A Shining Season: The True Story of John Baker as Told by William J. Buchanan

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 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