BOOK BRIEF

The Front Runner

Patricia Nell Warren
Guide cover placeholder

The Front Runner

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Patricia Nell Warren

The Front Runner

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1970s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren explores the relationship between a college track coach and an aspiring Olympic runner. Set against the backdrop of social change in the 1970s, the novel delves into personal and professional challenges while navigating themes of identity, courage, and love in the context of athletic ambition and broader societal dynamics.

Emotional

Romantic

Inspirational

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.4

6,135 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren is a pioneering LGBTQ+ novel that resonates with readers for its authentic portrayal of a same-sex relationship amidst the backdrop of competitive sports. Praised for its emotional depth and compelling narrative, it also faces criticism for occasionally dated language. Its impact on LGBTQ+ literature remains significant.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Front Runner?

A reader who enjoys The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren likely appreciates LGBTQ+ narratives, sports-themed stories, and complex character development. Fans of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller or Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman might find this book appealing due to its exploration of love and identity.

4.4

6,135 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1970s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!