Playing for Pizza: A Novel
Playing for Pizza:A Q&A with John GrishamQ:American football in Italy seems like an unlikely subject for a John Grisham novel. What was the inspiration forPlaying for Pizza?A:Three years ago when I was in Bologna researching "The Broker", I discovered American football.  One of my guides in the area played football for the Bologna Warriors for 10 years. I couldn't believe that American football actually existed there, but the more I heard about it the more intrigued I became.Q:There is some great football writing in this novel. 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. The coach is an American who played at Illinois State, and he proved to be extremely valuable. I met many of the Italian players and the story simply unfolded.Q:Speaking of research, you write lovingly of Italian food and wine in this book. 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:Without giving away too much of the plot, your protagonist falls in love by the novel's end. Did you know when you started writing that Rick would get the girl?A:Of course.Q:You have a new legal thriller coming in January 2008. Can you give us any hints about what to expect?A:I really don't like to talk about a book until it's finished.  Sorry. But it will not be another work of non-fiction, nor will it be about football.  Lots of lawyers in the next one.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.