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keraashley's review
3.0
Id never heard of this book before it was gifted to me but apparently it’s noted as the first queer novel to reach mainstream success critically and commercially so that’s cool. I have very mixed feelings about it though.
Pros: I absolutely LOVED Billy’s character, I like that he’s a competitive runner bc it adds suspense but it’s not an overly aggressive sport, I like the way Billy and Harlan are as a couple and the historical aspects and timeframe, the work everyone was going for the queer community, and supporting an openly queer runner.
Cons: the age gap between Billy Harlan, I know Billy was an adult but Harlan was his coach, still felt weird. Doesn’t age well, written in the 70s, overt transphobia and sexism ABOUNDS. The timeline of the whole story is so rushed, it takes place in under 2 years. And the ending (why is it so graphic omg) made me so sad and then confused, but a mad confused, so much so that I developed a headache. For historical significance, I’m glad I read it, I’ll hold onto it but idk when I’ll read it again. Maybe some day.
Pros: I absolutely LOVED Billy’s character, I like that he’s a competitive runner bc it adds suspense but it’s not an overly aggressive sport, I like the way Billy and Harlan are as a couple and the historical aspects and timeframe, the work everyone was going for the queer community, and supporting an openly queer runner.
Cons: the age gap between Billy Harlan, I know Billy was an adult but Harlan was his coach, still felt weird. Doesn’t age well, written in the 70s, overt transphobia and sexism ABOUNDS. The timeline of the whole story is so rushed, it takes place in under 2 years. And the ending (why is it so graphic omg) made me so sad and then confused, but a mad confused, so much so that I developed a headache. For historical significance, I’m glad I read it, I’ll hold onto it but idk when I’ll read it again. Maybe some day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Outing, Transphobia, Violence, Death, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Bullying, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
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