Customer Reviews

A shining season: The true story of John Baker as told by William J. Buchanan

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

John has been gone for more years then he lived and his story still makes an important impact on its readers. If you would like to e-mail me also, you may at the following address.

As a teacher and sports fan, I found myself unable to put this book down. The book recounts the life of John Baker, an elementary teacher and track star, who was stricken with cancer at a young age. His stuggle to deal with the disease and continue his career, is an inspiration. In addition, you get to know his family and friends and how he helps them accept his disease. Reading this book will inspire you to not take what you have for granted and live for the moment!

Wow.. this book .. Im a sopmore at high school and I am not the reader type but when I read this.. I was so amazed... how good a book can actually be...!! I usually get mad at my teachers for assigning books...that we have to read but this book ..is awsome and it gives you alittle more understading of what people go through when they have cancer. It touched me deep//and I had to grab the tissues... at the near end ....

I was 8 years old when John Baker passed away but, I do remember when they changed the name of the school to honor this hero. This book is chicken soup for the human soul. This book belongs in everyone's personal library and it should be read at least once a year to remind us that every little thing counts.

An outstanding book.

I'm an emotional sap and cry at the drop of a hat, but if any one can read this book and not go through a few tissues they either have incredible emotional control or are extremely cold. I started this book yesterday after I got home, around lunch time. I finished it (250 pages) last night. I don't think I've ever done that before. It reads fast. It is the tragic, yet wonderful, true story of John Baker - one of American's best milers in 1969. He teaches elementary school kids and truly lives a life of purpose; a life well lived.

Buy this book now and read it, but stock up on the tissues. You'll come away wishing you had known him. This is mostly a book about teaching kids and heroic character and doesn't talk much about running.

I am not a reader, but I was not able to put this book down. Whenever I get the chance to share this book, I do. I also have a copy of the movie (which was hard to find), and it is great. One of the reviews here was from John's sister, Jill, but her email address was cut off. If she happens to see this, please email me at marathoner@carolina.rr.com.

I cannot put in words how much I enjoyed this book! I loved it! When John died at the end I cried. I literally had to put the book down to control myself. This is one of the best written books I have ever read! The part of the book that really touched my heart is when John was about to die. This book inspired me. That doesn't happen very often. I will keep this book close to my heart forever. Thank You.

I have taught freshman English to all levels for 28 years, and this has been the single most popular book I have employed. Boys, girls, avid readers, non-readers - they all love this emotional, true account of a young athlete who finds he has cancer. I have had hundreds of students read this book for pleasure reading, and nearly every one has loved it and cried at the end. Students who have never read a book before stay up at night reading, and students who are voracious readers tell me it is the best book they have ever read

The item arrived promptly, I was very happy, the cover art was not what was expected, but no matter, I was still very happy, it's a great story despite the artwork. Thank you.

This is the best book I've ever read. I'm in track also. It touched me because what if this were to happen to me. How would I get through it. John Baker did make it through to the end.