A Reason to Run

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 Matthew Quick, 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.