A Shining Season: The True Story of John Baker

by William Buchanan

"This is not your usual account of a young man's death of cancer, but a lively and exceptional story of John Baker's determination to leave students with newfound skills and self-confidence. . . . a remarkable, uplifting story of hope and determination which shouldn't be missed."-- Bookwatch

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir

248 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 1987

About the author

William "Bill" Buchanan was art director of the Scottish Arts Council, and head of fine art at Glasgow School of Art. For more than a quarter of a century, he was a powerful and influential champion of the visual arts in Scotland.

Reviews

[June]

Very moving story. Made me think about the human spirit and how we protect ourselves, how much better could we be if we could only consider the best for others.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very well-written, but an excellent story. Very inspirational. When I finished this book, I wanted to go do some good in the world.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for its impact, not so much for the prose. I think it would be impossible to read this book and not come away filled with awe at the strength and courage of this young man, not just for facing his illness, but what he did with the short amount of time that remained to him. In some ways, it is a story very much of its time. If he was in his twenties now having a routine physical, he'd have Googled the meaning of the small nodule that the physician found and his life could have been saved, plus, since the draft is not currently active, he'd likely have been seeing a doctor with fewer time constraints who might have referred him to a specialist. Medical privacy laws would have prevented him from speaking with Stephanie Keel's doctor about her osteomyelitis (although, given his tenacity, he'd likely have suggested one of her parent's ask the doctor). It's possible that his fiancée Mary Ann would have found out from social media, or from looking for his nonexistent race results, that something was wrong. I was so moved by the unanimous vote by the school community to rename Aspen elementary after him, but it was a richly deserved honor.

[Larry Wegman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The true story of John Baker, who probably would have run the 1500 meters for the US in the 1972 Olympics, except for the fact that he was dying of testicular cancer. What he did for the remainder of his life was remarkable, except for how he dumped his fiance.

[Suzanne Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring book about a young 4 minute miles who comes to terms with a fatal cancer diagnosis by giving his last year of life to his PE students and track athletes.

[Julie Kreun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend who is a serious runner. He found this story very inspiring. A young man, at the peak of his running career, finds out he has incurable cancer. You know immediately, just based on the cover, the story does not have a happy ending. I really appreciated how this young man, as a teacher, did everything he could to validate his students. In his short life, he made a difference to many.

"This is not your usual account of a young man's death of cancer, but a lively and exceptional story of John Baker's determination to leave students with newfound skills and self-confidence. . . . a remarkable, uplifting story of hope and determination which shouldn't be missed."--Bookwatch

[Cooper Landkammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really awesome John had lived a short life but he lived it to the fullest. He had cancer and was going to be in the Olympics but then he had cancer which ruined his career. His life was hard after that but he got a job as a cross country coach and he loved it. The runners loved him as well, John was a special person his cancer at one point went throughout his whole body and he was slowly dying. After that things got worse and he was dying fast. Then one day his made was sitting on the couch with him and she was crying then he had passed.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8th grade class held a spirited socratic seminar based on this book today, which they all read independently. The class of all girls was hesitant at first. Some had decided from the first page that they weren't going to like it. Today's discussion, though, proved that they had been engaged (some in spite of themselves) and many stated that John Baker's story was one that needed to be spread and carried on. I am interested to see how my future all-boys classes will approach the story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my very favorite books of all time. I picked it up for 50 cents at a thrift store, and treasured it. It is well written, thought-provoking, deeply spiritual, and moving. I regret to say that I loaned out my copy, and it is irretrievable, because there have been a number of times that I've wanted to read it, but don't know where to get another copy.

[Chris Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a touching story of a man who gave of himself when all he had left was to think about himself. I strongly recommend it for anyone who has had suffered with cancer either directly or indirectly. In many ways, it is just as applicable to everyone. How much time do we spend giving of ourselves? It is something we should consider. This books helps us to ask that question.

[Shanna Loewen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often re-read a book. I feel that there are too many good books out there to cover your tracks. My exception to that rule is, A Shining Season. I don't know why the John Baker story appeals to me so much but it is a book that truly restores my faith in the Human spirit. I read this book about once a year and it always feels like a converation with a good friend.

[Megan S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most touching books I have ever read. It as an easy but emotional read. If you don't have time to read it, I recommend watching the movie, "John Baker's Last Race." I have been touched and inspired by what this wonderful young man did.

[Christina Griner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where to start. A man who becomes the true definition of a hero to me! In life he was given the short straw, but what he did with it was inspirational! This is a must read, I recommend you tuck in for a great read and bring the tissues.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching and inspiring.

[Jane Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite book of all time. i lost my copy though. :(

[Natalie Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book ever! Great story!

[Scialone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in middle school and remember it vividly. Very touching and inspiring and memorable!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally read this when I was 14. The first book to ever make me cry...EVERY time I re-read it too. Simply amazing man.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspiring story of a generous young man coming to terms with a terminal cancer diagnosis. He has to give up Olympic dreams and decide how to spend his remaining time.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of runner and teacher John Baker and his battle with cancer. Inspiring and tear jerking.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

An inspiring story told in extremely sappy prose.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book. Ever.