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A Reason to Run
For fans of Jeff Zentner, John Green, Matthew Quick, and sports fiction classics like Once a Runner , Vision Quest , The Rider , and Breaking Away .
"A gripping, highly nostalgic dive into a decade and a high school sport." - Kirkus Reviews
Set in 1980s suburban Chicago, A Reason to Run is a thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story about a teenage boy who learns how to live after a tragic accident nearly ends his life.
Days before his senior year of high school, a violent bicycling accident destroys Sam Bagliarello's plans to escape the isolation of his hometown and his family's battles with substance abuse, mental illness, and financial ruin. When Sam starts running as physical therapy, he discovers an exceptional natural talent, a new form of escape, and an opportunity to heal his broken body along with the broken relationships in his life.
A Reason to Run offers a vivid take on recovery from tragedy, the intensity of competitive running, and a teen's revelation that somewhere in the messiness of life is the stuff that matters.
"A gripping, highly nostalgic dive into a decade and a high school sport." - Kirkus Reviews
Set in 1980s suburban Chicago, A Reason to Run is a thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story about a teenage boy who learns how to live after a tragic accident nearly ends his life.
Days before his senior year of high school, a violent bicycling accident destroys Sam Bagliarello's plans to escape the isolation of his hometown and his family's battles with substance abuse, mental illness, and financial ruin. When Sam starts running as physical therapy, he discovers an exceptional natural talent, a new form of escape, and an opportunity to heal his broken body along with the broken relationships in his life.
A Reason to Run offers a vivid take on recovery from tragedy, the intensity of competitive running, and a teen's revelation that somewhere in the messiness of life is the stuff that matters.
284 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Mike Magluilo
1 book9 followersMike Magluilo is a writer and recovering finance professional, father of three and husband of one. He enjoys clean living and dirty jokes and loves old dogs and small gestures. Mike's work has appeared in Zig Zag Lit Mag, Cold Lake Anthology and Flash Fiction Magazine. His story The Golden Boy took first place in Flash Fiction Magazine's summer 2023 writing contest. A Reason to Run is his first novel. Mike grew up in suburban Chicago and currently lives in Vermont. For more information, visit MikeMagluilo.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 4, 2023
What I love most about this book is the pacing. Each paragraph moves the story forward and draws me in alongside Bags’ struggle to find his individuality while accepting the help of imperfect people who support him as best they can. There are so many great chapters and messages within the journey which are told in a crisp and visual narration.
August 29, 2023
High School. All of life is high school though many of us were dying to be done with it we carry those formative years with us for good or I’ll.
The growing up years and so much fretting about SAT’s grades, dating, sex we are pixilated for the inscrutable future and for what?
The end game is finding out who you are yes it is like the two most important days in your life, “The day you were born and the day you find out why.”
Mike Magluilo adds another brilliant piece to the library of titles defining this period in each of our lives.
His well drawn characters are recognizable to all of us from our own experiences. My own high school years now fifty years in the rest view, I remember it well.
Our main character suffers many common slings and arrows, becomes a track athlete a middle distance runner and sets an audacious goal for himself.
The trials and tribulations can he help but succeed?
Find out while enjoying this heart warming coming of age story.
The growing up years and so much fretting about SAT’s grades, dating, sex we are pixilated for the inscrutable future and for what?
The end game is finding out who you are yes it is like the two most important days in your life, “The day you were born and the day you find out why.”
Mike Magluilo adds another brilliant piece to the library of titles defining this period in each of our lives.
His well drawn characters are recognizable to all of us from our own experiences. My own high school years now fifty years in the rest view, I remember it well.
Our main character suffers many common slings and arrows, becomes a track athlete a middle distance runner and sets an audacious goal for himself.
The trials and tribulations can he help but succeed?
Find out while enjoying this heart warming coming of age story.
September 12, 2023
Although I am not a runner, nor an athlete of any kind, I was easily drawn into this well written coming of age story about a high school senior who discovers new life journeys after a serious bicycle accident. The student, who goes by the nickname Bags, finds himself facing challenges that throw his last year in school off the expected path.
Bags meets people along the way who influence his choices. His brother introduces him to running…and an unanticipated love of the sport begins. He also learns a lot about himself and that not all lessons are learned in the classroom. He makes a friend who has Downs Syndrome, realizes that he does not have to hang out with the “in” crowd, and that doing what is right is better than doing something just to be popular.
I would encourage anyone to pick up a copy of this book. It would be a wonderful book for students who may be facing conflict about how they fit in with their friends and classmates and provide motivation to follow the direction that is best for them.
I received my copy of A Reason to Run from Rootstock Publishing through the Early Readers at LibraryThing. I made no promise of a positive review and can honestly say that any opinion here is strictly my own.
Bags meets people along the way who influence his choices. His brother introduces him to running…and an unanticipated love of the sport begins. He also learns a lot about himself and that not all lessons are learned in the classroom. He makes a friend who has Downs Syndrome, realizes that he does not have to hang out with the “in” crowd, and that doing what is right is better than doing something just to be popular.
I would encourage anyone to pick up a copy of this book. It would be a wonderful book for students who may be facing conflict about how they fit in with their friends and classmates and provide motivation to follow the direction that is best for them.
I received my copy of A Reason to Run from Rootstock Publishing through the Early Readers at LibraryThing. I made no promise of a positive review and can honestly say that any opinion here is strictly my own.
November 1, 2023
Full disclosure: I'm friends with the author, we went to college together. Addition disclosure: I love to read and write, but I'm terrible at writing book reviews. I really liked A Reason to Run. The first half of the book the main character is a typical high school student, unsure of himself, and recovering from a horrible accident. In the second half, he starts to figure out what he wants, realizing that what other people think matters less and less, and just goes for it. The contrasting division made for an enjoyable read. If only we could all have even a fraction of that self-realization at such a young age. Bravo Mags on a great debut!
July 28, 2023
Reading about Bags’s journey was inspirational and reminded me
of all the skills I try to instill in my students—perseverance, inner
strength, indomitable spirit, self-confidence, and self-worth—and
reminded me I needed to tap into those skills too.
Bags as a high school senior thought he had his whole future
mapped out, and then in a single moment everything changed.
How many of us can relate to that? I certainly can. I found myself
cheering for Bags throughout the whole book, hoping and praying
he would find his new passion and direction.
We all have ‘Spirit Hills’ that appear in our lives, and we have
decisions to make. We can change our route to avoid the hill. We
can sit at the bottom of the hill and give up. Or we can charge up
the hill as many times as it takes to reach the top—the view is
always amazing at the top. May you all gather strength from reading
A Reason to Run and charge up your own Spirit Hill.”
of all the skills I try to instill in my students—perseverance, inner
strength, indomitable spirit, self-confidence, and self-worth—and
reminded me I needed to tap into those skills too.
Bags as a high school senior thought he had his whole future
mapped out, and then in a single moment everything changed.
How many of us can relate to that? I certainly can. I found myself
cheering for Bags throughout the whole book, hoping and praying
he would find his new passion and direction.
We all have ‘Spirit Hills’ that appear in our lives, and we have
decisions to make. We can change our route to avoid the hill. We
can sit at the bottom of the hill and give up. Or we can charge up
the hill as many times as it takes to reach the top—the view is
always amazing at the top. May you all gather strength from reading
A Reason to Run and charge up your own Spirit Hill.”
July 29, 2023
A combination coming-of-age story and self-help allegory, A Reason to Run is a compelling reminder that it is never too late to uncomplicate our lives and discover that what we need most has always been right in front of us. Just as Who Moved My Cheese? did for managing life’s changes, A Reason to Run reveals profound truths for regaining control of our lives in the tumult of others’ expectations
and demands.
and demands.
October 22, 2023
3.5 stars. A story about redemption, overcoming obstacles and reaching goals. As a runner, I always enjoy books about running. My copy was an ARC and was definitely a little rough. An uplifting read.
July 25, 2023
“As a coach, competitive cyclist, former high school and college athlete
and, as a father, I loved A Reason to Run. Magluilo takes you on a trip
back to the late eighties with spot on details and the heart pounding
race that is high school sports and coming of age. We can all relate in
some way to Bags’s goals, trauma, training, and toughness. My high
school senior daughter lives in a vastly different world today, but many
issues and circumstances facing teenagers remain. We can all learn a
thing or two from Bags, while the thrilling races will keep you on the
edge of your seat and inspire you to your own personal best!”
and, as a father, I loved A Reason to Run. Magluilo takes you on a trip
back to the late eighties with spot on details and the heart pounding
race that is high school sports and coming of age. We can all relate in
some way to Bags’s goals, trauma, training, and toughness. My high
school senior daughter lives in a vastly different world today, but many
issues and circumstances facing teenagers remain. We can all learn a
thing or two from Bags, while the thrilling races will keep you on the
edge of your seat and inspire you to your own personal best!”
November 30, 2023
A Reason to Run is a fast-paced, riveting read perfect for book lovers who appreciate witty coming-of-age stories. You'll be inspired by Bags' (the protagonist) resilience, determination, and quirky sense of humor. The 80s setting is spot on (take it from someone who lived it) or as the kids would call it, "vintage." Michael's writing is good-humored and authentic. I strongly recommend this book. I'm buying it as a gift for all of the high school students in my life.
August 22, 2023
Magluilo’s debut novel is hard to put down. This compelling story includes a spot-on portrayal of what it’s like to recover from traumatic injury. As a pediatric sports medicine and concussion specialist, I interact with patients in these situations every day.
A Reason to Run takes readers on a journey through the thoughts, emotions, and fears of a teenager navigating the aftermath of a life-threatening injury. The book accurately portrays a common discussion I have with my adolescent patients about engaging in the hard work required to recover across all areas of your life: physical, emotional, academic, and personal.
This is a story that will resonate with young readers and the adults in their lives. I believe this book has the power to help survivors of tragedy find purpose and change their lives in a positive way.
A Reason to Run takes readers on a journey through the thoughts, emotions, and fears of a teenager navigating the aftermath of a life-threatening injury. The book accurately portrays a common discussion I have with my adolescent patients about engaging in the hard work required to recover across all areas of your life: physical, emotional, academic, and personal.
This is a story that will resonate with young readers and the adults in their lives. I believe this book has the power to help survivors of tragedy find purpose and change their lives in a positive way.
August 11, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this new author's book, finding it hard to put down. The life lessons illustrated in this fictional-partly autobiographical novel are profound and enduring. Magluilo's skillful storytelling exceed the expectations from a rookie author's and result in an enjoyable journey. Although I am not a runner, nor do I follow the sport, I found myself immersed in Bag's high school track career and related events. A Reason to Run entertains while imparting a truism that sports can be a metaphor for life.
July 27, 2023
Whatever hurdles you’ve taken on in life, you’ll see a piece of yourself in Sam ‘Bags’ Bagliarello as he pursues finish lines both literal and figurative in A Reason to Run, the impressive first novel from author Mike Magluilo. Magluilo’s snarky take on late-1980s Chicago recreates a world of checked-out parents, post-punk mix-tapes, and blow-dried teenage awkwardness. Ultimately, this story will resonate with anyone who has had to find a way back from adversity without a training plan.
August 1, 2023
A Reason to Run is a must-read for any parent, sibling, or friend of a young person with Down syndrome. As a mother of a child with Down syndrome and one who serves the community in nonprofit leadership, I couldn’t put down this story of overcoming obstacles and the search for identity...this is the best work of coming-of-age fiction featuring a character with Down syndrome since Champions and The Peanut Butter Falcon.
January 24, 2024
A bit of home
I don’t know squat about running and I have no real interest in the sport. I read the book because the author graduated from my high school and I hoped to see some of it in this book. I did. I also got a good story along with the trip down memory lane. Even for a nonathlete this was worth the read.
I don’t know squat about running and I have no real interest in the sport. I read the book because the author graduated from my high school and I hoped to see some of it in this book. I did. I also got a good story along with the trip down memory lane. Even for a nonathlete this was worth the read.
March 23, 2024
Great stuff. Takes me back to high school in a major way. Lots of 80’s pop culture references to boot. Bravo.
June 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It was a quick and easy read, but still got me thinking and even got me emotional at times. I'd suggest it to anyone, especially runners.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews