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. Now, as Coach Rake’s “boys” sit in the bleachers waiting for the dimming field lights to signal his passing, they replay the old games, relive the old glories, and try to decide once and for all whether they love Eddie Rake – or hate him. For Neely Crenshaw, a man who must finally forgive his coach – and himself – before he can get on with his life, the stakes are especially high.
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"I read this book in High School my senior year and loved it. I remember thinking my teacher did an awesome job finding a full class reading that all the students would enjoy. The story draws you in, and you find yourself as conflicted as the main character over many of the same events."
— Crystal (4 out of 5 stars)
" This book is unlike most that I've read and certainly not the traditional Grisham novel. It is essential the memories of small town football players that have come home to await the passing of their terminally ill football coach. It has a good message and is a quick read. "
— David, 2/18/2014" Should be read by anyone who thought they were a big deal in high school. "
— Hapzydeco, 2/5/2014" Decent. This might have been a bit better had I played or had a passionate love for high school football. It also made me glad that I didn't play high school football. "
— nate, 1/28/2014" I like Grisham's football tales. He does a good job capturing the truth in small town atmospheres. "
— Joshua, 1/26/2014" I didn't even give it one star. It just reminded me how much I dislike football, and I never did finish this book. "
— Nicole, 1/23/2014" not the usual Grisham book, but I did enjoy it. "
— Judie, 1/22/2014" If you have played a down of football in your life, whether it be 1st grade Pee-wee league or the NFL, you will love this book. If you haven't dont bother picking it up. "
— Kev, 1/20/2014" Not Grisham's usual. A little disappointing. I couldn't finish it, not because it was that good, but I wanted to get to the end and start a different book. Names were a little weird too: Silo, Hindu, Neely..who names their sons that? "
— Dottie, 1/18/2014" growing up - everyone had their equivalent of "eddie rake" - thought this book was wonderfully nostalgic and did a nice job of capturing the impact that certain people have had and continue to have on our lives... "
— Erin, 1/18/2014John Grisham is the author of more than thirty-five novels, one work of nonfiction, a collection of stories, and seven novels for young readers. Thirty-three of his crime thrillers have made the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list