A Shining Season: The True Story of John Baker

Rating:
Summary: Tear jerker about a life well lived
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Best book I've read
Review: 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 [e-mail].

Rating:
Summary: A Shining Season
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A book you'll never forget
Review: I first read this book probably 15 years ago as a teenager, and I remember it still today. Recently, I decided to buy my own copy of this book and was happy to find it still in print here on Amazon.com. This is the type of book that will touch your soul and you'll remember the rest of your life.

Rating:
Summary: A Definite Must Read!
Review: I first read this book when it was passed on to me in high school by a friend. The story of John's life and battle with cancer is something that really makes you put your life in perspective and is truly inspirational. I don't know anyone that has made it through the book without some tears...just reading through the reviews here, I found myself with tears streaming down my cheeks. If each of us could do 1/2 the good in our lifetimes that John Baker did in his that ended much too soon, imagine how much better the world would be.


Rating:
Summary: AMAZING story - a favorite of mine for years!
Review: I had to read this book for English class and at first I'd thought it'd be a real drag because, in my opinion, most non-fiction books are. Well I got to reading it and I found just how good it really was. The class was supposed to be at page 72 by Tuesday (currently Saturday) but I've already finished it. I just couldn't put it down!! I have to admit though that the part when they referred to the little boy and girl being potheads made me laugh and a few other parts as well but its also a tear jerker! And Jill, I'd love to have your email address as well. Email me at [e-mail] if you can.

Rating:
Summary: Shining Season
Review: I loved this book but have been desperatly looking for the video of the movie for my four childen who went to school and ran with the Duke City Dashers with John Baker. Their school's name was changed to John Baker when he died. I went to the funeral and it was the most amazing funeral I had ever attended. The Dashers had just won their championship and it was so touching.

Rating:
Summary: The one book that made the largest impact on my life.
Review: In the spring of 1982, I borrowed this book. I was in the 9th grade, and had to get a book for my English class. I couldn't put the book down. I was so touched by John Baker and his incredible courage and compassion for others. I soon bought the book and found myself reading it for inspiration when I joined the track team. John showed me something I never had realized--that by doing one's best, one can accomplish amazing things. I soon found myself putting much greater efforts in not only track, but also school and life.

In 1992 I became an elementary teacher. I have read aloud this book to my various classes. I have found my students loving the book. Many tell me it is their new favorite book. Together we come up with service ideas of how we can make our year "A Shining Season". This books reaches right into their hearts and stays there. John Baker is the role model that our children and young adults need. If you only buy one book this year, I recommend highly that "A Shining Season" be the one. I can never express enough how thankful I am for this book.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best of the best
Review: There are many books out there today about our sport and about people in our sport, but none touch the soul as deep as "A Shining Season." I along with many of the other reviewers read this book for the first time when I was younger and in junior high. This book is a MUST to read, runner or nonrunner this book with touch your heart and motivate you to look at your life and want to live yours in such a way that John would smile from heaven and be proud. As a middle school kid I can remember to this day wanting to call information and ask for John Bakers parents phone # so I could thank them for having such a great son. This book touched my life and I hope it will touch yours as well. God bless John.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best of the best
Review: There are many books out there today about our sport and about people in our sport, but none touch the soul as deep as "A Shining Season." I along with many of the other reviewers read this book for the first time when I was younger and in junior high. This book is a MUST to read, runner or nonrunner this book with touch your heart and motivate you to look at your life and want to live yours in such a way that John would smile from heaven and be proud. As a middle school kid I can remember to this day wanting to call information and ask for John Bakers parents phone # so I could thank them for having such a great son. This book touched my life and I hope it will touch yours as well. God bless John.