This is without a doubt one of the best books I have read this year. Acker approaches his characters and their motivations with such tenderness and compassion, and I absolutely adored both of them as they struggle to become the people they want to be, despite the situations they find themselves in. This was marketed as a read-alike to Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, and while the stories themselves are very different, the narrative tone of both is absolutely similar -- so if you loved the energy of Aristotle & Dante, you'll likely also really enjoy this one.

I cannot overstate how much I adored this book. I'm so glad I took a chance & picked it up. I will be buying my own copy soon, and I can't wait to give it to my friends and have my library purchase it.

This is a coming of age story about two teen athletes who both a bit lost as they prepare to graduate high school. Finding each other helps them to find themselves. This story will appeal to teens who can identify with the anxiety of moving on to the next stage of life post-high school.

The Long Run by James Acker is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that explores the themes of redemption, resilience, and self-discovery through the lens of long-distance running. With its relatable characters and authentic portrayal of the sport, it is a book that will appeal to both running enthusiasts and anyone seeking an inspiring story of personal growth. Despite some pacing issues, the novel's powerful message and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile read that will leave a lasting impression.

Acker spins such an amazing character focused story that kept me turning pages far after I should have gone to bed! It has been one of my favorite reads. It is a genuinely exceptional and emotionally engaging coming of age tale. The only complaint I have is I wish there was more but excellent from start to finish!

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A quick read and an intense story that is raw and real and that leaves you thinking about it long after it’s over.

I struggled to get in to this one, and ultimately gave up about 25% through. I'm sure it will be a hit for many readers, but the "bro" talk as others have mentioned just wasn't for me.

Title: The Long Run
Author: James Acker
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Page Count: 338
Format: Netgalley
Start Date: January 23rd, 2023
Finish Date: February 14th, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

This book covers so many things. We have gay representation. We have bisexual representation. We even have people of color. It does have a bit of a slow start, and at times I didn't really like one of the main characters. There wasn't anything in it that made me want to put the book down though. I don't know exactly how I stumbled upon this book. I'm thinking it was in a Netgalley newsletter. I'm pretty sure the cover caught my eye and made me want to know more. Especially since I've found that I really enjoy sports type romances. I figured an LGBTQ sports romance would be even better. It's a beautiful story either way. I love the personal growth and the coming to terms with who they are. It's worth the read.

[ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review]

This book was not what I was expecting and I found myself constantly surprised by how raw and emotional it was.

Sebastian and Sandro never really talked before their senior year, but when they become friends, and more than friends, both are faced with confronting what masculinity, friendship, love, and the future means for them.

I loved that this was written in both of their POVs. It helped me to not only connect with both of them, but to really get inside their heads to understand their actions, their thoughts, and their self-doubt. You understand why they make their (sometimes terrible) decisions and you feel for them. You want them to stay together. You want them to talk out everything and talk to their families. You want this because by the end of the book, you’re so invested in the story James Acker has been telling.

I would read any book about Sebastian and Sandro.

Also, there’s a Family Oddparents reference that got a certain song stuck in my head for about a month.

4.5 stars rounded down

Sebastian Villeda is tired of being “Bash the Flash,” fastest runner at his school. With his dad gone, his mom dead, and his relationship with his stepdad tenuous, Sebastian feels alone and doesn’t know what he wants from life. Sandro Miceli is the middle child in an ever-growing, boisterous Italian family. He does his best to keep his head down and not need anything from them because his parents are stretched too thin as it is. He would like to walk away and not look back. Both boys planned to skate through their senior year before getting away from their hometown, but after getting to know each other at a party the police raid, that isn’t an option anymore.

This gritty romance takes an honest look at some strong emotions and toxic masculinity. I love the fact that Sebastian and Sandro focus on the things that truly matter in life. Each boy has his own distinct voice during his chapters. I definitely recommend checking out this book!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

3.5

This was such a compelling coming of age story. If this is what James Acker can do with a debut, I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

This story follows Bash and Sandro as they deal with all the drama that comes from being a high school senior. They both have less than great home lives and deal with a lot of the toxic masculinity that comes with high school athletics. I really appreciated the way Acker wrote main characters that felt realistic, like so many little callouts in the text felt like gross sweaty teenage boys.

While I picked up this story for the romance aspect, this book felt more like a YA contemporary with a strong romance subplot. Yes the romance is sweet (and messy but I mean they are teens) and I liked how it all played out, but the larger plot to me was watching these two grow into the people they wanted to become. I also loved how this book tackled toxic masculinity and emotional maturity and what to do (or not do) when you realize you don’t actually like the person you are around your “friends”, all of which I think are important messages for teens especially.

I loved this book! This was such a fantastic YA contemporary queer romance. I enjoyed watching the growing friendship between Sandro and Bash and how it provided a safe space for both of them to open up about what they were dealing with. I loved the duel point of view and thought it was perfect for this story! Both characters felt very realistic high school students. I enjoyed seeing Bash and Sandro change throughout the story!

*Spoilers Ahead*
I liked that the end of this book was realistic and didn’t have a hallmark type ending. I finished it with a feeling of hope and I’d like to think the two characters could come together again in the future.
*Spoilers Finished*

Once I got into this story I couldn’t put it down. I loved it so much. I think this will be such a great book for teens to read and see themselves in. I can’t wait to read future books by James Acker! This was such a great debut!

YES, YES, YES! This is EVERYTHING I ever wanted in a NA contemp romance with queer characters. Can I re-read this immediately please? I'm so mad I can't relive the same experience I had as a new reader to it. This book was everything. The prose was quick, but fantastically smart. This was such an easy read, not because of the content, but because of the connection I built with all the characters. We need more books like this!!!

Both Dro and Bas have communication issues with nearly everyone in their lives at the beginning of this book and I enjoyed watching their growing friendship provide a safe space for each of them to open up about issues they were facing. I liked that the end of the book was realistic unlike a hallmark movie (you will understand when you read it). I also liked that by the end of the book Bas seemed to have figured out who the real Bas was and who he wanted Bas to continue being.

Overall, an enjoyable book and I will definitely read more of James Acker's books in the future.

A cute boy-meets-boy young adult novel. It was a joy to read and I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future!

What a great YA Queer read! While not one of my favorite books, this was a good YA book. Thanks netgalley for an advanced eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, NetGalley and Inkyard Press, for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

Sebastian Villed is tired of everything and he's over it, his rep, his bros, being the fastest sprinter. His dad is gone, mother is dead, stepfather clueless. He doesn't know what to do in his life, until he meets Sandro. Sandro is too nice, he's a middle child in an always- busy, always-screaming Italian family and all he wants is getting out of there and never looking back. When a busted party brings them together, so different from one other, they would never have guessed finding a love in each other.

It's a story about two track and field athletes, about finding the kind of love they would do anything to protect and fight for and how couldn't I love everything about it? James Acker has a powerful voice, telling an important, sometimes funny, other moving, story about these young men and how unexpected love can truly change everything. The setting, the characterization, their struggles, families and surrounding, I loved reading this book. It felt raw and so true, brilliant and skillfully written and it's impossible not to root for them, to want them to be happy and away from troubles and struggles. This book is strong, lovely and brilliant.
So lovely real.

A sweet, funny yet deep, true to life look at two boys trying to make it through their senior year and their first love. Bash and Sandro know each other vaguely from track and field, but neither is expecting to find a true connection when they casually start talking at a party right before senior year. Bash is so tired of the constant face he has to put on, around his friends and teammates. Sandro is used to just bottling everything up inside, hiding his feelings and staying in the background. As they come together, it feels like such a beautiful thing, but first love is never easy, especially for two teen boys.

The dual point of view is perfect for this kind of love story. While I'm probably not the expected audience, I'm so glad this story is out there and that I got a chance to read it. This isn't a super lighthearted love story- both characters have a lot to deal with and a lot of growing up to do... But they are both pretty introspective, and you really get to see their growth. Made me cry several times, and left me with a feeling of hope.

It moved me to tears, it made me wish I could hug these boys and helped them. I love these two boys, they're so frail and strong at the same time, a realistic description of teenagers.
There's also grief, hunger and toxic masculinity but there's something magic in their relationship.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this title for review.

And am I ever glad I received this title. "The Long Run' was a wonderful book about two boys with a lot of big emotions and in the start of the book not a lot of outlets for their emotions. So they meet each other. So simple but so perfect. Probably the best modern take on the battle to find and be yourself verses the person you know people expect you to be. Also takes on a lot of issues of toxic masculinity head on.

This was the most accurate depiction of modern teenage boys I have ever read. It genuinely felt like I was reading the journals of two seventeen-year-olds. This is definitely going to resonate with many teens of today, especially those who are in similar situations as Bash and Sandro (which, sadly, many are [not the gay/bi bit, the homophobia and toxic masculinity]).

The problems these two face are so absurdly realistic I felt my heart ache when I wasn't busting a side laughing (this book is hilarious, by the way). The bravado, the desperate need to fit in, the abuse/lack of support from family, the withdrawal from the family who ARE trying to support you but it's after a traumatic divide--it was all so relatable. Yes, this book was about overcoming homophobia and being your best self, but that included overcoming all the other asinine and arbitrary expectations we thrust upon every new generation, particularly boys. Bash literally has an identity crisis for most of the book, but it's not simply "Oh, I'm bi, but I swear I wasn't," it's how he's been switching out different personalities when with different people, something that's stemmed from his mother's death. Sandro helps him with that by being his friend. And he helps Sandro with his anger issues that stem from the abuse he receives from his family. This is a story about overcoming the difficult intricacies of figuring out just who you are and what YOU want. (Spoiler alert, but Sandro's conversation with his mom near the end of the story made me cry, legitimately.)

That said, it's also a fantastically gay story. I've never read a more sex-positive YA book, especially for queer boys, and while I personally, as an adult, was uncomfortable reading about two minors explicitly exploring that part of their relationship, I understand how powerful that message is to the teenage boys who will be reading it. It's one of the first things on their minds when seeking out a more-than-platonic relationship, if they're not also ace and/or sex-repulsed. It shows the very real awkwardness of a first time and the characters are perfect stand-ins for an audience probably very curious and needing to know that yes, that stuff can be painful, and yes, you need lube--actual lube.

I think overall what I'm trying to say is this is a book that's perfectly on the same wavelength as queer or questioning teenage boys. It's real and it's sincere and I hope all the Bash's and Sandro's out there know they might not have a movie for boys like them (yet), but they do have a book.