The story opens up at the Route 130 Diner, where one of the main characters, Sebastian “Bash the Flash” Villeda, works in-between his school and track commitments. He was resting in the back after dealing with a fight with “those Cinnaminson track kids”. While he was enjoying a small lunch break, he notices Sandro “The Italian Yeti” Miceli walking around on crutches nearby. They both stared at each other and then continued on in opposite directions. And it was a small moment that will spur a year of connection, struggles, growth, and love during their last year of high school.

James Acker’s The Long Run wonderfully encapsulates moments in high school, especially living in the suburban towns of Moorestown and Cinnaminson, that anyone who has lived through it can relate. I found an essay that the author had written back in 2023 about his book and how he tried to piece together the many moments of his childhood. As he put it, “connecting the dots between those snapshots of childhood. A morning on a rooftop. A night in a driveway. Flashbulbs of memories, finally put down to paper.

Through the thoughts and actions of Sebastian and Sandro, we are whisked back into the teenage experience, as the two boys explore their own sexual identities mixed with the trials of figuring out their futures near the end of high school. The book is laid out in a very accessible way, with each chapter detailing the thoughts of each character. The writing style really helps to illustrate the mindset and language of a typical high schooler, even though there are moments of uncomfortable feelings and difficult conversations.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with their own sexual identity, I highly recommend reading this book. It is a quick read, flows naturally through a year of high school, and will leave the reader with different perspectives on life. Read more of my review on blog entry from February.