normal life situations with interesting twists. That’s why I gravitate toward British authors like Nick Hornby and Mike Gayle more than anyone. I have had trouble finding too many male equivalents in the U.S.
I hope I enjoy this book. I currently have bookmarks in two other novels – one of which I have enjoyed so far and one that I am close to giving up on. If I’m lucky, I will finish the ones I like by the end of the year.
Dave Lifton
October 25, 2007Have you tried Tom Perrotta? He’s kind of an American Hornby.
brian
October 25, 2007Yeah, I like him a lot. I just saw that he has a new book out I might have to check into.
Lauren
October 29, 2007If you like sci-fi thriller stuff (are you a fan of the TV show 24 at all?) you’ll have to check out Austin Boyd’s trilogy The Mars Hills Classifieds. The titles are 1. The Evidence 2. The Proof 3. The Return
Very good reading. Edge of your seat type stuff. Better than Grisham, better than Clancy.