Mark Kram

"Like Any Normal Day" is the story of Buddy Miley, an athletic teenager who got hurt playing football and was paralyzed. He persevered as long as he could and, then, made the decision to contact Dr. Jack Kevorkian and, with the doctor's assistance, die and end his pain and suffering. It's a compelling and thought-provoking story that will stay with you long after you finish the book.

This nonfiction story reads like a novel and has all the elements of great storytelling. Through the story of Buddy Miley and his devoted family, we are asked to consider such important themes as right of self-determination, self-sacrifice, and familial bonds. It's not a sports book but a family book, very well written by an award-winning journalist. Highly recommended.

recommended by AP English listserv, appeals to 12th graders in a non AP class