Reviews

The Long Run by James Acker

brooke_thornt'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

5.0

I just don’t know what to say. the best ones leave you speechless, no? it’s just… everything. all the time. 

naamah's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

3.5

Love.

magpie_reads_books's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.5

trudi's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

There were a few good moments in the book, so I didn’t totally hate it, but I struggled to get through it. I didn’t really like the characters or their relationship that much, and some parts  grossed me out and made me uncomfortable (why was vomit/vomiting talked about so much??). This book has a lot of good reviews, but it just wasn’t for me. 

caternary's review against another edition

fast-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

3.5

havenhill's review

emotional inspiring reflective 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

bookwormjimmy's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective sad fast-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

I thought this book would be about running. It has some running in it, but that is far from the plot. No, it's about thinking about life and the future in the long run, not seeing only what's immediately in front of you.

Sebastian "Bash" Villeda is over everything. He wants to figure out what he wants in life, but he's got too many issues to deal with. Sandro Miceli is the middle child of a loud Italian family where tough love is the norm. He broke his foot over the summer after falling off the roof. Both boys know of each other for years, but it's not until the summer before senior year where they finally get to know each other. And then their lives start to take on more meaning.

This was a powerful and poignant coming of age novel set in a small town in New Jersey. As these characters got to know each other, you could appreciate these characters letting their walls down and being more vulnerable not only with each other, but with themselves. And the most powerful change happens when characters can learn to grow and accept themselves, strengths and weaknesses all together. Most of the important side characters were their family members, who I felt were well developed and offered insight into what shaped these people. Most of Bash and Sandro's friends were tertiary characters that I would have liked to see more of and gotten to know better, but I guess there's only so much that the story can carry before losing its focus.

If you're looking for a coming of age novel that packs a punch, check this one out.

j_bookaholic's review against another edition

2.0

So many 5 star reviews from goodreads friends, so it was a no brainer that I would read this. I wish I hadn't. It was boring. I can handle boring if I'm invested in the characters. I wasn't. They are not likeable, their relationship was barely existent. Sandro had anger issues that weren't acceptable. There was just not much to like.

nomomstayandread's review against another edition

4.0

This had Aristotle and Dante vibes for days. It's been a few years since I read but the feeling translated over. Sandro desperately wants to graduate and get out where maybe, just maybe, someone will actually see him. Bash slips and slides into whatever persona the people around him want him to be in. Sandro catches him on a day when he's just absolutely exhausted and catches the most honest version of himself and it sticks.

They end up becoming best friends and eventually more and it was lovely. This didn't feel high stakes/high angst and felt more legitimate for it. They are both heavily in their own heads and the book monologues here and there but it didn't feel like it didn't fit. I listened to the audiobook and it was very well done.

Now, I hear the author James likes to read Goodreads reviews at the bar as the universe intended should and can you do me a favor and just write a 'they found each other again as adults' thing? I'd pay for it. I'm not gonna make you work for free.

moomints's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

3.75