In my mind, this book stands apart from the other John Grisham novels that I have read. Those that focus on the legal world tended to hurtle along at break-neck speed, following the lives of exceptional characters in Hollywood situations. I’m thinking first and foremost of “The Firm” here, which is the most re-read of all the books I own by the author.

Bleachers is an entirely different prospect. The story is more reflective, as the characters look back and remember their past lives. I did enjoy the book, partly because I love football, and partly because it evokes memories of meeting my own childhood friends, and reliving all our sporting memories of yesteryear.

I struggled to relate to the star quarterback protagonist, and that was the main weakness of the book for me. Perhaps I might have felt more for the coach too, if I had grown up an American kid, and played sport in that sort of world. He takes on a “larger than life” role in the town, and that is unheard of for a high-school coach over here.

By no means the best book I have ever read, and I’d struggle to accept it was “unforgettable”, but it’s an easy read that is worth picking up if you like football, or ever played for a sports team when you were younger.