Discover books similar to "The Front Runner"

The Front Runner cover

Patricia Nell Warren

The Front Runner

4.11

Part of "Harlan's Story" series

"The Front Runner" by Patricia Nell Warren is a groundbreaking novel that explores the relationship between two male athletes, Harlan Brown and Billy Sive, in the world of competitive long-distance running. Published in 1974, the book was one of the first mainstream novels to depict a gay relationship in a positive and affirming light. The story is set in the 1970s, a time when homosexuality was still widely stigmatized and discriminated against. Harlan, a former Olympic gold medalist, is the coach of the American team, while Billy is a young, talented runner with his sights set on the Olympics. As the two men train together, they develop a deep and intimate relationship that challenges their own preconceptions about love and sexuality. Warren's writing is both lyrical and powerful, capturing the beauty and intensity of long-distance running as well as the emotional complexities of the characters' relationships. The novel is not only a love story, but also a exploration of the societal pressures and prejudices that gay men face. Harlan and Billy must navigate their relationship in secret, fearing the repercussions of coming out in a world that is not yet ready to accept them. "The Front Runner" was a trailblazing work of fiction that helped to pave the way for greater representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream literature. The novel's themes of love, acceptance, and perseverance continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless and important work of literature. In summary, "The Front Runner" is a powerful and moving novel that explores the relationship between two male athletes in the world of competitive long-distance running, while also challenging societal prejudices and exploring themes of love, acceptance, and perseverance...

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