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Long Steady Distance
Every species on Earth has a survival strategy. Rabbits flee. Deer freeze. Grizzlies fight. And high-school junior Emily Ferris... well, she lies a little. It's just easier for everyone that way, especially her mom. So even if Emily hates the church they've started attending, thinks her stepdad is a dolt, and worries her mom is trying to disappear into a Good Housekeeping ad, she's making it work here in Pineridge.
But then Sophie Williams joins the cross-country team. She's fierce, funny, and unlike anybody Emily has ever met. The closer she gets to Sophie, the more Emily has to hide: about her beliefs, about her whereabouts, about the girl she loves. But soon Emily discovers that the more you hide, the harder it is to keep moving forward.
Long Steady Distance is a book about running, and family, and love, but mostly it's a book about how to keep going.
But then Sophie Williams joins the cross-country team. She's fierce, funny, and unlike anybody Emily has ever met. The closer she gets to Sophie, the more Emily has to hide: about her beliefs, about her whereabouts, about the girl she loves. But soon Emily discovers that the more you hide, the harder it is to keep moving forward.
Long Steady Distance is a book about running, and family, and love, but mostly it's a book about how to keep going.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2018
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444 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 22, 2020
**'Creative nonfiction is not making something up but making the most of what you as a writer have to tell...'
Pleasant read!
A really nice diverse YA story. Highly recommended!
Pleasant read!
A really nice diverse YA story. Highly recommended!
January 24, 2018
(Actual Rating: 4.5/5)
Firstly, a HUGE happy book birthday (in advance) to Helena Hill’s Long Steady Distance which releases tomorrow. I won an e-ARC of this book and just finished reading it yesterday. It was definitely one of my most satisfying novella-length reads (PDF Version – 150+ pages), in recent months. And, I might be speaking a bit early, but I think this would also make it to my year-end list of favorite book covers.
Here’s five reasons why you should check this book out:
1) It is set in high-school and against the backdrop of the year-long track and cross-country racing competitions. My knowledge of inter-school track-n-field competitions’ schedules and routines is literally zilch. But, the author provides such a lovely window into their daily lives, that you don’t really mind feeling occasionally lost about who’s timing how much in which race.
2) Through Sophie, who is biracial and from the “poorer” part of the city”, it does bring in issues of race and classism, but the story never becomes “about” race or class differences. It is resolutely focused on Emily and Sophie figuring out their feelings for each other before giving a thought (or “defining”/”labelling”) to what that means.
3) It is a sensitive portrayal of a teen’s anxieties – about coming out to their family, to friends and to the society at large. Through Emily, it also touches upon insecurities and the feeling of being a part of a facade when her mom remarries after her dad’s death. She gets a stepfather, stepsister (who she dotes on) and step-aunt/uncle/cousin/grandma. I liked how, though pretty ambivalent about her step-dad, she doesn’t lose perspective and sees that he isn’t a bad person. Just not someone she can connect with. It is these little things – like, not painting everyone or their perceptions about each other in absolute terms – that makes this book come across as so thoughtful and wise.
4) It seamlessly merges in discussions about religion v/s atheism and I love how Emily and her Mom handle their differences wrt faith. It was, well, uneasy, but mature and respectful. There is also a discussion about Christianity and verses from the Bible and how they view homosexuality. As I am not that well-informed about the religious texts, I am not sure how to comment or critique it. But I really liked the idea and just the approach of characters looking towards religion itself in order to examine and understand their own beliefs instead of not confronting it at all. (Note: The quoted verses is a very small section of the book and required in context, so you don’t have to be apprehensive about this book reading like “religious fiction”,)
5) The peripheral characters make quite an impact too. Sure, there is a usual trope-y mean girl (who influences a lot of the events that happens in the end of the book) , but most of the characters feel authentic, and though some of them just get a line or two, and make up the rest of the runners’ team, I still felt like I knew them and cared for their running scores, them beating their own personal record times and so on.
Overall impressions : A fabulous debut novel!! Simple but engrossing and doesn’t rely on unnecessary drama to propel the love story forward. Sticks to telling the story it is intended to. Provides a great snapshot into the life of a high-school teen – her favorite subjects, teachers, passions, family and friends.
This review was originally posted on bookmyopia/wordpress
Firstly, a HUGE happy book birthday (in advance) to Helena Hill’s Long Steady Distance which releases tomorrow. I won an e-ARC of this book and just finished reading it yesterday. It was definitely one of my most satisfying novella-length reads (PDF Version – 150+ pages), in recent months. And, I might be speaking a bit early, but I think this would also make it to my year-end list of favorite book covers.
Here’s five reasons why you should check this book out:
1) It is set in high-school and against the backdrop of the year-long track and cross-country racing competitions. My knowledge of inter-school track-n-field competitions’ schedules and routines is literally zilch. But, the author provides such a lovely window into their daily lives, that you don’t really mind feeling occasionally lost about who’s timing how much in which race.
2) Through Sophie, who is biracial and from the “poorer” part of the city”, it does bring in issues of race and classism, but the story never becomes “about” race or class differences. It is resolutely focused on Emily and Sophie figuring out their feelings for each other before giving a thought (or “defining”/”labelling”) to what that means.
3) It is a sensitive portrayal of a teen’s anxieties – about coming out to their family, to friends and to the society at large. Through Emily, it also touches upon insecurities and the feeling of being a part of a facade when her mom remarries after her dad’s death. She gets a stepfather, stepsister (who she dotes on) and step-aunt/uncle/cousin/grandma. I liked how, though pretty ambivalent about her step-dad, she doesn’t lose perspective and sees that he isn’t a bad person. Just not someone she can connect with. It is these little things – like, not painting everyone or their perceptions about each other in absolute terms – that makes this book come across as so thoughtful and wise.
4) It seamlessly merges in discussions about religion v/s atheism and I love how Emily and her Mom handle their differences wrt faith. It was, well, uneasy, but mature and respectful. There is also a discussion about Christianity and verses from the Bible and how they view homosexuality. As I am not that well-informed about the religious texts, I am not sure how to comment or critique it. But I really liked the idea and just the approach of characters looking towards religion itself in order to examine and understand their own beliefs instead of not confronting it at all. (Note: The quoted verses is a very small section of the book and required in context, so you don’t have to be apprehensive about this book reading like “religious fiction”,)
5) The peripheral characters make quite an impact too. Sure, there is a usual trope-y mean girl (who influences a lot of the events that happens in the end of the book) , but most of the characters feel authentic, and though some of them just get a line or two, and make up the rest of the runners’ team, I still felt like I knew them and cared for their running scores, them beating their own personal record times and so on.
Overall impressions : A fabulous debut novel!! Simple but engrossing and doesn’t rely on unnecessary drama to propel the love story forward. Sticks to telling the story it is intended to. Provides a great snapshot into the life of a high-school teen – her favorite subjects, teachers, passions, family and friends.
This review was originally posted on bookmyopia/wordpress
March 14, 2018
This was an adorable book.
The main character Emily reminds me a lot of myself at her age, she is a socially anxious nerd, who isn't all too fond of other teenagers (relatable) I really loved the sport element to the story, Emily doesn't participate in the races (track is the sport) she's the team manager, and in a way that pulls you in even more.
She cares so much about everyone on the team, and you do too when you're reading it. Her love interest is another girl, a new student named Sophie who is everything Emily's not. She's outgoing and speaks her mind, and she's an absolute delight. They have such a pure and supportive relationship, they were everything.
There's also discussion of faith, and specifically Emily losing hers. She falls in love with biology and has an inspiring teacher, who is also the team's coach, and a really strong character.
I feel like this story appealed to every part of me, I mean she's even in the school orchestra!
Also, Emily is such a deeply sympathetic character. She lies constantly, to her strict mother, because she feels like she can't ever trust her with the truth (she's got good reason to think that) And she's so awkward and shy, and passionate about her interests, you really root for her.
I just finished it, and I'm probably leaving so much out, but just do yourself a favour and read this, it is such a gem.
The main character Emily reminds me a lot of myself at her age, she is a socially anxious nerd, who isn't all too fond of other teenagers (relatable) I really loved the sport element to the story, Emily doesn't participate in the races (track is the sport) she's the team manager, and in a way that pulls you in even more.
She cares so much about everyone on the team, and you do too when you're reading it. Her love interest is another girl, a new student named Sophie who is everything Emily's not. She's outgoing and speaks her mind, and she's an absolute delight. They have such a pure and supportive relationship, they were everything.
There's also discussion of faith, and specifically Emily losing hers. She falls in love with biology and has an inspiring teacher, who is also the team's coach, and a really strong character.
I feel like this story appealed to every part of me, I mean she's even in the school orchestra!
Also, Emily is such a deeply sympathetic character. She lies constantly, to her strict mother, because she feels like she can't ever trust her with the truth (she's got good reason to think that) And she's so awkward and shy, and passionate about her interests, you really root for her.
I just finished it, and I'm probably leaving so much out, but just do yourself a favour and read this, it is such a gem.
January 19, 2018
An incredibly charming book about two girls falling in love, but also so much else. Full of endearing side-characters, a poignant journey between Emily and her mom, and personal growth for Emily learning to be comfortable with herself. With a lot of YA romance I find the romance overshadows everything else, but this book is, in my opinion, a perfect snapshot of a high-schooler's life, just also grappling with first love! I read it in two days, which is saying something for me.
Oh, and as a former high-school cross-country runner, the cross country meets are just as I remember them, even though I ran states away!
Oh, and as a former high-school cross-country runner, the cross country meets are just as I remember them, even though I ran states away!
July 10, 2019
3.5/5
i basically said everything about this book in my progress update already. this book is cute, very simple and easy to read. it doesn't reinvent the high school romance genre, but it certainly does the old tricks well. every discussion that it opened up was pretty basic and ended on a good note (like religion in relation to lgbtq+ community, the mom being upset over her daughter not finding solace in god anymore, and not the fact that she's not straight). it wasn't severe, and honestly, it didn't need to be. it wasn't my story, but it was a story about so many young girls and i just think it's great that it's out there. more people should know about this, for sure.
i basically said everything about this book in my progress update already. this book is cute, very simple and easy to read. it doesn't reinvent the high school romance genre, but it certainly does the old tricks well. every discussion that it opened up was pretty basic and ended on a good note (like religion in relation to lgbtq+ community, the mom being upset over her daughter not finding solace in god anymore, and not the fact that she's not straight). it wasn't severe, and honestly, it didn't need to be. it wasn't my story, but it was a story about so many young girls and i just think it's great that it's out there. more people should know about this, for sure.
July 10, 2018
This is a really sweet book. I got an ARC and really enjoyed it. The mom/daughter relationship reminds me of Sarah Dessen a little bit, and the running stuff is pretty true to life. Reminds me of being on a team.
January 27, 2018
This book is lovely! It's very honest and refreshing; the characters felt like real people and side characters weren't just simply "for or against" the main character - they had depth of their own alongside Emily and Sophie. I especially loved how Emily and Sophie's parents/step-parents were handled - there was no "evil parent" theme or "saintly perfect parent" - just honest, true parents that ultimately want what's best for their child and are going to do that in a realistically human way.
This story was overall so touching and heartfelt. It really reminds me of what it was like to be in high school - being dedicated to a team/extra-curricular, creating/discovering who you are, as well as not always getting your way and learning to accept that!
Overall, a lovely read and worth checking out!
This story was overall so touching and heartfelt. It really reminds me of what it was like to be in high school - being dedicated to a team/extra-curricular, creating/discovering who you are, as well as not always getting your way and learning to accept that!
Overall, a lovely read and worth checking out!
January 30, 2019
this book is SOOO good but it deserves 12 stars and i’m absolutely astonished at how little reviews it has. PLEASE read it!!
it handles the religion so so SOO so well and explores emilys change of faith without ANY internalized homophobia and that alone nets this book a 10/5 star review. yeah. and while other ppl are homophobic its a minor part and the author has emilys internal monologue ignoring it and it’s not an exploration of what the author would say IF they were a big homophobe .. thank you. plus the fact the author brings up other bible verses that are against the commonly misinterpreted verse wow.
they’re soft gfs and i love love love it. absolutely amazing book.
it handles the religion so so SOO so well and explores emilys change of faith without ANY internalized homophobia and that alone nets this book a 10/5 star review. yeah. and while other ppl are homophobic its a minor part and the author has emilys internal monologue ignoring it and it’s not an exploration of what the author would say IF they were a big homophobe .. thank you. plus the fact the author brings up other bible verses that are against the commonly misinterpreted verse wow.
they’re soft gfs and i love love love it. absolutely amazing book.
June 4, 2020
Solid 3.5
I really enjoyed this book, I found that I could relate and empathize with the characters and I was invested in the story line. However, I felt that the character of Beth could have been a little more developed. It would have been nice to get a reason as to why she was so cruel to Emily all the time. While there does not necessarily have to be a reason, I felt like if there was, I would have been less confused and even more invested in the story.
Overall, however, this was a quick and enjoyable read that I would recommend to those who enjoy contemporary YA
I really enjoyed this book, I found that I could relate and empathize with the characters and I was invested in the story line. However, I felt that the character of Beth could have been a little more developed. It would have been nice to get a reason as to why she was so cruel to Emily all the time. While there does not necessarily have to be a reason, I felt like if there was, I would have been less confused and even more invested in the story.
Overall, however, this was a quick and enjoyable read that I would recommend to those who enjoy contemporary YA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
I have been meaning to read this book for some time, finally gotten around to it - and it didn't disappoint. Great characters, great pacing . Book actually kept me awake one night thinking what was going to happen (after the concert)
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
July 23, 2018
Unexpectedly hard to put down! I had a good feeling I was going to like this book, but I had no idea I'd like it so much that I had to finish it all in one day. This book really captures what it's like to be a teenager.
January 7, 2021
This was honestly great. The characters felt so real, I was so invested in Emily and Sophie! I am not a big runner and certainly not religious, so I didn’t expect to get super in to this book, but it’s so well written, I was sucked in to Emily’s world very quickly. Great read.
May 27, 2018
Just keep running
A great coming of age story about cross-country running and running from the things that make you who you are
A great coming of age story about cross-country running and running from the things that make you who you are
July 6, 2023
i really enjoyed this book and thought it would be a five star read, but the ending was too ambiguous for my taste.
May 8, 2022
Cute.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews