Bleachers

Books read by adolescents contain both positive and negative values. Bleachers, by John Grisham is one book that contains many positive values. This book is about high school all-American Neely Crenshaw, who 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.

It is well known that books read by adolescents are somewhat inappropriate in certain ways such as language and the types of actions done by the characters. Some books consist of drugs, sex, and violence which obviously isn't very appropriate nor does it consist of positive values. It is easy to see why some books are considered inappropriate for adolescents to read as they may try and act like the characters that commit crimes or even do drugs. The panel here today is here for a good reason which is to argue both the positive and negative values of books read by adolescents, as well as the appropriate nature of books read by adolescents. Although some books do contain negative values and deemed inappropriate by some people, Bleachers, by John Grisham contains many positive values and is very appropriate for adolescents to read.

Bleachers, is about a high school all-American Nelly Crenshaw who was the best quarterback ever to play for the Messina Spartans. The story is based around on the impending death of the Messina Spartans' football coach Eddie Rake, who is one of the most victorious coaches in high school football history, Rake is both feared and loved by his players and by a town that relishes his 13 state titles. The protagonist of the novel is Neely Crenshaw, who is a former Rake All-American whose NFL prospects ended quickly after a cheap shot to the knees. In the book, Neely has just returned home for the first time in years to join his former teammates to sit in the bleachers and wait for the dimming field lights to signal his passing. During this time they replay the old games, relive the glory days and try and decide whether they love or hate their former coach, Eddie Rake. This trip back for Neely is more meaningful as he has to forgive himself as well as his coach and try and rekindle his love for his ex-girlfriend he abandoned long ago so he can get on with his life. It is obvious to see the positive values and appropriate nature of Bleachers.

It