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.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

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“As taut and twisting as a well-thrown spiral.”—People

“A sure-footed storyteller with an undeniable mastery of plotting, pacing, and tone.”—The New York Times Book Review

“[Grisham] makes this football game so real that the reader can almost see and hear it.”—The New York Times
 
“Some of the best writing from Grisham . . . [He] makes Bleachers sing.”—Los Angeles Times


From the Paperback edition.

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JOHN GRISHAM played (at times) quarterback for the Chargers of Southaven High School, Southaven, Mississippi. He was not an All-American.


From the Hardcover edition.

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