Reviews

The Long Run by James Acker

kasia1004's review against another edition

emotional inspiring relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

vanishedknights's review against another edition

5.0

5 Fucking stars for two raw and emotional boys making it through a summer and their senior year. 5 fucking stars for this being a ya book with what feels like actual teenage boys, doing and saying teenage boy shit, and not feeling too much like sweet fluff, without having to go the entire new adult (smut) way, which there is nothing wrong with that but it wasn't needed for this. This showed what real kids do, I fucked at 17, so why not talk about it without having to be detailed about it. 5 stars for two boys who have my heart and made me cry because they deserve every fucking thing in the world. 5 stars even if I wish I knew what happens after, what happens to these two boys who deserve to be happy and get a HEA. I need a sequel, I need to see them in college and to see them as adults. Please god! Either way, instant favorite.

kim_breckwoldt's review

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

smugsnail's review against another edition

5.0

This was such a delightful read. Both Bash and Sandro's character voices were strong and distinct. The POV changes in each chapter were clear whose head we were in. They were delightful main characters and the supporting cast was also very Real. After reading several heavier books in a row, it was nice to read something lighter that also wasn't pure fluff. Both characters went through a lot with themselves and each other as well as the people they cared about in their lives.

saratonin_stories's review

I didn’t like the tone that much or the homophobia (or at least wasn’t feeling the vibe of that right now). 

ellie_caro's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Typically, I don't like reading about characters who do things that I wouldn't do, but I fell in love with  Bash, moody and cansado, from the first page. Sandro had my heart the moment he was first mentioned on the page. I finished this book in a day. Acker's pacing and masterful weaving of story elements introduced at the exposition and then brought full circle by the final act kept me curled up in my chair flipping each new page. Each character–from our two main boys to each member of the ensemble–was well-crafted and the supporting roles beautifully contributed to the intricate web of storytelling found in The Long Run. And communication!! There was so much of it!!! From the moment I finished reading the acknowledgements, this book soared to the top of my list of favorite queer YA novels. 

xainoax's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

lee_noel's review

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

A lot of healthy growth is modeled in this novel; while the story dragged at times, the emotional changes the characters go through together are meaningful and well-developed. 

poppybookdragon's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

heartsandthumbs's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I could read a series a dozen books long about Sandro and Bash. And this book made me laugh, too. Like i genuinely GUFFAWED at some points. The quarter??? Comedy gold. So cute and vulnerable and sweet and I’m sad that it’s over. I want more.