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Bleachers
John Grisham

Bleachers

Quick Answer

Read "Bleachers" as the 13th book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "First Impressions" (Book 12)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 13th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2011240 ppWikidataSource
<b>#1 <i>NEW YORK TIMES</i> BESTSELLER • A former high school football star bids farewell to his glory days in this poignant and nostalgic novel that’s “as taut and twisting as a well-thrown spiral” (<i>People</i>).</b><br><br><b>“[Grisham] makes this football game so real that the reader can almost see and hear it.”—<i>The New York Times</i></b><br><br>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 days, and Neely has come home to Messina to bury Coach Eddie Rake, the man who molded the Spartans into an unbeatable football dynasty.<br><br>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.
Next Recommended Book

Lost Love Found

Book #13 of 524 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Bleachers?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Bleachers before First Impressions?

No. We recommend reading First Impressions first. Bleachers is the 13th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Bleachers required reading for the Standalone Novels?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Bleachers in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Bleachers is Lost Love Found (Book #13).