The Front Runner (Harlan's Story, #1)

First published in 1974, The Front Runner raced to international acclaim - the first novel about gay love to become popular with mainstream.

n 1975, coach Harlan Brown is hiding from his past at an obscure New York college, after he was fired fromMore First published in 1974, The Front Runner raced to international acclaim - the first novel about gay love to become popular with mainstream.

n 1975, coach Harlan Brown is hiding from his past at an obscure New York college, after he was fired from Penn State University on suspicion of being gay. A tough, lonely ex-Marine of 39, Harlan has never allowed himself to love another man.

Then Billy Sive, a brilliant young runner, shows up on his doorstep. He and his two comrades, Vince Matti and Jacques LaFont, were just thrown off a major team for admitting they are gay. Harlan knows that, with proper training, Billy could go to the '76 Olympics in Montreal. He agrees to coach the three boys under strict conditions that thwart Billy's growing attraction for his mature but compelling mentor. The lean, graceful frontrunner with gold-rim glasses sees directly into Harlan's heart. Billy's gentle and open acceptance of his sexuality makes Harlan afraid to confront either the pain of his past, or the challenges which lay in wait if their intimacy is exposed.

But when Coach Brown finds himself falling in love with his most gifted athlete, he must combat his true feelings for Billy or risk the outrage of the entire sports world - and their only chance at Olympic gold. Less

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Fabian rated it liked it

So there are actually two movies I could watch if I am sick and bed-ridden: as a child: Peter Pan; as an adult: "Brokeback Mountain."

I was not an instant fan of the film until I saw it on DVD. It is the ultimate Lifetime movie-- the perennial dramathon we've come to expec. Read full review

Scott rated it liked it

about 5 years ago

I enjoyed reading this book - it wasn't the best written story, but it depicted an honest and candid story involving two men in love when the gay liberation movement was just picking up steam. It was written by a woman, which I find intriguing, and involves a relationship. Read full review

Lena♥Ribka rated it it was amazing

I love it soo sooo much! It goes directly to myfavorite shelf.
Review later, I hope I'll be able to write a proper review one week later.

(I really have a lot of thoughts about it, but it is impossible for me to type a review on my smartphone at the hotel lobby- it is the o. Read full review

Katie M. rated it did not like it

about 5 years ago

Sigh. What to say about this book? I do understand that it was brave and sensational and groundbreaking. I do understand that it changed the lives of many people who read it. I do understand that it was a product of its time and that times are different now. I do understa. Read full review

Letty Chihoro rated it it was amazing

over 4 years ago

I was simply gripped by this book. I have lived through the horrors of apartheid and know of the horrors of slavery and the slave trade in the United States. This book describes the discrimination and brutality suffered by gay people from the 1930s to the 1970s and in man. Read full review

Jason Bradley rated it it was amazing

over 3 years ago