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.