The Front Runner

De: Patricia Nell Warren

Narrado por: Christian Rummel

First published in 1974, The Front Runner raced to international acclaim - the first novel about gay love to become popular in the mainstream.

In 1975, coach Harlan Brown is hiding from his past at an obscure New York college, after he was fired from Penn State University on suspicion of being gay. A tough, lonely ex-Marine of 39, Harlan has never allowed himself to love another man. Then Billy Sive, a brilliant young runner, shows up on his doorstep. He and his two comrades, Vince Matti and Jacques LaFont, were just thrown off a major team for admitting they are gay. Harlan knows that, with proper training, Billy could go to the '76 Olympics in Montreal. He agrees to coach the three boys under strict conditions that thwart Billy's growing attraction for his mature but compelling mentor.

The lean, graceful front runner with gold-rim glasses sees directly into Harlan's heart. Billy's gentle and open acceptance of his sexuality makes Harlan afraid to confront either the pain of his past, or the challenges which lay in wait if their intimacy is exposed. But when Coach Brown finds himself falling in love with his most gifted athlete, he must combat his true feelings for Billy or risk the outrage of the entire sports world - and their only chance at Olympic gold.

©1974 Patricia Nell Warren (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

A Great Love Story From the Past

Loved the book. A great look at gay life in the mid 70’s. A bit dated, but lovely.

A seminal gay love story beautifully narrated

I first read The Front Runner in the early 80s, and I was very moved by the story then. It was the first novel by Patricia Nell Warren that I had read, and I was surprised at how sensitively she could portray a love story between two men. OK, it's not Anna Karenina or Madame Bovary, but it is a warm and touching story. I remember being totally engaged by the emotion in the book, and not wanting to put it down. Listening to this beautiful narration by Christian Rummel, I felt the same. Even though I could remember the story, I was still totally engaged, and I didn't want to stop listening. I listen to audiobooks while I go for my morning run, and knowing that the next installment of this book was waiting for me when I hit the road was great motivation. Now I wish that the sequels, Harlan's Race and Billy's Boy, were available as audiobooks.

Brave novel in its time!

A re-read . . . Well, I actually listened this 'go-round' . . . First read this novel as a teenager . . . It was a 'Godsend' at that time in my life.

Excellent read

A beautiful love story, enjoyed the pace in which the story evolved. I would read it again.

great sports story, great love story.

this is a book for anyone who has ever loved or for anyone who wants to love.