The Long Run

By: James Acker

Narrated by: Lee Osorio, Max Meyers

2024 Stonewall Book Award Honor for Young Adult Literature

"A boldly authentic new voice in queer fiction." —Abdi Nazemian, author of Stonewall Honor book Like a Love Story and The Chandler Legacies

Two track and field athletes find an unexpected but powerful love in this unapologetically blunt and unforgettably real YA debut.

Sebastian Villeda is over it. Over his rep. Over his bros. Over being "Bash the Flash," fastest sprinter in South Jersey. His dad is gone, his mom is dead, and his stepfather is clueless. Bash has no idea what he wants out of life. Until he meets Sandro.

Sandro Miceli is too nice for his own good. The middle child in an always-growing, always-screaming Italian family, Sandro walks around on a broken foot to not bother his busy parents. All he wants is to get out and never look back.

When fate—in the form of a party that gets busted—brings these two very different boys together, neither of them could’ve predicted finding a love that they’d risk everything for…

So good!

I loved this story! The characters, the performances of the two readers, the ending! I never wanted it to end. I hope the author continues their story.

I want more

takes me back to my first crush in high school. so cute and written with a great perspective.

A personal fave

I am so in love with these performances, I think Lee and Max brought this story to life. So throughly impressed. Though I may be slightly biased.

Relatable characters you really want to root for

Not the typical coming out story or standard angsty YA drama. Characters that don’t sound or look like every other gay boys/men in fiction. Refreshing and engaging.

Refreshingly Good

After so many bad reads, finally a well written coming of age romance. Loved it!