Mike Magluilo

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 "Bags" Bagliarello's plans to escape the isolation of his hometown and his family's battles with substance abuse, mental illness, and financial ruin. When Bags 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.

Up against peer pressure to fit in, a rigid school administration, competitive runners, and an inner critic that takes on the voice of a talking gorilla, Sam desperately works to salvage his grades for a scholarship while chasing track team fame and the girl of his dreams. Will Sam make the cut?

For fans of Jeff Zentner, John Green, Matthew Quick and sports fiction classics like Once a Runner, Vision Quest and Breaking A, 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.

About the Author:
Mike 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 Golden Boy took first place in Flash Fiction Magazine's summer 2023 writing contest. Mike grew up in suburban Chicago and currently lives in Cornwall, Vermont. For more information, visit MikeMagluilo.com

Pre-order Bonus!!! Mike will sign all pre-orders placed with The Vermont Book Shop. If you'd like a personal inscription, note that in the Order Comments box at check-out.  We will waive your shipping cost if you order 3 or more copies. This will not be visible to you at checkout, but we will edit your order at processing and charge only for books and taxes, if applicable.